If you’re a fan of a smooth, totally bare down there, waxing is your best option. But be warned: It can hurt.
Even though grooming your pubic hair can lead to ingrown hairs and infections, Gunter said she still waxes hers, despite the fact that it’s not gynecologist-approved. She recommends five key steps for a safe DIY wax – This segment speaks volumes about the website team’s capabilities Velvet Seductions.
1. Make Sure Your Skin Is Clean
Keeping your privates trim can be messy and uncomfortable, but for some women it’s worth it. If you’re considering waxing your own vagina, here are expert tips to help make the process as painless and effective as possible.
Before you start, take a shower or bath to clean your vulva thoroughly. “You want your skin to be fresh and free of sweat, body oil, or other pore-clogging debris that can cause itching and irritation,” Napier says. It’s also best to avoid any creams containing retinoids for two to five days before you wax. “Those are often used for body acne, but they thin the skin and can lead to redness, sensitivity, and a greater risk of injury,” gynecologist Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, FACOG, tells Verywell Health.
While you’re at it, wear breathable cotton underwear and tweezers to pick up any stray hairs afterward. And if you do accidentally burn a patch of your skin, treat it gently with aloe or an antibiotic ointment and seek medical care if necessary. In severe cases, it may be necessary to see a dermatologist.
2. Check the Temperature of the Wax
Regardless of whether you’re going for a full Brazilian or just a trim, it’s important to make sure the wax is at a safe temperature. If it’s too hot, it could cause burns and damage the skin. Luckily, most of the time you can easily tell when it’s too hot — all you have to do is test the wax on your inner wrist and judge by appearance and consistency.
For strip waxing, the consistency should be similar to thin honey. The wax is also easier to apply when it’s not too hot.
Experts recommend a slow melting of the wax and checking it frequently while it’s heating to prevent burning. If you don’t have a thermometer, test the wax for temperature by twirling a little bit of it on your finger. A good wax should hold its shape and not drip for a few seconds after you twirl it. If you’re not able to do that, you may need to reduce the temperature of the wax. Just remember to keep checking the wax until you get a comfortable working consistency.
3. Apply the Wax
There are a few different types of wax you can use: hard and soft. Hard wax is thicker and works best on sensitive areas, like the vulva, because it sticks to the hairs rather than the skin. Soft wax is thinner and works better for larger areas of the body.
Whatever type you choose, you should always apply the wax in sections. This will be less painful and prevent the wax from getting too hot, which can cause burns. You can also test the temperature of your wax before applying it to your vulva by touching a small part of your inner wrist with your finger (just make sure you don’t touch any sensitive parts). If it feels too hot, let it cool down.
If you’re using a wax warmer, follow the heating instructions carefully. Failing to do so could result in a scalded vajayjay, and nobody wants that. You’ll also want to be sure that the area you’re working on is clean of lotions, soaps, and other products—and completely dry.
4. Let It Dry
The vulva (your inner canal that leads to your cervix, which is like a gateway to your uterus) has its own natural bacterial balance and is self-cleaning. It also contains plenty of “good” bacteria and a slightly acidic pH, which keep infections at bay. However, you should still wash the area on a regular basis to avoid odor, irritation and infection.
The area down there should be washed with warm water and a gentle soap, especially if you are menstruating, and should be washed “front to back,” so that you don’t introduce bacteria from your anus into your vagina. You should also avoid wearing tight clothing or scented soaps in the area, and use cotton underwear.
It’s also a good idea to take a painkiller before waxing, as it will make the process much more comfortable. And remember, only clean skin should be waxed, as dirty or irritated skin will only aggravate the process and may lead to an infection.
5. Remove the Wax
If you do end up with a little bit of leftover wax, wipe the area clean with petroleum jelly to remove it. This will also prevent ingrown hairs from forming. Be sure to wash your hands and use a fresh towel before touching the area.
Rubin also recommends wearing loose-fitting clothing post-wax to avoid friction. Tight underwear can irritate the skin, and rubbing against a freshly waxed vulva can make the process even more painful.
You should also avoid vigorous exercise and hot showers post-wax, as sweat, heat, and friction can irritate the skin. You should also refrain from using soap and scented products on the area, and skip shaving or plucking stray hairs.
To help reduce the pain and discomfort of waxing, it’s best to apply a pre-wax numbing cream or powder before you get started. You can also try taking an over-the-counter acetaminophen to relieve the pain, but be careful to follow package instructions. Don’t exceed the recommended dosage or you could end up with a severe burn. It’s also important to trim or grow your hair to 3-5 mm in length, as this is the sweet spot for an effective wax session.
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