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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 that you do want 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, notably reduscing the risk of ingrown hairs (though 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 heard 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 which specific body bits the wax you’re getting will target. Trust us, you wouldn’t want a surprise waxed butt crack. (We’ve been there and it’s not as fun as it sounds!)
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 — or painful — you're in the right place. Perfect for newbies, a basic bikini wax simply involves “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.
It's pretty self-explanatory: The triangle bikini wax entails your pubic hair being waxed into the shape of a — you got it — triangle. Also known as a full bikini wax, Jessica Ingles, a licensed esthetician and founder of Bare Beauty Wax Supply, called the triangle a “step up” from the basic bikini wax. It ultimately waxes the same areas but takes things a bit farther by shaping the hair that’s remaining 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 bikini wax 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 out different shapes, like a heart, if that's your jam!) It’s 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 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 further — literally. The deep bikini wax involves “taking off hair on the labia sides, but not all of the hair on the labia,” Agnes Gilson, a certified esthetician and owner of Waxing With Aggy, says. Think of this as a Brazilian in the front only. So 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 of the types 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 of wax 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 says.
You might be wondering: Do Brazilian waxes hurt? They’ve developed a reputation as being not 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 so long as you’re getting it done by an experienced professional, it’ll likely hurt less than you fear it will, Ariana Christine Deem, owner of Waxing With Ari, says. “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 says. So, if you’d feel most comfortable with zero hair anywhere, this is likely the style for you. (Still nervous about your first time getting waxed hurting? We’ll share some tips on how to prevent waxing pain below!)
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 in 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 be less coarse (read: softer) and the general area is full of nerve endings that are more insensitive than those in other pubic areas.
What to Expect During Your Wax Appointment
Making your first wax appointment can be stressful for so many reasons. How much is it going to hurt? What clothes do I have to remove? How long does it take? There are a million questions and just about as many answers, depending on your pain level and your waxer. In addition, there’s a lot of lingo to tackle and if you’re not a part of the waxing world, it can be tough to know if you’re booking the correct treatment. Here are a few guidelines to help ease your mind before your first appointment:
If you aren’t 100 percent sure what you want done, feel free to reach out and ask your technician for their advice—or explanations around what the different treatments mean. Some technicians offer phone call or video consultations for new clients, as well. This not only allows for time to answer questions, but also to get to know your technician. There’s no getting around 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 this — every person who has had a bikini wax has wondered this before their first time. 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 pain tolerance, and this is something to keep in mind when deciding whether or not this is the right treatment for you. Think about it: Someone is applying hot wax and forcing hair out of your skin — it’s not going to feel fantastic. If you keep on a regular wax schedule, your hair will grow back softer, making it easier to remove… but that doesn’t necessarily help first-timers. The wax can feel a bit warm on your body, but your technician should ask you about the temperature (and whether or not it’s too warm) on the first application.
You’ll notice that some regions hurt more than others, especially if you booked a Brazilian wax. Later on, we spoke to professionals on some ways you can alleviate and avoid potential waxing pain.
In addition to the 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 — if you ever feel uncomfortable, it’s important to vocalize this, even if the treatment hasn’t been completed.
This is really going to depend on which treatment you choose. A bikini wax is going to take less time than a French bikini wax or a Brazilian wax, which removes all of your hair around the public and butt areas. Ask your technician about how much time your service will take and plan a bit extra to go and grab some tea or water after the fact — 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 hair out. It’s likely you won’t even notice any 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, not only will you not get the smooth results you’re looking for, but when your waxer has to go over the same area over and over 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 said. And after your showers, be sure to moisturize well, too. Softer skin will make for an easier wax!
Often prescribed for body acne, retinoids 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," Dr. Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, FACOG, a gynecologist and Chief Medical Officer at Verywell Health, says.
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,” Shobha Tummala, founder of Shobha Waxing Studio, says. “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 odds 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,” Rachel File, a licensed esthetician and founder of Beauty Ritual Skincare, says. Some waxing establishments, she added, will provide you with disposable cotton panties before your waxing appointment, but it’s best not to bank on that.
It’s the same advice you’ll get prior to going in for a massage: ensuring 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 your appointment — something you may be particularly glad you did if you’re 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. "Aloe is a great ingredient you want in the wipes' makeup, and you shouldn't exfoliate for at least 24 hours afterward," says Dr. Shepherd.
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 that 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 washing 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 pimples is to prevent them. Soothe your pores and keep bumps at bay with a little baby oil on your bikini line the first night before going to bed, 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, don’t pick at it — let it heal naturally. “If they are huge, a 3% benzoyl peroxide ointment can do wonders,” she says. “Once the skin looks dried out, the hair will come out automatically or with a little bit of exfoliation.” But remember: don’t try and force it out; you don't want scarring!
Booking hair removal last-minute before you leave for spring break or vacation, even if you just plan on lounging poolside, is a huge no-no. Wagner recommends planning your appointment for at least two days before you’ll be in your bathing suit. You’ll be fuzz-free, and any irritation or inflammation will have subsided by then, too.
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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
