Booked your first bikini wax? You might be feeling a little nervous, excited, or both at the same time. And of course, you probably have questions: Will it hurt? How should you care for your skin after the procedure? And how long will the results last?

Good news: bikini waxing is a common and safe procedure. We've gathered all the essential tips to make your preparation and the session itself as comfortable as possible. Proper preparation and aftercare will help minimize discomfort and keep your skin smooth for longer.

In our new guide, we explain in detail what to expect during your first bikini wax, how to prepare for the procedure, and which recommendations will help you maintain perfectly smooth skin.

Read our complete guide to bikini waxing, take a deep breath, and get ready for a truly smooth experience — both literally and figuratively!

Basic bikini waxing involves removing hair outside the panty line. This is an ideal option for a first time, as it only targets the most sensitive areas of the intimate zone. A full bikini wax covers a bit more hair while still remaining gentle.

There are other types of bikini waxing, but there’s no need to memorize all the names and details. It’s easiest to simply show the specialist which areas you want treated. Terms like “Hollywood” or “Brazilian” can be interpreted differently by different professionals. Therefore, it’s more convenient to indicate exactly where you want the hair removed and clarify whether you want hair removed between the buttocks, even if you don’t plan on a full Brazilian.

Ultimately, the choice is entirely yours. Communicate with your specialist, share your preferences, and don’t hesitate to ask questions — this way, you’ll get exactly the result you want.

To prepare for a bikini wax, it is important to let your hair grow to the optimal length of about 4–6 mm. Therefore, it is recommended to stop shaving at least 10 days before the procedure—this ensures more effective and comfortable hair removal.

24–48 hours before your appointment, it is helpful to gently exfoliate the skin. 

A soft scrub, exfoliating shower gel, or a gentle washcloth can help remove dead skin cells, reduce the risk of ingrown hairs, and make the procedure more effective. The key is to avoid harsh products and not to irritate the skin.

On the day of the procedure, try to arrive a few minutes early. This will give you time to calmly answer any questions from the receptionist and fill out your client profile: confirm your contact information and inform them about any medications you are taking that may affect the results or your skin’s sensitivity during the wax.

If you’ve booked a bikini waxing for the first time, there’s no need to worry. The procedure always begins with a brief consultation: the specialist will clarify your preferences, assess the length of your hair (it should be sufficient for effective removal), and discuss how much you want to remove. This helps choose the optimal technique and makes the process as precise and comfortable as possible.

Many people feel self-conscious about the idea of a professional examining their intimate area. In reality, this is just a common myth. The specialist focuses solely on the task at hand — safely and thoroughly removing hair, ensuring smooth skin, and minimizing discomfort. During your visit, you will also receive aftercare recommendations to help prevent irritation and ingrown hairs.

The most important thing to remember is that you are in the hands of a licensed, experienced professional. For the specialist, this is a normal part of their work: they regularly deal with different hair lengths, densities, and types. Your role is to relax and trust the process so that the result leaves you feeling clean, smooth, and confident.

There are two types of wax for hair removal: soft and hard.

Soft wax requires a special paper strip that is applied over the wax. Because of this, sometimes individual hairs may remain after the procedure, but this method is excellent for people with fine hair.

Hard wax, on the other hand, hardens on its own and does not require paper strips. It adheres directly to the hairs. This method is often considered less painful than soft wax on any area of the body. However, pain perception is individual, so your experience may vary.

Although every waxing studio has its own nuances, most salons follow a general procedure as outlined below:

1. Cleansing the skin: Once you are comfortably positioned on the treatment table, the waxing specialist will ensure your comfort and begin preparing the skin. They will thoroughly remove any traces of lotions, soap, skin oils, and other impurities so that the surface is perfectly clean and ready for the procedure.

2. Creating a protective barrier: The next step involves applying oil, which forms a protective layer on the skin. This prevents the wax from sticking to the skin and ensures it adheres only to the hairs.

3. Wax preparation and consultation: While the specialist heats the wax and prepares the strips, you will have a few minutes to discuss your preferences and ask any questions about the procedure. This time helps you feel confident and comfortable before the session begins. 

4. Hair removal: Once the wax is ready, the specialist will apply it to the skin using strips or hot hard wax. The strips are then quickly removed, pulling the hairs out from the root. During the procedure, you can inform the specialist if you need a pause, want to stop, or feel any discomfort. For the bikini area, the procedure usually takes about 15 minutes.

