Booked your first bikini wax? You may be nervous, excited, or both, but you’re probably wondering what happens next. It’s totally normal to have a laundry list of questions running through your mind. Will it be painful? Is there any special aftercare required? How long does a bikini wax last? The good news is that since bikini waxes are a common practice, we have all the info you need to understand what will happen, and good preparation and aftercare will go a long way.

To put your worries to rest, we turned to two experts, Gina Petak and Deidra Green of European Wax Center, to walk you through everything you can expect during your first bikini wax, from how to prepare to post-bikini wax tips. Read on for our full guide to bikini waxes, then take a deep breath and get ready for a smooth experience (literally and metaphorically).

What Is a Bikini Wax?

A basic bikini wax means the removal of hair outside the panty line. This is a great option for your first time because the most painful parts are your most intimate parts. A full bikini removes just a bit more.

There are other types of bikini waxes, but instead of memorizing them and what they mean, tell your waxer what you want to take off. They may have a different idea of what a Hollywood wax or Brazilian wax is, anyway. So instead of referring to the wax design you want by name, you can just as easily point to where you want the hair to stop. You also can ask them to remove the hair between the buttocks, too, even if you don’t want a full Brazilian. Ultimately, the choice of where to remove hair is fully yours, so communicate your preferences and questions with your waxer.

How Do I Prepare For My First Bikini Wax?

In order to prepare for your wax, it’s recommended that your hair is at least 1/4 inch long (about the size of a sprinkle). “It’s a good idea to stop shaving at least ten days prior to your waxing reservation,” Petak says. “All of our wax specialists are expertly trained to work with all hair and skin types.” However, if your hair is too long, your waxing session will be more painful.

You’ll also want to exfoliate the area ahead of your wax, as this will remove dead skin and help prevent ingrown hairs after your treatment. Use a gentle scrub, exfoliating body wash, or loofah in the area 24-48 hours before your appointment.

Green says that you should always try to arrive a few minutes early. “This ensures you can answer any questions with the front desk to complete your profile. This can include anything from confirming contact information to ensuring you aren’t on any medications that might interfere with the wax.”

What Happens During a Bikini Wax

Since it’s your first time with the waxer, they’ll consult with you first before removing any hair. They’ll also examine your hair length to make sure it’s long enough (more on that later) and will ask how much you want to be removed.

A common worry is that your waxer will be judging you on your vulva and public hair, but we’re here to tell you that’s absolutely not the case. At the end of the day, your waxer will be focused on one thing: getting you as smooth as possible with the least amount of discomfort. That, and making sure you follow your aftercare routine post-wax, Green adds.

“Guests should feel comfortable knowing that you are working with a licensed professional who has seen everything,” Green says. “Everyone is different, and experienced wax specialists are used to working with all hair types, including different lengths and thicknesses.”

Types of Wax Used

First of all, there is soft and hard wax. “Soft wax requires a paper-like strip to be placed on top of the wax to remove it,” Petak explains. Because of this, stray hairs may be left behind afterwards. Still, the method might be beneficial to people with fine hair.

On the other hand, hard wax hardens enough on its own to not need this paper strip. “It adheres to the hair,” Petak says. “It’s often said that hard wax is a much less painful experience than soft wax for all parts of the body.” Pain, however, is subjective, so your experience may vary.

The Waxing Process

While every waxing studio will have its own steps, most places will follow these steps:

1. Cleanse the Skin: Once you are comfortable on the bed, the wax specialist will ensure you are in a comfortable position and begin the cleansing process to remove any lotions, soap residue, sebum, and other impurities from the skin.
2. Create a Protective Barrier: The next step is to apply an oil to create a protective barrier to ensure the wax only sticks to the hair and not your skin.
3. Preparing the Wax While Consulting: While your waxer prepares the wax strips and/or warms the wax, you’ll have a few minutes to discuss your wishes and ask any questions about the process.
4. Hair Removal: Once the wax is ready, your esthetician will apply either wax strips or warmed, hard wax to your skin. They’ll then remove the wax strips in quick motions, which is what actually removes the hair. As the waxing continues, you should feel free to let your esthetician know if you’d like a break (or want to stop altogether), or if anything feels wrong. For a bikini wax, the actual waxing process will take about 15 minutes.
5. Rejuvenate the Skin: Once the waxing is complete, your esthetician will apply a rejuvenating, moisturizing product to the freshly waxed skin. It’s usually a soothing, cooling gel texture that feels amazing.

