If you’re considering getting a Brazilian wax, one of the most common questions is how long does a Brazilian wax last? This hair removal technique continues to grow in popularity due to its ability to keep the bikini area smooth and hair-free for an extended period of time. But before booking your first Brazilian wax appointment, it’s important to have realistic expectations about the duration of results and how your individual hair growth patterns can affect this.
In this article, I’ll provide a complete overview of Brazilian waxes, including what to expect during your first session. I’ll also give you tips on how to prolong the results of your wax and explain the factors that influence regrowth. Read on for everything you need to know about how long a Brazilian wax can last!
What is a Brazilian Wax?
A Brazilian wax involves the removal of all pubic hair from the front and back of the pelvic region. Unlike a bikini wax which only removes hair from the bikini line, a Brazilian wax leaves you almost completely bare. This technique uses a special hot or cold wax that adheres to the hair and is removed quickly with cloth or paper strips.
The wax specialist applies the wax in the direction of hair growth and then removes it in the opposite direction. This enables the wax to grasp and pull out hairs by the root for longer lasting results. Tweezers may also be used to catch any stray hairs left behind after the strips are removed.
The benefits of getting a Brazilian wax include:
- Smoother skin than shaving with less irritation
- Up to four weeks of hairlessness compared to daily shaving
- Over time, regrowth is softer, finer, and grows back slower
- Permanent hair reduction is possible with consistent waxing
Now that you understand what a Brazilian wax entails, let’s look at how long you can expect this smooth, bare feeling to last.
Typical Duration of a Brazilian Wax
On average, results from a Brazilian wax will last three to four weeks. During this time, you can enjoy slowed hair growth and smooth, stubble-free skin. However, the exact duration will vary based on your individual hair regrowth rate.
Factors That Influence Regrowth
Several factors play a role in determining how quickly your hair will grow back after a Brazilian wax and ultimately, how long the results will last:
- Genetics: Some people naturally grow hair faster than others based on hereditary factors. Those with courser, thicker hair are likely to regrow hair quicker than those with fine, sparse hair.
- Past waxing experience: If it’s your first Brazilian wax, results may seem shorter lived compared to subsequent waxes. The more you wax, the slower your hair regrows.
- Hormones: Hormonal changes related to pregnancy, menopause or birth control can cause changes in hair texture and growth patterns.
- Medications: Certain medications like steroids or immunotherapy drugs may accelerate hair growth.
Initial Regrowth After First Wax
After your first ever Brazilian wax, you may notice some hair growth after just 1-2 weeks. There are two reasons this initial regrowth period is shorter than subsequent waxes:
- Some hairs may not have been long enough for the wax to grasp and remove during your first session.
- For the wax to adhere properly, hair needs to be at least 1/4 to 3/4 inches long. Any shorter may elude the wax.
This is why it’s important to stay consistent with your Brazilian wax schedule, as addressed next.
The Importance of Regular Waxing
While genetics and medications may be beyond your control, the number one thing you can do to extend the duration of a Brazilian wax is to get waxed regularly.
I recommend sticking to a waxing schedule of every three to four weeks. This frequency will help get the most out of each session.
Here’s why:
- Regular waxing helps synchronize the growth cycles of individual hairs. Over time, most hairs will be in the same phase.
- Waxing the same hairs repeatedly causes damage to the hair follicles. This disruption makes hair grow back finer, softer and slower.
- Skipping waxes allows hard, thick stubble to develop. This requires removing more hair at your next visit. Staying consistent means less hair needs to be removed each time.
As you stay committed to your Brazilian wax routine, you’ll notice longer lasting smoothness between appointments. Now let’s look at how waxing alters the hair growth cycle for these long-term benefits.
How Waxing Impacts Hair Growth Cycles
To understand how regular Brazilian waxes lead to permanent hair reduction over time, you need to understand the phases of hair growth.
The 4 Phases of Hair Growth
Each hair on your body goes through four distinct stages of growth:
1. Anagen (Growth Phase): This is when the hair actively grows at a rate of about 1⁄2 inch per month. This phase lasts two to seven years.
2. Catagen (Transitional Phase): The hair stops growing and detaches from the blood supply. This phase lasts two to three weeks.
3. Telogen (Resting Phase): The hair takes a break from growing and sheds at the end of this two to four month phase.
4. Exogen (Shedding Phase): The non-growing hair is released and falls out to make way for a new hair to start the cycle again.
Waxing Targets Hair in the Growing Phase
When you get a Brazilian wax, it removes hairs that are currently in the active growth phase (anagen). After waxing, hairs that were resting (telogen) will start their cycles again and begin to regrow. This causes stubble to reappear.
