We’re all for whatever choice you make regarding your pubic hair: hair, no hair, some hair, so on and so forth. After all, it's your pubic hair we're talking about. But if you decide to go the grooming route and get a bikini wax, you’ll learn early on that waxing can actually mean a bunch of different things.
That’s because there are several types of bikini wax options and different ways to, let’s say, style your pubic 'do. From letting it go au naturel to taking it all off and everything in between, there’s a range of ways to experiment with bikini waxing, including the landing-strip wax and other fun shapes.
Opting for a bikini wax offers a range of advantages, including reducing the risk of ingrown hairs—though it's not entirely foolproof, just more reliable than shaving. Plus, you can go weeks without thinking about grooming your pubes, which can be a major perk when you're hitting up the beach or pool every single weekend. (What up, summer!)
To give you a little guidance, we've put together an explainer on some of the most popular types of bikini waxes available, as well as the pre- and post-wax care tips you’ll need as a first-timer. So, get ready to figure out which style you prefer, make an appointment with a waxing specialist (we hear from several below, btw), and tell your razor it’s time you took a break.
An important note: Some salons will refer to their types of waxes by different names. It’s always a good idea to clarify the specific body bits that will be targeted by the wax you’re getting. Trust us (we've been there), you don't want any surprises in this area.
In this article, you’ll find:
- Types of bikini waxes
- What to expect during your wax appointment
- What to do before a bikini wax
- What to do after a bikini wax
Most Popular Types of Bikini Waxes
If you're not looking for anything too fancy and want the most minimal pain, you're in the right place with this option. Perfect for newbies, a basic bikini wax involves simply “waxing any hair that is found outside of a bikini bottom,” according to Selma Vega, a waxing specialist with Waxing Moon Beauty. Traditionally, about one to two fingers’ width of hair is removed from around and above the bikini line. If you’ve never tried waxing before and are looking to spruce up your nether regions a bit pre-pool season, this is a popular first wax to get.
This is pretty self-explanatory: The triangle bikini wax entails your pubic hair getting waxed into the shape of a—you got it—triangle. Jessica Ingles, a licensed esthetician and founder of Bare Beauty Wax Supply, calls the triangle, also known as a full bikini wax, a “step up” from the basic bikini wax. It ultimately waxes the same areas, but takes things a bit farther by shaping the remaining hair on your pubic bone. The size of your triangle is “completely customizable,” Ingles says, with some people preferring a “more natural, fuller triangle” and others opting for a “petite triangle above the labia.”
Also known as the French bikini wax, this style involves removing hair from the sides of your labia, between your butt cheeks (usually just called “the back” by waxing specialists), and from part of the pelvic area, ultimately leaving just a rectangular patch of hair up front. (It doesn't necessarily have to be a rectangle shape, though; feel free to try different shapes, like a heart, if that's your jam.) This is ideal if you’re a minimalist but don’t want to go with a full wax.
And on the subject of going bare: If you’re not super into the idea of your butt or labia being waxed but do like the basic style of a landing strip, just let your waxing specialist know. “You can also leave the inner hair down below,” Ingles says, “[which] is a great option for those not wanting to go fully bare.”
This wax style takes it farther—literally. The deep bikini wax involves “taking off hair on the labia sides, but not all of the hair on the labia,” says Agnes Gilson, a certified esthetician and owner of Waxing With Aggy. Think of this as a Brazilian in the front only. You'll remove all the hair in the front, but the back will, for the most part, stay intact. Into wearing high-legged swimsuits? This is one type of bikini wax that will be your friend.
No hair, totally bare: That's a full Brazilian bikini wax, sometimes called a Hollywood wax. Opting for this style means that you’ll “remove hair from the entire vagina area, including the lips, labia, two fingers outside of the panty line, and in between the buttocks,” Gilson explains.
You might be wondering, then: Do Brazilian waxes hurt? They’ve developed a reputation as not being for the faint of heart—and, in all fairness, a Brazilian does involve applying wax to some of your body’s most sensitive bits. But as long as you’re getting it done by an experienced professional, it will likely hurt less than you fear it will, says Ariana Christine Deem, owner of Waxing With Ari. “I’ve heard so many clients get up after a Brazilian and say, ‘That wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be!’” she recalls.
