BRAZILIAN WAX: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
BRAZILIAN waxing, also known as GENITAL waxing, is one of the most requested services in waxing salons. Though popular, this service also makes clients feel nervous or hesitant to book for various reasons.
As professionals, it’s important that we meet clients where they are at in their genital waxing journey. We can listen to their concerns and provide education about the process to ease their mind, but ultimately they need to feel ready for the service.
Being mindful of the sensitive nature of Brazilian waxing and the varying personal experiences that impact client comfort makes us trustworthy. To best service our clients, we must also ensure we receive adequate training and that we ourselves are comfortable offering the service so that clients receive the best experience.
In this blog we will discuss factors that contribute to uncomfortable feelings surrounding Brazilian waxing, how to make our clients feel comfortable and how to communicate proper pre and post care for optimal Brazilian wax results!
Reasons for brazilian Wax Avoidance or Hesitancy:
There are several cultural reasons why some people may feel hesitant to receive Brazilian waxing services:
1. Modesty: In some cultures, it is considered immodest or indecent to expose one's private parts to someone outside of a romantic relationship or medical setting. Brazilian waxing involves the removal of hair from the pubic area, which can be seen as overly revealing or inappropriate.
2. Pain: Brazilian waxing involves pulling hair out from the root, which can be quite painful for some people. In some cultures, there is a belief that pain should be avoided whenever possible, and therefore, Brazilian waxing may not be seen as a desirable option.
3. Stigma: In some cultures, there may be a stigma associated with grooming the genital area, as it may be seen as a sign of promiscuity or sexual activity. Therefore, some people may choose not to get Brazilian waxing to avoid being judged or stigmatized.
4. Religious or cultural beliefs: Some religions or cultures have specific beliefs about body hair and its removal. For example, some Indigenous communities may view body hair as a symbol of cultural identity.
Overall, the decision to get Brazilian waxing is a personal one that can be influenced by a variety of cultural factors. It is important for individuals to be respectful of cultural and personal beliefs and consider their own cultural backgrounds when deciding whether or not to pursue this type of grooming.
Clients can be also be nervous about getting a Brazilian wax for a variety of personal reasons, including:
1. Fear of Pain: Brazilian waxing involves pulling hair out from the root of a highly sensitive area. Clients may be nervous about how much pain they will experience during the waxing process.
2. Embarrassment: Getting a Brazilian wax involves exposing one's private parts to a stranger, which can be embarrassing or uncomfortable for some people.
3. Fear of the unknown: If a client has never had a genital wax before, they may be nervous about what to expect during the process. They may be worried about the level of pain or discomfort, how long it will take, or how much hair will be removed.
4. Body image concerns: Clients may be nervous about how their body looks or whether the waxing technician will judge them based on their appearance.
5. Hygiene concerns: Some clients may be nervous about the hygiene of the waxing salon or the waxing technician. They may be worried about the cleanliness of the equipment or whether the waxing technician follows proper sanitary procedures.
6. Body fluids: Clients may be worried about the presence of cervical fluids, menstrual fluid or releasing gas during a service.
Be honest. Let clients know they may experience pain, but it’s temporary. Let them know you will make the experience as quick and comfortable as possible. Keeping a calm and confident attitude will put their mind at ease and keeping conversation going will keep them distracted from their discomfort.
Making Clients Comfortable with brazilian Waxing:
1. Provide clear information: It is important to provide clients with clear information about the waxing process, including what to expect, how long it will take, any potential side effects and how to remedy those side effects. It’s also important to educate them on how to care for their skin after the wax and how to best prepare for future waxing services. This can help to reduce anxiety and ensure that clients feel they are in good hands with an experienced professional.
2. Create a welcoming environment: The waxing room should be clean and comfortable, and the waxing technician should be friendly and welcoming. Clients should feel at ease and not judged based on their appearance or personal choices. Avoid comments about the client's body type or comparing them to others. Also avoid pushing your clients to remove more hair than they are prepared for. Saying things like “Just take it all off!” can be invasive and make a client feel uncomfortable. Especially if a client expresses wanting to start modestly with a bikini line or a modified bikini line.