However, with consistent, repeated waxing every three to four weeks, the cycles start to sync up. Most hairs will be growing at the same time, allowing for maximum removal with each waxing session.
Over time, the recurrent trauma to the follicles leads to permanent damage that causes hairs to grow back thinner or not at all. Let’s look closer at what happens during those first few Brazilian waxes.
What to Expect During Your First Brazilian Wax
If you haven’t waxed before, it’s normal to feel nervous about the process. Preparing properly for your first Brazilian wax will make the experience as comfortable as possible.
Pre-Wax Preparation
Before your first waxing appointment:
- Let the hair grow to the proper length. It should be at least 1/4 inch to allow the wax to adhere. Trimming with scissors is OK.
- Gently exfoliate the day before, but not right before. This prevents ingrown hairs.
- Take a mild pain reliever an hour before your appointment if you desire. This can help take the edge off.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment.
The Waxing Process
During the waxing session:
- You’ll undress from the waist down and lie on a table covered with a disposable sheet.
- The esthetician will apply baby powder to reduce irritation. Hard wax doesn’t require powder.
- Wax is applied in the direction of hair growth in a thin, even layer.
- Small sections of hair are removed at a time by pressing a cloth or paper strip onto the wax and swiftly pulling in the opposite direction of growth.
- Tweezers may be used to grasp any stubborn hairs left behind.
- Soothing lotion is applied at the end to minimize redness.
Managing Discomfort
It’s completely normal to feel some degree of pain and discomfort during a Brazilian wax, especially your first time. Here are some tips:
- Remember to breathe deeply and relax your muscles. Tensing will make it more painful.
- Tell your esthetician if you need a break at any point. Do not feel rushed.
- Apply ice packs or cool compresses afterward to relieve soreness. Over-the-counter pain medication can help too.
- Discomfort typically subsides within 24 hours. Tenderness may remain for one to two days.
Post-Wax Care
To avoid irritation and ingrown hairs after your first Brazilian wax:
- Wear loose cotton underwear and clothing to allow the skin to breathe.
- Use a very mild, fragrance-free soap when cleansing the area. Avoid baths, lotions, and exfoliating for 24 hours.
- Do not have sex for at least 24 hours to allow healing. Friction can cause discomfort.
- Wait 24-48 hours before sun exposure or tanning to avoid UV irritation.
Now that you know how your first Brazilian wax will go, let’s talk about keeping those results smooth and sexy for as long as possible.
How to Prolong Your Brazilian Wax Results
Once you’ve committed to regular Brazilian waxes, you’ll want to take steps to prevent hair regrowth between appointments. Here are some dos and don’ts:
Do:
- Stick to your waxing schedule every three to four weeks without fail. This is key for reducing hair regrowth.
- Continue exfoliating two to three times per week to prevent ingrown hairs. Use a gentle scrub with soft grains.
- Use certain ingredient creams that slow hair growth like soy milk, green tea and eflornithine. Ask your esthetician for recommendations.
Don’t:
- Shave in between waxes. This strengthens hair making it harder to remove.
- Pick or scratch at skin to avoid irritation and ingrown hairs.
- Use hair removal creams between waxes which can irritate freshly waxed skin.
Now that you know how to maximize your Brazilian wax results, let’s examine some other hair removal options.
Alternative Hair Removal Methods
If you find Brazilian waxing too painful or want to give your skin a break, you may want to try other hair removal techniques between waxes. Here are a few options:
- Bikini Wax: Removes less hair so may be less irritating. Results last about two weeks.
- Sugaring: A natural wax alternative with similarly lasting results. Causes less redness for some people.
- Laser Hair Removal: Provides longer term reduction when used consistently over time. Multiple treatments are required.
- Electrolysis: Permanently destroys hair follicles one at a time. Time consuming but highly effective for small areas.
- Shaving: Quick but provides the shortest lasting smoothness. Can be done between waxes as long as hair isn’t too long.
The Bottom Line
So in summary – how long does a Brazilian wax last? On average, you can expect silky smooth, hair-free skin for three to four weeks after a waxing session. Sticking to a regular waxing schedule is crucial for minimizing regrowth. With repeated waxing, you’ll gradually experience softer, finer, sparser hair coming in over time.
When booking your first Brazilian wax, be sure to ask the salon about their recommended maintenance schedule. This timeline will depend on your individual hair regrowth but every three to four weeks is fairly standard. While your first wax may seem to wear off faster, subsequent waxes should yield longer lasting results.
The key is consistency and taking care of your skin properly after waxing. Avoid shaving between waxes and gently exfoliate to prevent ingrown hairs. And remember – any discomfort is temporary and beauty is pain so go bare confidently!