So, if you’d feel most comfortable with zero hair anywhere, this is probably the style for you. But if you're still nervous about how much your first time getting waxed will hurt, keep reading for some tips on how to prevent waxing pain.
This service skips waxing between the butt cheeks, but it removes all hair from the front of the pubic area. Your wax professional will likely have you lay down and bring your legs into a butterfly position to get this done.
This is exactly what it sounds like: A strip (or two) of wax is used to remove hair in the butt crack and around the butt area—essentially the opposite of a mini Brazilian wax. Surprisingly, this is one of the less painful places to be waxed. The hair tends to not be as coarse and the general area is full of nerve endings that are less sensitive than those in other pubic areas.
What to Expect During Your Wax Appointment
Making your first wax appointment can be stressful for many reasons: How much is it going to hurt? What clothes do I have to remove? How long does it take? A lot of the answers depend on the particular service and the waxing professional. In addition, there’s a lot of lingo, and if you’re not part of the waxing world, it can be tough to know if you’re booking the correct treatment for what you want done. Here are a few guidelines to help ease your mind before your first appointment:
If you aren’t 100% sure what you want done, feel free to reach out and ask your technician for their advice—or explanations of what the different treatments mean. Also, some technicians offer phone or video consultations for new clients. This allows for time to answer questions, but also to get to know your technician. There’s no avoiding that this is a very personal place to have a stranger work, so any opportunity to ease the discomfort will help on waxing day.
Don’t feel silly for wondering about this—every person who has had a bikini wax has done the same before their first appointment. In order for the technician to access the various nooks and crannies that need to be waxed, you will have to remove your pants and underwear.
Everyone has a different tolerance for pain, and this is something to keep in mind when deciding which treatment is the right one for you. Think about it: Someone is applying hot wax and pulling hair out of your skin, so it’s not going to feel fantastic. But if you maintain a regular waxing schedule, your hair will grow back softer, making it easier to remove.
However, that doesn’t necessarily help first-timers. The wax itself can feel a bit warm on your body, but your technician should ask you about the temperature (and whether or not it’s too intense) on the first application.
You’ll notice that some regions are more sensitive than others, especially if you booked a Brazilian wax. Read further for insights from professionals on some ways you can alleviate and avoid potential waxing pain.
In addition to the physical pain, it can be emotionally uncomfortable having someone you don’t know well seeing this part of your body. Your technician is a professional and should act as one; but if you ever feel uncomfortable at any point, it’s important to vocalize this—even if the treatment hasn’t been completed.
This really depends on which treatment you choose. A bikini wax takes less time than a French bikini wax or a Brazilian, which removes all the hair around the pubic and butt areas. Ask your technician about the time involved in your particular service, and plan for a little extra to grab some tea or water afterward—take a moment for yourself before going back to your day.
Don’t fret: These tiny wax pieces will come right off in the shower. Most professional waxes are incredibly gentle on the skin, despite being used for ripping out hair. It’s likely you won’t even notice extra wax on your skin until you’re showering.
What to do before a bikini wax
The most common mistake people make when booking a bikini wax is not waiting long enough between shaving or waxing, says Nandi Wagner, lead esthetician at Bliss Soho in New York City. If your hair isn’t long enough, you won't get the smooth results you’re looking for, and when your waxer has to go over the same area again and again, you’re more likely to experience irritation. Ideally, Wagner says, hair should be a quarter of an inch for waxing, or roughly what you can pinch with the tips of your fingers.
While growing out your pubes before a waxing appointment, be sure to exfoliate the bikini area when you’re in the shower—about two or three times a week, ideally. “A somewhat gritty body scrub will help rid dead cells around skin pores and hair follicles, providing an easier exit,” Gilson says. And after each shower, also be sure to moisturize well, as softer skin will make for an easier wax.
