So, you got your very first Brazilian done, you took the pain like a champ and you’re so proud yourself. “So that’s it right? I’m done?” No, not quite. After waxing, your skin is at one of its most vulnerable point and needs a lot of love. Uh, no, not that kinda love. It’s not that difficult to maintain your Brazilian, but there are a few things you need to do in order to avoid painful bumps, irritation, and ingrown hair.
Don’t touch it for at least 2 days
I know, this one’s quite a bummer. When my waxer told me that, I was like, “You’re kidding right? Then what’s the point??” Our hands are not as clean as we’d like to believe. At any given time, there are at least 5000 germs on your fingers, and you don’t want to get them anywhere near the clean, shiny, and sensitive surface. Germs spread very easily – I don’t even have to tell you that – and the last thing you want is an infection down under.
If you want to surprise your man, make sure you get your waxing done at least 2-3 days earlier so you give it enough time to heal; wait for the pores to close and for your skin to regenerate its protection. Nothing sexual for at least 48 hours, okay?
No hot bath, steam room or sauna
Like I mentioned above, right after waxing, your pores are open and the whole area is susceptible to infections. Exposure to direct heat may cause irritation and discomfort. Also, stay away from the sun.
Do not use any soap or lotion
I know we are all tempted to rub something on to soothe the burning sensation, but it’s best to leave it alone. In fact, the perfect way to soothe it is to go commando and fan it. Do not apply any kind of lotion, cream, serum or oil on it, no matter how 100% chemical free they claim to be.
Bella Brazil says it’s ok to apply some Polysporin to soothe the pain, but it’s really better to just leave it alone for a couple of days before you start applying stuff. It also depends on how sensitive your skin is.
While you’re in the shower, skip soap on the first day, and shower with cold or lukewarm water. You can continue with your normal shower routine from the second, or preferably third day onwards.
Stay away from tight clothing
Basically, nothing that puts any stress on the V area. Tight clothing can result in irritation and ingrown hairs. My waxer even recommends going commando for one or two days. You don’t have to do that, although it did feel amazing (just saying), just put that skinny jeans aside for a few days, and set it free.
No gym
This goes without saying. Don’t let the cupcake sweat. You can skip that Zumba class for 2 days right?
Gently exfoliate after 2-3 days
Exfoliating is important to prevent ingrown hair. Exfoliate regularly every 2 to 3 days, so you remove the layer of dead skin cells and hair can grow back normally. Without exfoliation, the hair might get stuck beneath beneath the dead-skin layer, and will cause red bumps on your V area. Choose a gentle scrub, or better yet, make your own by simply combining fine sugar, olive oil and honey, and exfoliate with a clean and gentle loofah.
Some people also experience whiteheads popping out, which is your skins natural reaction to waxing in a sensitive area. It should go away in a couple of days, if not, just dab on some Bio-Oil, it works wonders.
Once you’ve made it past 48 hours, you can pretty much carry on with your usual routine. Just try to avoid tight pants, and now you can apply those gentle, chemical free lotions and creams. And oh, you can also touch it all you want!
*If you haven’t gotten a Brazilian before and you’re pretty shaky about it, check out these handy tips before stepping into the waxing salon.