3. Use good communication: The waxing technician should communicate throughout the waxing process to let the client know what is happening and to check on their comfort level. Encourage clients to speak up if they are experiencing discomfort or have any concerns.
4. Follow proper hygiene protocols: Waxing technicians should follow proper hygiene protocols and ensure that all equipment is clean and sanitary. This can help to alleviate any hygiene concerns that clients may have.
5. Demonstrate confident and efficient application techniques. When the professional is able to provide quick and effective application and removal of the wax, the client experiences less pain and is more at ease.
By following these tips, waxing technicians can help to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for clients getting a Brazilian wax. This can help to reduce anxiety and ensure that clients have a positive experience.
Preparing for a Brazilian wax can help to ensure that the process goes smoothly and that the skin remains healthy and free from irritation. Here are some tips on how to tell clients to prepare for a Brazilian wax:
1. Grow out the hair: The hair in the waxed area should be at least ¼ inch long for best results. Avoid shaving or using hair removal creams for at least two weeks before the appointment.
2. Exfoliate: Gently exfoliate the waxed area with a scrub or exfoliating mitt a few days before the appointment to remove dead skin cells and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs.
3. Avoid certain products: Do not use any lotions, oils, or creams on the waxed area on the day of the appointment. These products can interfere with the wax and make it less effective.
Be sure to avoid products with retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids or acne ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide for 3-5 days prior to the service. These products may cause skin sensitivity and can contribute to waxing irritation or skin lifting.
4. Wear comfortable clothing: Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to the appointment. Tight clothing can rub against the waxed area and cause irritation.
5. Practice good hygiene: Make sure that you are clean and fresh before the appointment. It is also a good idea to bring personal hygiene wipes with you to freshen up
6. Menstrual cycle: Check with your waxing salon about waxing while on menstrual cycle. Salons may request you wear a tampon or cup to prevent menstrual fluid from interfering with the application of the wax. It is safe to get waxed while on your cycle. However some clients may experience increased sensitivity the week prior and while on their cycle due to changing hormones and cramping.
By following these tips, you can help to prepare for a Brazilian wax and ensure that the process goes smoothly and with minimal discomfort.
Proper aftercare is important to ensure that the skin remains healthy and free from irritation after Brazilian waxing. Here are some tips for client aftercare for Brazilian waxing:
1. Avoid heat and friction: For the first 24 hours(or until sensitivity has subsided) after waxing, it is important to avoid activities that may cause heat or friction in the waxed area. This includes hot baths, saunas, and exercise.
2. Keep the area clean and hydrated: It is important to keep the waxed area clean to prevent infection and breakouts. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap followed by a hydrating post wax serum. Avoid using any harsh products that may irritate the skin
3. Exfoliate gently: After 24-48 hours, it is safe to gently exfoliate the waxed area to prevent ingrown hairs. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or mitt to remove dead skin cells.
4. Avoid tight clothing: Tight clothing can rub against the waxed area and cause irritation. Wear loose-fitting clothing for a few days after waxing to prevent this.
5. Moisturize: After exfoliating, apply a soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer or serum to the waxed area. This can help to reduce redness and irritation.
6. Avoid sun exposure: The waxed area may be more sensitive to sun exposure after waxing. Avoid sunbathing or using tanning beds for at least 48 hours after waxing.
7. Utilize an ingrown hair serum with AHA’s or BHA’s or acne fighting ingredients if breakouts occur or to prevent ingrown hair for clients who are prone to them. Wait to use this product until sensitivity from the wax has subsided.
By following these aftercare tips, clients can help to ensure that their skin remains healthy and free from irritation after Brazilian waxing.
Overall, getting a Brazilian wax can be a nerve-wracking experience for some clients. It is important for waxing technicians to create a welcoming and non-judgmental environment and to provide clients with clear information about what can be expected before, during and after the waxing process. This can help to alleviate some of the anxiety that clients may feel and will ensure an optimal client experience.