Retinoids, which are often prescribed for body acne, should stay out of your skin-care rotation before a wax. "Avoid creams and products with retinol about two to five days prior to waxing, as your skin becomes thinner, more sensitive, and prone to injury," says Dr. Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, FACOG, a gynecologist and chief medical officer at Verywell Health.
Generally, it's best to get a bikini wax “at least a few days before or after your period, because the closer you get to your actual period, the more sensitive your body becomes,” says Shobha Tummala, founder of Shobha Waxing Studio. “Also, from a hygiene standpoint, it's better to opt out of a treatment during your actual period. In fact, that's our policy here at Shobha.”
It may seem obvious, but cleanliness counts, especially as it relates to your own chance of infection. "Bathe like you would if you were going to your OB/GYN,” Tummala says. "Cleanliness is appreciated, but please skip the lotion. You'll get better results if your skin is less oily."
Before heading out the door to your appointment, make sure you’re wearing breathable cotton underwear. It’s “optimal for a literally smooth recovery,” says Rachel File, a licensed esthetician and founder of Beauty Ritual Skincare. Some waxing establishments, she adds, will provide you with disposable cotton panties before your waxing appointment, but it’s best not to count on that.
This is the same advice you might get before going in for a massage, because making sure you’re hydrated will help cut down on pain and discomfort. You should also probably skip the Starbucks en route: “Avoid caffeine before your appointment, as this is a stimulant and can make you more sensitive,” Ingles says. She also recommends taking an aspirin or ibuprofen 30 minutes before an appointment, which you may be particularly glad you did after getting a more extensive wax.
What to do after a wax
A soft wipe with natural ingredients or a gentle formula will clean the skin post-wax and help you avoid irritation. Says Dr. Shepherd, "Aloe is a great ingredient you want in the wipes' [composition], and you shouldn't exfoliate for at least 24 hours afterward."
Post-wax irritation is common, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stop it in its tracks. After hair removal, Hibba Kapil, founder of Hibba NYC, recommends putting a cold compress on the area and applying a bit of 1% cortisone cream around the bikini area to help reduce swelling, irritation, and redness.
Unlike with shaving, you might have to adjust your lifestyle for a few days after waxing. “Our pores remain open for 24 to 48 hours after epilation,” Kapil says. “For that reason, it’s suggested to avoid anything that can cause sweat, friction, or heat.” She recommends you avoid working out, having sex, or taking hot baths or showers for at least two days after hair removal. These activities can keep the pores from closing and raise your risk for infection—two things you don't want.
It’s a good idea to swap your usual body wash for a gentler version when you’re cleaning waxed, sensitive areas. “Look for cleansers that are pH balanced and have natural ingredients like coconut oil and vitamin E,” Wagner says. “Sulfates, harsh detergents, and strong fragrances can irritate that area and should be avoided at all costs.”
Cotton is, once again, your friend here. “Breathable cotton underwear and overall loose-fitting clothes are best to let your skin breathe after a wax,” Vega says. “If your clothes are tight and you sweat, you can be more susceptible to breakouts and ingrown hairs.”
The best way to fight pesky ingrown hairs is to prevent them. On the first night, soothe your pores and keep bumps at bay with a little baby oil on your bikini line, Kapil says; then, 48 hours after the wax, exfoliate the area with a loofah and a little soap.
If you do end up getting an ingrown along your bikini line, do not pick at it—let it heal naturally. “If they are huge, a 3% benzoyl peroxide ointment can do wonders,” Kapil says. “Once the skin looks dried out, the hair will come out automatically or with a little bit of exfoliation.” Again, though: Don’t try and force it out; you don't want scarring!
Booking a hair removal appointment at the last minute before spring break or a vacation, even if you just plan to lounge poolside, is a huge no-no. Wagner recommends making your appointment for at least two days before you plan to put on a bathing suit. You’ll be fuzz-free, and any irritation or inflammation should have also subsided by then.
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Want more from Teen Vogue? Check this out: 7 Things You Should Do If You Want a Painless (and Infection-Free) Bikini Wax
