How Long Does a Brazilian Wax Last?

Brazilian wax is one of the great options for people interested in hair removal down there. However, if you wonder how long a Brazilian wax lasts, get ready to know the answer. But before that let’s understand what Brazilian wax is and what its benefits are.

What is Brazilian Wax?

Brazilian wax is a hair-removal process that removes all the pubic hairs. Pubic hair is groomed and removed from the front of the pubic bone, around the external genitals, between the upper thighs, and around the anus. Removing all hair from the genitals or leaving a small strip of hair depends on a waxer’s preference.

Waxers can use two types of wax, hot or cold. Wax sticks to the hairs, allowing them to be pulled out by the root when stripped off in one swift motion.

Difference Between Brazilian Wax, Bikini Line Wax, And Bikini Wax

Often people mistake between Brazilian wax, bikini line wax and bikini wax. Here’s what you need to know-

Bikini line wax: It strips off those hairs that could poke out from the swimsuit or in the groin region.

Bikini wax: Also called as full bikini wax, it is an extensive hair removal process, which can involve removing hair beyond the bikini line, such as from the top of the thighs or around the pubic area.

Brazilian wax: The Brazilian goes a step further by offering complete pubic hair removal from the front of the pubic bone to the area underneath, called the perineum to the anus.

Benefits of Brazilian Wax

Below are the major benefits of Brazilian wax over shaving-

• Less likely to irritate 
• Results last longer 
• Hair grows back softer 
• Less hair growth over time

If you are taking Brazilian wax for the first time, it may cause discomfort. You may also experience redness or irritation for a few days, especially if you don’t practice proper aftercare.

How Long Does Brazilian Wax Take To Grow Back?

A Brazilian wax typically lasts up to 6 weeks. However, with regular waxing, hair may take longer to grow back, up to 8 weeks or more. Make sure to apply a cool compress or shower to reduce sensitivity and irritation after a Brazilian wax.

To make Brazilian wax last as long as possible, it is essential to understand how long the effects will last and what post-wax care steps need to be taken. So, while it isn’t always possible to control, regular waxing and avoiding shaving between treatments are the best ways to maintain results.

How Does The Hair Growth Cycle Affect You When You Need A Brazilian Wax?

Usually, how long a Brazilian wax lasts depends upon in which stage of hair growth the hair is. Hair grows back at different rates because they all don’t go through the growth cycle stages simultaneously.

There are four phases of the hair growth cycle-

Anagen: When the follicle is pushing out new hair (1).

Catagen: When the hair follicle shrinks, slowing hair growth and the hair separates from the bottom of the follicle (2).

Telogen: When hair is released but doesn’t fall out, new hair grows in the follicle beneath this hair (3).

Exogen: When old hairs routinely fall out, such as through washing or brushing, making way for new hair growth to come in.

Brazilian wax targets hair in the growth phase. Once the pubic hairs are removed through Brazilian wax, those in the resting phase start regrowing. You may notice hair regrowth in a few weeks, but the hair won’t come as thick as before. 

What To Expect When You Get Your First Brazilian Wax?

It can seem nerve-wracking if you have never had Brazilian wax before. Here’s what to expect on the first Brazilian wax session-

A. Prep for the First Brazilian Wax

• Take an appointment when your hair is 1/4 to 3/4 of an inch long. You can also trim it to that length in advance to help achieve the best results and minimize discomfort. 
• Exfoliate the area to prevent ingrown hairs. 
• If you can’t handle pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever about 30 minutes before getting waxed. 
• Wear loose-fitting bottoms to appointments for extra comfort.

Here, it is important to know that if you have sunburned or sensitive skin, avoid Brazilian wax until it resolves.  

B. During the wax

• Wax technicians will clean the area and may apply a pre-treatment product. 
• Now a layer of wax will be applied to the targeted area where it will stick to the hair.
• A piece of waxing paper or cloth is pressed into the wax, creating a strip.
• The strip is then ripped off quickly in one movement, pulling the hair out with it

It’s normal to feel pain or discomfort during your wax, but be sure to let your wax technician know if you feel uncomfortable. 

Brazilian Wax Aftercare

If you have sensitive skin, you may experience redness, itchiness, or sensitivity in the waxed area for a few days. It is essential to take service from a professional wax specialist. Also, following aftercare steps and a good skincare routine will minimize the discomfort.

To make the recovery more comfortable, follow these aftercare steps:

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t cling to the pubic area.
• Apply a cool compress to the area.
• Wash with mild soap to prevent irritation and remove extra wax.
• Take showers instead of baths for the first 24 hours.
• Avoid sex for the first 24 hours to prevent more irritation.
• Avoid using lotions on the waxed area for the first few days.
• Avoid the sun for a day or two, as tanning can irritate freshly waxed skin.

Alternatives to Brazilian Waxes

If you are not impressed with the idea of discomfort and pain associated with Brazilian wax, here are the alternatives-

1. Sugaring
2. Bikini wax
3. Laser hair removal
4. Electrolysis

Risks 

Usually, Brazilian wax is a safe procedure, with rare side-effects, some people may observe-

1. Redness
2. Discoloration
3. Bumps immediately after the wax
4. Itching.

Who Shouldn’t Get Brazilian Wax?

People with hypersensitive skin should avoid Brazilian wax. Also, those in medications such as antibiotics, hormone replacements, birth control pills or undergoing radiation or chemotherapy should avoid it. 

When Can You Do Brazilian Wax?

A Brazilian wax can usually be done every 4-6 weeks. However, if one gets waxed regularly, hair may grow back more slowly and can go 5-7 weeks between waxes.

Conclusion

Brazilian wax is a good option if you want to wax pubic area. It reduces hair growth, and hair becomes thin after the process. Even though you may feel uncomfortable on the first Brazilian wax, the results will be long lasting.

References 

1. 2. 3. Physiology, Hair- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499948/