When it comes to removing unwanted hair, waxing is hands-down one of the most efficient ways to do it. It’s less aggravating and the hair grows back slower than other, more traditional methods.
However, anyone who’s gotten waxed knows how red, irritated, and sensitive it can leave the skin. Especially after a Brazilian wax, which you’ll come to learn, is a bit different from your standard bikini wax.
Is a Brazilian wax worth it for the smooth, long-lasting results? Absolutely. But does knowing how to care for your skin afterward make all the difference? 100%.
Today, we’re sharing a practical and effective guide to help soothe your skin after a Brazilian wax. This way you can enjoy the results without the lingering discomfort.
How to Soothe Skin After Brazilian Wax: Smooth Recovery
Before diving into the tips, let’s quickly recap what a Brazilian wax actually is. Understanding the process helps set expectations for your skin afterward, so you know why certain steps in your post-wax care routine are necessary.
Here’s what you need to know:
What Is Brazilian Wax?
A Brazilian wax is when ALL the hair from the bikini area is removed—the front, back, and everything in between.
Unlike a basic bikini wax, which just removes the hair on the outside of the bikini line, a Brazilian goes all in. Hair from the pubic area, labia, and even the butt is all waxed off.
What’s great about a Brazilian is that it’s clean and long-lasting, unlike shaving. Perfect if you want that baby-soft skin.
Plus, shaving that area can be really difficult, leaving your downstairs looking like a patchy Chia Pet. But a Brazilian? That’s done by professionals who have a lot of training (and a much better vantage point.)
What to Expect After Brazilian Wax?
Slight Redness and Irritation
For a few hours after your waxing, your skin may be slightly red and inflamed. This is totally normal. After all, the hair is getting removed from the root—this is bound to cause some minor, temporary irritation.
Tender or Sensitive Skin
While the skin is red and irritated, it’ll probably be more tender and sensitive too.
After waxing, avoid hot baths, saunas, swimming pools, tight clothing, and intense workouts for at least 24-48 hours. Give your skin a little time to recover.
Silky Smooth Skin
No matter what your shaving routine looks like, it can’t give you that baby-smooth skin that waxing can. Because your skin will stay smooth for weeks after your appointment, maintenance involves proper skincare—and no shaving.
Hair Regrowth
Eventually, the hair does start to come back—usually after 3-6 weeks. When this starts, watch out for ingrown hair. They are a bit more common after waxing since new hair is growing back from the roots.
How to Care for Skin After Brazilian Wax
Cool down your skin.
Like we mentioned earlier, redness and minor swelling are totally normal. The waxing process can sometimes cause inflammation that dilates the blood vessels in your bikini area, helping heal the freshly waxed skin.
To help combat that inflammation and cool things down, use a high-quality ice roller to promote healing and soothe the skin.
If you don’t have an ice roller, grab one from The Skinny Confidential Shop. Or, apply a cool compress or ice pack instead.
Avoid heat and friction.
Again, tight clothing, pools, and any place with lots of heat? Big no-go. It can wait at least a day or two after your wax appointment.
Irritation from sweat, friction, and heat can make things worse, increasing discomfort and pain. So, wear loose-fitting clothing and skip the steam room and hot shower.
Keep the area clean.
Your skin is vulnerable when it’s inflamed and freshly waxed. So to prevent bacteria and other toxins from clogging hair follicles, you need to keep things clean. Otherwise, you risk ingrown hairs, acne, or infections.
We recommend using a mild, unscented soap and lukewarm water to keep everything hygienic. Oh, and pat (don’t rub) the waxed area dry when you’re finished.
Exfoliate to prevent ingrown hairs.
Ingrown hairs happen when new hairs try to pop out of the hair follicle, but before they can break the surface of the skin, they come in contact with a clog. This (frustrating) process redirects the hair and makes it grow under your skin, causing lots of pain and discomfort.
Things like oily or heavy skincare products (think Vaseline or shea butter), wax residue, dead skin cells, and bacteria can all clog pores and lead to ingrown hairs.
To fix this, we recommend gentle exfoliation once a week to clear pores, allowing hairs to pop up like they should. Avoid physical exfoliators that would require a lot of friction—that’s almost guaranteed to cause irritation.
For more on this, check out “What Happens If You Don’t Exfoliate Your Skin Regularly?”
Be mindful of your skincare routine.
Your bikini area will need some post-waxing love. Use strategic products that are high-quality and super gentle to keep your skin comfortable and healthy until your next appointment.
What to Put On Skin After Brazilian Wax
The Skinny Confidential Ice Roller
To cool the skin down directly after a wax, use The Skinny Confidential Ice Roller. Our stainless steel roller will provide the ultimate soothing experience. Plus, the silicone handle makes it easy to keep a good grip—even in hard-to-reach places.
Ice rolling has been proven to reduce inflammation, so it’s the perfect way to start caring for your skin after a Brazilian wax.
And yes, you need an ice roller. Not just any face roller. If you’re not sure of the difference, here’s a comparison of jade rollers vs. ice rollers.
Aleavia Body Cleanse in Enzymatic
When keeping your lady parts clean, you need something extra gentle. This body cleanser is unscented and natural, making it ideal for sensitive areas.
It cleanses well, but without the irritation caused by other cleansers on the market. And remember, make sure you rinse with lukewarm water, since we’re trying to avoid heat.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is a favorite after a burn or other skin injury, and for good reason. It’s anti-inflammatory, hydrating, gentle, inexpensive, and effective. Plus, it feels so good.
Apply your aloe vera gel with your ice roller for maximum cooling effect!
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
Aloe vera is a great foundation, but it really only hydrates superficially. For lasting hydration and silky-soft skin, apply Vanicream as part of your evening routine.
Beyond deep hydration, it helps reduce ingrown hairs with chemical exfoliants and promotes skin healing for lasting comfort.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
The exfoliant is pretty gentle, so it’s a good product to add to your post-waxing routine.
Use it once a week to help prevent ingrown hairs and other painful or unsightly skin problems. But, definitely wait a few days post-wax to start—you don’t want to add anything super potent to your skin immediately.
Cotton Underwear
We’ll warn you: if you try cotton underwear, you’ll probably be hooked.
Cotton underwear is super comfortable and breathable. Meaning it’s not just good for daily use, but it’s useful for recovering from a wax session, too!
The natural fabric allows air to circulate, and the natural fibers reduce friction. This makes for the perfect protective layer for your bikini zone until your skin calms down.
Be kind to your skin after a Brazilian wax with these tips.
Taking care of your skin after a Brazilian wax doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple steps, you can soothe irritation, prevent ingrown hairs, and maintain that silky-smooth feeling for weeks. ‘
A little post-wax care goes a long way in keeping your skin comfortable, healthy, and ready for your next appointment.
For more of the best skincare products, tools, and advice, browse The Skinny Confidential Shop.