5. Skin recovery: After waxing, the specialist will gently apply a moisturizing and restorative product to the skin. This is usually a soothing gel with a cooling effect, which immediately provides comfort and softness, helping the skin recover quickly. 

Bikini waxing rarely feels enjoyable: for many, the discomfort of feeling exposed on the table is stronger than the pain of hair removal itself. It can be especially challenging during the first session. However, removing hair from the root has its benefits: over time, hair grows back softer and thinner, and each subsequent waxing becomes less painful and more comfortable.

The comfort of the procedure largely depends on the quality of the wax and the experience of the specialist. That’s why it’s important to choose licensed salons with good reviews and to check in advance that an experienced technician will handle your first visit. If you’re worried about pain, taking ibuprofen 30–60 minutes before the procedure can help make it more tolerable.

After the procedure, it is especially important to pay attention to skin care. You have just removed hair in a delicate area, so it is necessary to minimize the risk of irritation and prevent possible infections.

• Let your skin breathe: In the first few days after the procedure, avoid tight or textured underwear (e.g., lace) and opt for soft, comfortable cotton garments. This allows the skin to breathe more freely and reduces the risk of irritation.

• Minimize UV exposure: After a fresh wax, the skin is particularly sensitive to sunlight and artificial tanning, so avoid tanning beds. Self-tanners are a safer alternative. If possible, schedule your waxing 2–3 days before sun exposure. When outdoors, choose swimsuits with UPF protection and apply a gentle sunscreen to exposed areas of the skin.

• Exfoliate gently: It’s important to care for this area gently, combining light exfoliation with skin hydration. Aggressive scrubs can cause irritation, so it’s better to use a soft washcloth or a mild AHA cleanser a few days after the procedure. This approach helps prevent ingrown hairs and keeps the skin smooth and radiant. Avoid products with fragrances and dyes.

• Postpone sexual activity if possible: Wait at least 48 hours after bikini waxing. This allows the skin to calm down and reduces the risk of irritation or infection.

• Don’t overdo waxing: To minimize the risk of irritation and infection, avoid re-waxing this area for at least two weeks. For Brazilian waxing, the optimal interval between procedures is usually three to four weeks.

If you’re interested in waxing the bikini area, you’ve probably come across different types of procedures, such as Brazilian or French waxing. We’ve prepared a complete guide to intimate waxing so you can compare all options and choose the one that suits you best. For starters, here’s a brief explanation of the main differences between the most popular types of waxing.

• Classic (Traditional) Bikini Wax: Traditional bikini waxing involves removing hair that might be visible under a swimsuit. Hair is removed from the fold of the thigh, roughly the width of two fingers from the bikini line, as well as from the lower abdomen to the middle of the pubic area.

• Brazilian Wax: This procedure involves removing almost all hair in the bikini area, including the bikini line and the area between the buttocks. Usually, a small patch of hair is left at the front — for example, in a triangle or square shape. In a full Brazilian wax, all hair is removed completely. 

• Hollywood Wax: This is a type of Brazilian waxing where all hair is removed, leaving the skin completely smooth. The name comes from the procedure’s popularity among Hollywood residents.

• French Bikini Wax: Looking for a middle ground? This type of waxing removes hair slightly above the side lines compared to the classic bikini, creating a neat “strip.” Unlike Brazilian waxing, French waxing leaves hair on the labia and between the buttocks, maintaining a natural yet tidy look. 

Waxing the bikini area, especially during the first session, can cause redness and mild irritation — this is completely normal, although the sensations may be uncomfortable. To soothe the skin after the procedure, use aloe-based products and apply a cold compress.

Sometimes, after waxing, breakouts, ingrown hairs, or small bumps may appear. The good news is that proper care before and after the procedure significantly reduces the risk of these issues. For example, gentle exfoliation before waxing and thorough cleansing afterward can help minimize side effects and keep the skin smooth.

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Waxing the bikini area, like other types of wax hair removal, is a safe and effective way to remove hair—provided you visit a reputable studio with experienced specialists. To minimize irritation and other possible discomforts, it’s important to follow the preparation and aftercare recommendations in advance.

If you’ve studied the information and read reviews, you can be confident that you are in good hands. Don’t hesitate to discuss your questions and preferences with the specialist: a professional will be happy to listen and choose the best approach for you. Take the procedure step by step, and most likely you’ll find that your first bikini wax isn’t scary at all—it’s simply a new way to care for smooth skin.

Read also: How to Safely and Painlessly Do Bikini Area Hair Removal at Home: 8 Best Tips