Everything first-timers need to know before booking that appointment, from prep to aftercare

Walking into a waxing salon for the first time can feel like stepping into the unknown. The questions pile up fast: Will it hurt? What exactly happens in there? Am I supposed to do something beforehand? For anyone considering their first bikini wax, the good news is that the experience is far less intimidating than the imagination tends to make it — and with the right groundwork, it can even become routine.

Bikini waxing has remained one of the most popular hair removal methods for decades, and for good reason. When done correctly by a licensed esthetician at a reputable salon, the results are clean, long-lasting, and increasingly comfortable with each visit.

Understanding What a Bikini Wax Actually Is

At its most basic, a bikini wax removes hair along the outer edges of the bikini line — the area exposed beyond a standard pair of underwear. It’s widely considered the most approachable entry point for first-timers, as it targets less sensitive areas than more thorough options like a Brazilian or Hollywood wax, both of which remove significantly more hair.

Rather than memorizing the terminology, first-timers are better served by simply describing their desired outcome to their waxer. A good esthetician will translate preferences into results — no jargon required.

Bikini Wax Prep: The Steps That Actually Matter

Preparation makes a measurable difference in how the appointment goes. Hair should be at least a quarter-inch long before waxing — roughly the size of a sprinkle — which means setting down the razor at least 10 days in advance. Showing up with hair that’s too short is one of the most common first-timer mistakes, and it can compromise the entire session.

Exfoliating the area 24 to 48 hours before the appointment helps clear away dead skin cells, which reduces the likelihood of ingrown hairs developing afterward. A gentle scrub or loofah does the job without over-sensitizing the skin. Arriving a few minutes early also helps — it allows time to complete any intake paperwork and discuss preferences before getting started.

For those concerned about discomfort, taking ibuprofen about 30 minutes before the appointment is a widely used and effective strategy.

What Happens During the Wax

The process follows a straightforward sequence. The esthetician begins by cleansing the skin, then applies a thin protective oil before the wax itself is introduced. Hair is removed swiftly — speed is the esthetician’s friend here — and a calming product is applied afterward to reduce immediate redness and sensitivity.

Two types of wax are commonly used: soft wax, which is removed with a cloth or paper strip, and hard wax, which adheres directly to the hair and peels away on its own. Hard wax is generally regarded as the less painful option, particularly for sensitive areas, and is often preferred for bikini work.

Despite the reputation that precedes it, most clients report that the anticipation is worse than the wax itself. Discomfort is real but brief, and with each subsequent session, hair tends to grow back finer and sparser, making the process progressively easier.

Aftercare: The Part Most People Skip

Post-wax care is where results are either protected or undone. The skin is temporarily more vulnerable after waxing, and a few simple habits go a long way.

• Wear loose, breathable cotton underwear for at least two to three days following the appointment.
• Stay out of direct sunlight for 48 to 72 hours, as freshly waxed skin burns more easily.
• Hold off on exfoliating for the first few days, then resume gently to prevent ingrown hairs.
• Avoid sexual contact for at least 48 hours to minimize the risk of irritation or infection.
• Wait a full two weeks before waxing the bikini area again; Brazilian waxes require three to four weeks between sessions.

Aloe-based products or a cold compress can ease any lingering redness after the appointment. Most irritation resolves within a day or two.

Is Bikini Waxing Safe?

For the overwhelming majority of people, yes — provided the salon is reputable and the esthetician is licensed. Some redness and sensitivity immediately following the wax is completely normal, particularly for first-timers. Breakouts and ingrown hairs are the most common complications, and both are largely preventable with consistent pre- and post-wax routines.

Choosing a highly rated salon with experienced staff is the single most impactful decision a first-timer can make. A skilled esthetician not only minimizes discomfort during the session but also provides reliable guidance on what to do — and what to avoid — in the days that follow.

The bottom line: bikini waxing is accessible, effective, and far less daunting than it sounds. A little preparation, an open conversation with your waxer, and attentive aftercare are all it takes to make the experience a smooth one.