Out of all the ways to groom your pubic hair – trim, shave, or leave it as a full grown bush – waxing has got to be a favourite. You get about three weeks of lovely smoothness before it all starts to reappear. It doesn’t grow back as itchy as after shaving, ingrown hairs are limited (with proper aftercare) and the hairs get finer each time, making it easier and less painful. But it also comes with a price, and that price is pain or discomfort, and a little bit of awkwardness.
When getting a Brazilian you have to swallow your pride a little bit and try to forget where you are, as a woman (usually) contorts you into all kind of pretzel-like positions, gets up close and personal with your bits, pours how wax onto one of the most delicate regions in your body and then rips it all away. And you’re paying this person upwards of £30 for the privilege.
I’d just like to add a disclaimer that if there’s one thing I’ve learned about grooming, it’s that you should never be stingy. While I do consider myself a little stingy – to the point where I’d rather pay a tenner than £30 – penny pinching when it comes to any part of your beauty or grooming regime can backfire quickly. That goes for make-up, hair, brows, and yep, even your pubes.
And then all of a sudden, lockdown hit. Many monthly pube groomers were suddenly left without their precious waxers and many panicked. I certainly did. So I resorted to doing my own Brazilian wax. Yep you read that correctly. So if you can’t wait any longer for the salons to open back up and want to take matters into your own hands, here’s how to make it happen.
1. Buy proper wax
If this is your first time in the DIY waxing area, you may prefer to try different ones on the market before you settle on your perfect one. I used Nads Brazilian and Bikini Wax Kit, but GiGi Brazilian Body Hard Wax also comes highly recommended. You can either get a wax warmer separately, or be prepared to make a few trips to the microwave. I’d recommend investing in a wax warmer if you plan on becoming a regular DIY-er!
Oh, while you’re at it, buy some popsicle kits for applying the wax and dig out your tweezers. Don’t get strips; you won’t need ’em if you’re using a hard wax.
2. Choose your moment
While you may be keen to be well on your way to smoothness, you need to choose your moment wisely. It’s a tense enough time on its own, without anyone walking in on you with your legs akimbo and you pouring hot wax onto your genitals in the ultimate definition of ‘beauty is pain’. Choose a time when no one is home, or at least when someone can watch children or keep people away from you while you work.
3. Prep your hair
Although you may want to be constantly smooth, there does have to be some degree of hairiness while things grow back. Your hair needs to be around 1/4 inch in length for you to wax it properly. Any shorter and the wax won’t be able to grab on to it properly to pull it out. Any longer and it’ll hurt more as you’ll have little control over which hairs are grabbed and pulled. If you need to, give your unruliest hair a trim before you start.
4. Clean thoroughly
Personally I prefer to shower before attempting a wax, remembering to dry the area fully too. A good idea is to follow up with a specially designed cleanser; GiGi’s Pre-Hon Pre-Epilation Cleanser is a good choice as it doesn’t require rinsing and it helps the wax grip hairs.
5. Heat the wax
If you don’t have a wax warmer, you’ll need to heat the wax following the brand’s instructions exactly. Once you think it’s melted, stir and test it to check it’s not too hot. Again, a wax warmer is better as it will heat and melt the wax but also keep it at a consistent and safe temperature throughout the process. To test the wax’s temperature, use a popsicle or applicator stick and give the wax a stir, scrape off any excess and dab it onto the inside of your wrist.
6. Start waxing
It’s time for the moment of truth. The best place to start with your waxing is your inner thighs and to work your way back towards your bum, and then inwards to your most sensitive parts. Not only will it hurt less but it also gives you courage and confidence as you build up to the trickier bits.
When it comes to applying the wax, you want to aim for a smear of wax about as thick as peanut butter on toast. Mmm. Go for about an inch wide and about three or four inches long – and remember to ALWAYS apply in the direction of hair growth. Let it harden for about 30 seconds but no more than a minute – trust me – and tap it with your fingernails to check. Leave it on for more than a minute and you risk it becoming too hard to get off; I’ve been there and it’s not pretty.
So, now that it’s on, there’s only one way that it’s going to come off again…
7. Let her rip
… You’re going to have to pull. Don’t hesitate, don’t overthink it, just do it. Hold the section of skin taut and pull the wax in the opposite direction of the hair growth. I’m not gonna lie, it’s gonna hurt. Don’t waste your money on numbing creams as they don’t penetrate deep enough – there’s really no two ways about it. And don’t hold your breath, instead breathe out on the pull. You just have to do it, sorry I don’t have anything more reassuring to say.
8. Repeat
Repeat steps six and seven until you’re hair-free or for as long as you can stand it. Your inner thighs and the back will hurt the least; the labia and around the clitoris at the very top will hurt the most. So depending on which you prefer you can build up to those or get them out of the way so it’s all downhill when you get to the bum.
Oh, and don’t forget to have your tweezers handy to pluck any stubborn buggers that just won’t be ripped away.
Aftercare
Let’s talk about what you should do after to give your freshly waxed area the best treatment possible…
- Don’t touch. Your hands and fingers are full of all sorts of grim bacteria, and your skin has just been traumatised and exposed
- Avoid heat. Skip the baths for a day or two and instead opt for lukewarm showers. You’re also going to want to avoid saunas, steam rooms and tanning beds for a couple of days too
- Skip sex. Sorry, but the advice is pretty clear on this one. You don’t want any nasty friction or bacteria getting in places it shouldn’t
- Exfoliate. Roughly two days later – or when you’re not experiencing any redness – you’re going to want to use a mild exfoliator to help prevent those pesky ingrown hairs. You can get a gentle washcloth or mould-resistant loofah and lather up with body wash
- Avoid tight underwear and pants ’til the skin has calmed down
Honestly, DIY Brazilians ain’t the easiest thing in the world but it’s also something I’m proud to have gotten the hang of myself. Hey, it’s saves me 30 quid and saves me awkward small talk with an albeit lovely lady. Downside is that I have to get really up close and personal with my own bum.
