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A Brazilian wax is a method of removing unwanted hair below the belt. This wax treatment strips it all down, removing hair from your pubic bone, outer genital region, and the upper thighs and anus, if you’d like.
You’ll walk out of your salon slippery smooth, but, of course, regrowth will start knocking on your door before long.
So, just how long can you keep this hairless aesthetic thriving? We chatted with waxing pros to get the scoop on how to squeeze the most time out of your Brazilian wax.
Keep reading to find out how long a Brazilian wax really lasts, plus get some expert guidance on aftercare and how to prepare for your first one.
Freshly waxed clients will notice new growth about 2 weeks after their initial waxing, according to Leia Hohenfeld, a licensed esthetician and the owner of Flower Power (an ADA-friendly, gender-affirming skin studio in Lakewood, OH).
But, she goes on to explain, you’ll need about 3 to 4 weeks of growth before you’re ready for your next wax.
In other words, it’s best to schedule waxes about 5 weeks apart.
Your personal hair growth cycle, as it turns out, is a pretty personal thing (go figure).
Why your hair might grow back faster or slower
- Diet. What you eat can influence your hair growth. Diets rich in fish, vitamin C, zinc, biotin, niacin, and iron tend to nourish hair growth.
- Hormones. Balanced hormones generally lead to healthier hair. A hormonal imbalance could have a negative impact on hair your growth rate.
- DNA. Your genetics can also play a role in your hair growth.
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Natalie Laine, a licensed esthetician and the owner of Skin Care By Natalie in Willoughby, OH, explains that clients might notice more hair growth between appointments during warmer weather, or if they spend more time exercising (and sweating) than usual.
“If it’s your first time,” Hohenfeld says, “I recommend scheduling the first two or three appointments every 4 weeks and transitioning to every 5 to 6 weeks for maintenance.”
She goes on to note that regrowth takes longer once it begins to sync up with your waxing schedule.
Consistency tends to impact your regrowth.
After your first wax, Laine says, you’ll probably notice a difference in the thickness of your hair as it grows back in.
“This ends up happening because of the damage the hair follicle experiences by pulling out the entire hair, including the bulb, from the hair follicle through seven layers of skin,” Laine says.
It’s thought that regular waxing leads to thinner regrowth, which also makes regrown hair less painful to remove.
Generally speaking, your hair growth rate remains the same whether it’s pulled out at the root at home or in the studio, Hohenfeld says.
She notes, though, that an at-home wax may not get every single hair, so it might seem like your hair is growing back faster.
Laine also cautions it’s very possible to burn yourself when waxing at home.
Plus, she points out, it’s usually difficult to pull off the paper or wax while trying to hold your own skin taut.
“That isn’t easy, and quite often, it can be painful and messy.”
If you don’t know how to properly apply the wax and remove it, you could break the hair off instead of fully removing it from the follicle. This can lead to ingrown hairs.
It’s natural for your skin to see some inflammatory reactions after getting waxed, making aftercare important.
“Making sure that the skin stays well-hydrated with oils, lotions, or balms will ensure that the hair is able to grow through the skin when it comes back,” Hohenfeld says.
She also recommends using an exfoliating cloth or scrub 2 weeks after your wax to remove any dry skin.
“Ingrown hairs are always a risk with any waxing service,” she says. “So, making sure that the skin is healthy and hydrated will prevent ingrown hairs.”
Remember: Picking ingrown hairs can worsen irritation and lead to scarring.
Hohenfeld recommends some aftercare products:
- Fur Oil, a lightweight oil that helps soften hair and reduce ingrown hairs
- Fur Silk Scrub, an exfoliating treatment for smoothing and polishing
- Fur Ingrown Concentrate, an oil that targets existing ingrown hairs
- Fat and the Moon Kooch Quench Salve, an herbal salve for people with vagin*s
Laine recommends Finipil, a moisturizing antibacterial and antimicrobial treatment that helps cool and reduce swelling. This product may also help slow down regrowth, she notes.
Other aftercare considerations
It’s a good idea to avoid direct sun exposure for 48 hours after your wax.
Hohenfeld says sun exposure after a Brazilian wax isn’t typically an issue (since most people don’t try to immediately tan their bits right after a Brazilian).
