Whether you’re wanting to just tidy up your bikini-line with a bikini wax or go completely bare with a brazilian wax, we have summed up some key tips and tricks on how to do it yourself in the comfort of your own home!

The bikini line is generally much more sensitive than other areas on the body. And because there isn’t as much surface area as with the legs there are two good options. Cold Bikini wax strips or hot wax such as film wax or bead wax. The bead wax or film wax is better for stubborn hair as it will stick more to the hair and not your skin, so it won’t cause as much irritation. And there’s no need for strips with hard wax either. Just wait for it to solidify, and then peel it off.

Grow It Out – Make Sure Your Hair Is at the Right Length

If it’s too short, the wax won’t be able to grip the hair; if the hair is too long, then the hair might break off instead of pulling out of the follicle.

Keep your hair down there long enough for the wax to grip it. Too short, and even too long, can cause the experience to be more painful than it needs to be. The ideal length of hair for a Brazilian wax should be no shorter than 3mm and no longer than 5mm. If hair is too long, trim to the ideal length.

Exfoliate – Cleanse the Area to Make It Less Painful

The cleaner the hair, the easier it is to grip. Use a mild soap in the shower, then make sure you’re 100% dry before layering on the wax.

Exfoliating is a must before waxing to clear skin of impurities such as dead skin cells and clogged pores. Essentially, this can also prevent ingrown hairs and bring healthier skin to the surface and helps to give you the best results.
Be sure to exfoliate gently, especially for a Brazilian wax. Exfoliating too harshly can cause irritation to the skin. It is important to exfoliate a couple of days before you plan to wax. You can exfoliate with a mitt, loofah, brush or scrub.
What you’ll need:

Be In a Relaxed State First

Sometimes the pain associated with waxing can be caused by anxiety you may be feeling about waxing. Relax your body and take deep breaths! Think of happy places or things or put on some soothing music.
Next, find a comfortable place that also gives you good visibility. You can try standing in front of a mirror and propping your leg up on the bathtub or a chair.

Invest In a Wax Warmer

If you are planning on waxing your bikini line yourself for the foreseeable future, invest in a wax warmer. It will keep the temperature of your wax consistent, so you don’t end up with a mess, or worse, burning yourself.

Always Follow the Heating Instructions

Whatever you do, don’t warm your wax in a pot of hot water. It will cool down half way through the treatment/session and you’ll have to boil some more while half naked.

Make Sure You Wax in Sections

The key is to work on one small area at a time, beginning with the bikini line moving inward, towards the more sensitive areas. Apply the wax evenly in the direction of your hair growth, leaving a small amount of wax at the end of the patch curling up. This will make it easier to remove.

Each layer should be thick enough so you can’t see your skin through it and about an inch wide and three inches long. Always smear in the direction of the hair growth.

Make Sure You Cool Your Wax Down

One of the most common reasons why waxing at home doesn’t go according to plan and there are often issues, is that people pull the wax off before it’s ready, so you end up with a gooey mess..
Let the wax cool on your skin for about 30 seconds until it is still soft and malleable but no longer sticky to touch. If the wax is left on the skin too long it becomes hard and difficult to remove (after approximately 1 minute).

When Waxing at Home, Pull the Hair Away From the Way That It Grows

Remove the wax by holding skin taut with one hand and lifting the end of the wax with the fingers of your free hand. Grip the wax and with one quick motion, remove the wax close and parallel to the skin in the opposite direction of hair growth.
Keep an eye on your progress using a mirror. Avoid waxing the same area more than once.

To Stay Tidy, Remove Left-Over Wax

You will most likely have some wax left over. Douse a cotton pad or flannel in olive oil and gently wipe over skin. This will lift away any sticky residue.

Don’t Workout Straight Away

Exercising post waxing is not advisable. The area will be delicate, and the pores will be open, so it could be susceptible to infection.

Size of Strips

The size of each wax smear should be one inch wide and three inches long. Alternate from waxing the left side and then the right side until you reach the middle. Your ‘landing strip’ of hair should be about one and half inches wide.

Soothe & Moisturise

Hairgo post wax soothing lotion is an essential after-hair-removal tool to help calm the skin, minimise irritation and reduce redness. It is normal for skin to appear red after waxing, but if you experience discomfort or a burning sensation, apply a cold compress to the area.

Post-Care

After 24 hours, you will most likely need to show your newly waxed skin some TLC by moisturising the area with your favourite body lotion daily, but steer clear from any fragrances that may irritate the skin. Some fabrics can also irritate newly waxed skin, so opt for light cotton panties, as opposed to lace or nylon. Continue to exfoliate at least 3 times per week to prevent dead skin cells from clogging hair follicles and creating ingrown hairs

Hair can grow back thinner and weaker the more you wax, but if you shave between waxing your hair will continue to grow coarsely. If you think you want to stick with waxing, do not shave in between, as any progress you’ve made with thinning and weakening hair re-growth will be lost.

An at-home Brazilian or Bikini wax is a great form of self-care and the most cost friendly way to stay hair-free for longer than shaving!