7 Bikini Wax Tips That Will Help Keep Your Skin Smoother for Longer
THAIS RAMOS VARELA / Stocksy
Medically reviewed by Lucy Chen, MDFact checked by Michelle Regalado
Bikini waxes can be pretty scary—but according to the experts, they don't always have to be. In fact, if you take a few careful steps before (and after) getting a bikini wax, you'll be met with less pain and discomfort and results that will last.
To learn the best ways to get your money's worth out of a bikini wax, we spoke to Noemi Grupenmager, founder and CEO of Uni K Wax Center; waxing expert Melanie Coba; board-certified dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal, MD; and Natale Davidov, manager of Waxclub. Keep reading for a few of their tried-and-true bikini wax tips for long-lasting results.
Noemi Grupenmager is the founder and CEO of Uni K Wax Center.
Melanie Coba is a waxing expert and brand ambassador for European Wax Center.
Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist with the Cleveland Clinic.
Natale Davidov is a manager at Waxclub.
Grow Out Your Hair
You'll want to hold off on getting a wax until your hair is about 1/8 to 1/4 inch long. "This is the ideal length for hair that's getting waxed because it allows the wax to get a better hold on the hair and pull it directly from the root, preventing the hair from breaking," Grupenmager says. If the hairs are too short in the bikini area, they will not adhere to the wax for removal.
"Let your hair grow after every treatment," suggests Davidov. "Don't wax every two weeks—instead, [wax] every four to five weeks after your treatment. While you're waiting, never, ever shave. It messes up the growth of your hair and its texture. You will regret it because the next day, you will have stubble hairs and possibly irritation."
Keep Your Skin Hydrated and Healthy
"Keeping the skin healthy and hydrated before you wax allows the hair to be removed completely," Grupenmager says. "If the skin is dry, rough, and cracked, the hair could break off rather than being removed completely, and the regrowth will appear faster than if the skin was healthy and moisturized."
Before you go to your appointment, it is important to exfoliate and moisturize the skin to remove the dead skin cells and allow for a high-quality wax. After the wax, Grupenmager recommends you exfoliate about once a week and moisturize daily. "Great skincare is the best post-treatment—it's essential for keeping your skin soft between waxes," she says.
Stay Away From Harsh Products
Before going in for a wax, steer clear of harsh products or anything that could irritate the skin. "It is wise to hold [off on] any medicated washes or topical products several days before to avoid the skin being extra sensitive," Khetarpal tells us.
Remember that skin that is raw or sensitive from a harsh product will likely get even more irritated by waxing, and you want the process to be as pain-free as possible.
Consider the Time of the Month
While most of us get a bikini wax to coincide with beach time or a vacation, there are other aspects of our monthly schedules to keep in mind. People with periods "tend to have more pain around the time of their menstrual cycle due to changes in hormones, so it's best to avoid waxing during that time to minimize discomfort," Khetarpal says. In other words, try going in for a wax after your period so your skin isn't ultra-tender.
DIY vs. Going to a Pro
Waxing at home is an affordable option (in terms of both time and money), but if you're after long-lasting results, go pro. "A professional waxer knows all there is to know about your skin type, how to apply the wax, and how to remove it to remove the hair effectively," Grupenmager says.
Don't Slack Between Visits
After your bikini wax (and before the next), you'll want to keep up with your below-the-belt skincare routine. That includes:
Exfoliate and moisturize: "Between visits, you should be regularly exfoliating and moisturizing to remove excess dead skin and keep your skin nourished," explains Coba. "I always recommend Reveal Me Body Exfoliating Gel by EWC ($40)." If you want to opt for a cost-effective option that works, Davidov suggests making a simple scrub at home with honey and brown sugar. "It exfoliates the skin, leaving it smooth and clean," she says. "Also, it doesn't hurt to buy your favorite body moisturizer and apply it on the skin daily—not in the bikini area but around the bikini line. [Check] that there isn't any alcohol in the product because that can irritate." We always recommend reading the ingredient list before purchasing a product.
No touching: Coba says to keep yourself from touching your newly hair-free skin. "This will not only clog pores but also transfer the bacteria on your hands onto your newly waxed skin," she explains.
No tweezing or trimming: The no touching directive extends to messing with ingrown hairs. "I highly recommend not tweezing ingrown hairs between waxing services," Coba continues. "It's best to treat them with care and products that are specifically designed to help heal them and prevent future ones, such as EWC's Smooth Me Ingrown Hair Serum ($32) or Smooth Me Ingrown Hair Wipes ($30)." And you'll want to drop the scissors, too: "Don't try to trim your hair if you've waited too long between waxes," says Coba. "Often clients trim their hair too short, and we can't remove [it] properly."
Use SPF: "I also recommend staying out of the sun for a day or two and [using] sunscreen," Coba adds.
Learn More: Bikini Wax Aftercare Is Important—Here's What You Should Always Do
Book a Follow-Up
Think long-term: The beauty of waxing is that, with regular sessions, the need for a wax decreases. "With continual waxing (not shaving), the hair will grow in a steady cycle and grow weaker and more sparse, which means you can go longer between waxing," Grupenmager says. For smooth skin, stay on schedule and avoid shaving between appointments.
"Maintain a regular waxing routine for both short- and long-term results," adds Coba. "Waxing regularly will soften your skin, and your hairs will grow in softer and sparser."
Up Next: Getting a Bikini Wax? Here's How to Make It Less Painful