Is It Painful To Get A Bikini Wax?

A bikini wax is not typically an enjoyable experience, but most people say the discomfort of being naked on the table is worse than the pain of the actual hair removal. “Waxing such a sensitive area can be uncomfortable, especially for first-timers,” Petak explains. “However, since waxing removes the hair from the root, it makes it grow softer and finer, resulting in each wax becoming less painful and more comfortable.”

High-quality wax and an experienced esthetician can make the process that much more comfortable. So be sure to attend licensed salons with positive reviews, and request an experienced esthetician for your first time. You can also try taking ibuprofen beforehand if you’re nervous about the pain, as this can help minimize it.

Bikini Wax Aftercare

As far as aftercare goes, being gentle is the biggest factor to consider. You’ve just removed hair in a sensitive area, so you’ll want to minimize the risk of irritation or infection.

• Let your skin breathe: Avoid wearing tight or textured (i.e. lacy) underwear for the first few days and instead opt for comfortable, cotton undergarments. This way, your skin has more space to breathe, which will reduce irritation.
• Minimize UV exposure: Freshly waxed skin is especially susceptible to damage from the sun (or tanning beds, for that matter—though self-tanner is a much safer option). If you can, time your wax to at least 2-3 days before you plan to spend time in the sun. When you do go out, you may want to consider UPF swimwear, and be sure to apply a gentle sunscreen in exposed areas.
• Exfoliate gently: You’ll also want to give the area some gentle exfoliation and moisture. Harsh body scrubs may irritate the area, but carefully using a loofah and/or mild AHA cleanser after a few days can be helpful in minimizing ingrown hairs and ensuring your smoothest, brightest skin. Be sure to avoid products with fragrances or dyes, as well.
• Delay sexual contact if possible: It’s best to wait at least 48 hours after your wax before engaging in sexual contact. This way, your skin will be less vulnerable to any possible infection or irritation.
• Don’t over-wax: To prevent irritation and infection, don’t wax the area again for at least two weeks. If you’re getting a Brazilian wax, a longer wait of three to four weeks is usually ideal.

Styles of Bikini Waxes

If you’ve been looking into a bikini wax, you’ve probably also noticed other types of waxes being mentioned, such as Brazilian and French. We have a full guide to pubic hair styles for those looking to do a full comparison, but for starters, we’ve broken down the differences between a few common types below.

• Traditional bikini wax: Think of a bikini wax as removing the hair you might see peeking out if you were wearing a swimsuit. The hair is removed from the crease of your leg to about two-fingers-width in from your bikini, and the same from the very bottom of your stomach to the mid-point of your pubic area.
• Brazilian wax: On the flip side, a Brazilian wax removes almost all of the hair in the pubic area, bikini line, and between the buttocks. It usually leaves a small bit of hair, such as a triangle or square strip, in the front—but a full Brazilian removes it all. If you’re feeling bold, you can make like Samantha Jones in Sex and the City, opting for a lightning bolt.
• Hollywood wax: Another term for a full Brazilian, this wax removes the hair in the area completely, leaving you entirely bare. It earned this moniker due to its popularity in Hollywood.
• French bikini wax: Looking for an in-between? This type of wax removes the hair slightly higher on the sides than with a basic bikini wax, resulting in more of a “strip” appearance. Unlike with a Brazilian, however, the French wax leaves hair on the labia and between the buttocks intact.

Are Bikini Waxes Risky?

A bikini wax, especially if it’s your first one, may result in some redness and irritation. While this is common, it can still be uncomfortable. Use an aloe-based product and a cold compress to soothe the area post-wax.

Breakouts, ingrown hairs, and bumps may also appear after your bikini wax, but the good news is that the proper pre- and post-wax routines can help prevent them from occurring. For instance, exfoliating the bikini area before your wax and cleansing it afterward will help to reduce the risk of side effects.

The Final Takeaway

Bikini waxes (and other types of waxes) are a safe and effective hair removal option, as reputable studios are well-versed in the process. Be sure to follow prep and aftercare steps to minimize irritation and other concerns, but know that if you’ve done your research and read the reviews, you’re in good hands. Don’t be afraid to communicate with your waxer about your questions and preferences: A good professional will be more than happy to listen. Take the experience step by step, and you’ll more than likely find that your first bikini wax wasn’t anything to worry about—just a new-to-you way to achieve smoother skin.