If you do plan to hit the beach in that time frame, use a good mineral sunscreen.
In terms of other post-Brazilian activities, like sex, Hohenfeld says it’s important to listen to your skin.
“If your skin is feeling raw or tender, perhaps it’s best to wait 24 hours,” she says. “Avoid using scented or flavored lubricants, and opt for food-grade coconut oil or a plant-based lube, like Wyld Skinny Dipping Sex Gel.”
A few other activities you may want to skip for a day or two:
- hot tubs, hot baths, hot showers, saunas, or other steam treatments
- tanning — both indoor or outdoor sunbathing and self-tanning products
- swimming in pools or lakes
- strenuous exercise or sports
Laine suggests avoiding moisturizer on the day of your appointment and wearing clean, loose-fitting clothes.
Exfoliation is key, according to Hohenfeld.
“Using a washcloth in the shower or a gentle face scrub on the mons pubis and the inner thigh a few weeks after your wax will help your skin stay healthy and smooth as your hair grows back,” she says.
Aim to use gentle exfoliation methods — think: light pressure with a washcloth — and avoid anything harsh, including chemical exfoliants.
It’s also important to avoid shaving between appointments.
“This defeats the purpose of the wax and restarts the hair growth process,” Laine explains.
To slow regrowth and make the most of your wax between appointments, Hohenfeld recommends following your esthetician’s personalized aftercare and rescheduling recommendations.
“Everyone’s skin and hair are different and generally have different needs for at-home care,” Hohenfeld explains.
If you prefer a totally or nearly hairless look, the Brazilian wax is your best bet.
“A Brazilian wax typically removes all the hair from the groin area, including the butt crack,” Laine says, noting that you can leave a thin line of hair at the top — a “landing strip,” as it’s often called — if you prefer.
Plus, waxing itself can be an intense form of exfoliation, which, when done properly, is great for your skin.
In fact, exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the top layer of skin, promoting collagen production and improving the efficacy of topical treatments.
Along with the pain that comes from waxing, you’ll want to keep some other common side effects in mind.
You can expect some redness or bumps, which usually go away after 24 hours.
You might also feel itchy around the waxed area. Topical hydrocortisone cream or aloe vera gel can help relieve this itchiness.
You might have heard that some
That said, grooming injuries — like burns, nicks, and rashes — can irritate and break your skin, raising your risk for any type of infection.
Is a Brazilian wax safe for me?
Hormonal birth control, hormone replacements, and antibiotics can leave your skin more sensitive.
If you’re taking these, consider checking with your healthcare professional before scheduling a Brazilian wax.
You may also want to check with your doctor first if you:
- use topical retinoids
- take acne medications, like Accutane
These medications diminish the skin’s barrier via chemical exfoliation, and they could make for a more painful waxing experience.
There’s no way around it. If you’re getting a wax — especially for the first time — you’ll experience some level of discomfort.
Hard or soft wax can be used for a Brazilian wax.
Soft wax can be applied thinly and removed with a paper or muslin strip.
Hard wax, on the other hand, goes on thick and hardens on the skin and hair, Hohenfeld explains. It’s then gently but rapidly removed. This type of wax is generally less painful.
You’ll need at least half an inch of growth in the bikini area before waxing.
“A half inch of growth ensures that the shortest hairs are indeed long enough to be pulled,” Hohenfeld says.
Your skin is typically more sensitive during menstruation, so it’s best to reschedule an appointment that falls during your period.
Feeling brave enough to try it? Consider opting for a tampon or reusable cup instead of a pad or free-flowing period products.
Since it’s best to avoid direct sun exposure, swimming, and exercise for the first day or so, aim to schedule your wax 1 to 2 days before you plan on wearing a swimsuit.
Pricing will vary depending on:
- the salon
- the type of wax
- how much hair you’re removing
You can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $90, but some salons may charge more.
Regrowth rates after waxing depend on many factors, so there’s no set answer for how long a Brazilian wax lasts.
Exfoliating gently, avoiding products that can cause irritation, and following any other aftercare instructions can help you get the longest lifespan out of your wax.
Breanna Mona is a writer based in Cleveland, Ohio. She holds a master’s degree in media and journalism and writes about health, lifestyle, and entertainment.
