If you have booked your first bikini wax, you are probably feeling a mix of things at once — nervous, excited, or both — and wondering what actually happens next. That is completely normal. Most people walk in with a whole list of questions running through their heads: will it hurt, is there special aftercare, and how long does a bikini wax last? The good news is that bikini waxes are a common practice, and good preparation and good aftercare go a long way. Julyne Derrick’s Byrdie guide, published February 25, 2026 and reviewed by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Julia A. Siegel, walks through the whole thing with two experts from European Wax Center — Gina Petak, the company’s education manager, and Deidra Green, its corporate field trainer. Here it is, in the same order, with the same advice they gave. I have not tried a bikini wax myself, and nothing here is my own experience; I am reporting what Derrick, Petak and Green said.
In this article: what a bikini wax is; how to prepare; what happens during the wax; the types of wax used; the waxing process; the pain level; aftercare; the styles of bikini waxes; the risks and side effects; and the final takeaway.
Meet the experts: Gina Petak is the education manager for European Wax Center, and Deidra Green is the corporate field trainer for European Wax Center. Everything that follows comes from them, as reported by Derrick.
What Is a Bikini Wax?
A basic bikini wax means the removal of hair outside the panty line. It is a good option for a first time, because the most painful parts are the most intimate parts — so starting with the least painful option makes sense. A full bikini removes just a bit more.
There are other types of bikini waxes, but Derrick’s advice is not to memorise them and what they mean. Instead, tell your waxer what you want taken off. They may have a different idea of what a Hollywood wax or a Brazilian wax is, anyway, so instead of referring to the wax design you want by name, you can just as easily point to where you want the hair to stop. You can also ask them to remove the hair between the buttocks, too, even if you don’t want a full Brazilian. Ultimately, the choice of where to remove hair is fully yours — so communicate your preferences and your questions with your waxer.
How Do I Prepare For My First Bikini Wax?
First, the hair itself. For the wax to grip it, your hair should be at least a quarter of an inch long — about the size of a sprinkle. Petak says it is a good idea to stop shaving at least ten days before your waxing reservation, and that all of the company’s wax specialists are expertly trained to work with all hair and skin types. One warning, though: if your hair is too long, your waxing session will be more painful.
You will also want to exfoliate the area ahead of your wax. This removes dead skin and helps prevent ingrown hairs after your treatment. Use a gentle scrub, an exfoliating body wash, or a loofah in the area 24 to 48 hours before your appointment.
Green says you should always try to arrive a few minutes early. That gives you time to answer questions with the front desk and complete your profile — which can include confirming your contact information and making sure you aren’t on any medications that might interfere with the wax.
What Happens During a Bikini Wax
Since it is your first time with the waxer, they will consult with you first before removing any hair. They will also examine your hair length to make sure it is long enough, and will ask how much you want removed.
A common worry is that your waxer will be judging you on your vulva and pubic hair. Derrick is clear that this is absolutely not the case. At the end of the day, your waxer is focused on one thing: getting you as smooth as possible with the least amount of discomfort — and making sure you follow your aftercare routine after the wax, Green adds. Green says guests should feel comfortable knowing they are working with a licensed professional who has seen everything, and that everyone is different: experienced wax specialists are used to working with all hair types, including different lengths and thicknesses.
Byrdie tip: if you feel nervous about the wax, speak up. Letting your waxer know it is your first time will give them the opportunity to guide you through it, making it as gentle and quick a process as possible.
Types of Wax Used
First of all, there is soft and hard wax. Petak explains that soft wax requires a paper-like strip to be placed on top of the wax to remove it. Because of this, stray hairs may be left behind afterwards — though the method might still be beneficial to people with fine hair.
Hard wax, on the other hand, hardens enough on its own to not need the paper strip. Petak says it adheres to the hair, and it is often said that hard wax is a much less painful experience than soft wax for all parts of the body. Pain, however, is subjective, so your experience may vary.
The Waxing Process
While every waxing studio will have its own steps, most places will follow these steps:
- Cleanse the Skin: Once you are comfortable on the bed, the wax specialist will make sure you are in a comfortable position and begin the cleansing process to remove any lotions, soap residue, sebum, and other impurities from the skin.
- Create a Protective Barrier: The next step is to apply an oil to create a protective barrier, to ensure the wax only sticks to the hair and not your skin.
- Preparing the Wax While Consulting: While your waxer prepares the wax strips and/or warms the wax, you will have a few minutes to discuss your wishes and ask any questions about the process.
- Hair Removal: Once the wax is ready, your esthetician will apply either wax strips or warmed, hard wax to your skin. They will then remove the wax strips in quick motions, which is what actually removes the hair. As the waxing continues, you should feel free to let your esthetician know if you’d like a break — or want to stop altogether — or if anything feels wrong. For a bikini wax, the actual waxing process will take about 15 minutes.
- Rejuvenate the Skin: Once the waxing is complete, your esthetician will apply a rejuvenating, moisturizing product to the freshly waxed skin. It’s usually a soothing, cooling gel texture that feels amazing.
Is It Painful To Get A Bikini Wax?
A bikini wax is not typically an enjoyable experience, but most people say the discomfort of being naked on the table is worse than the pain of the actual hair removal. Petak explains that waxing such a sensitive area can be uncomfortable, especially for first-timers. But since waxing removes the hair from the root, it makes it grow softer and finer — so each wax becomes less painful and more comfortable.
High-quality wax and an experienced esthetician can make the process that much more comfortable, so be sure to attend licensed salons with positive reviews, and request an experienced esthetician for your first time. You can also try taking ibuprofen beforehand if you are nervous about the pain, as this can help minimise it.
Bikini Wax Aftercare
As far as aftercare goes, being gentle is the biggest factor to consider. You have just removed hair in a sensitive area, so you will want to minimise the risk of irritation or infection. Here are the five points Derrick lays out:
- Let your skin breathe: Avoid wearing tight or textured (i.e. lacy) underwear for the first few days and instead opt for comfortable, cotton undergarments. This way, your skin has more space to breathe, which will reduce irritation.
- Minimize UV exposure: Freshly waxed skin is especially susceptible to damage from the sun — or tanning beds, for that matter — though self-tanner is a much safer option. If you can, time your wax to at least 2-3 days before you plan to spend time in the sun. When you do go out, you may want to consider UPF swimwear, and be sure to apply a gentle sunscreen in exposed areas.
- Exfoliate gently: You’ll also want to give the area some gentle exfoliation and moisture. Harsh body scrubs may irritate the area, but carefully using a loofah and/or mild AHA cleanser after a few days can be helpful in minimizing ingrown hairs and ensuring your smoothest, brightest skin. Be sure to avoid products with fragrances or dyes, as well.
- Delay sexual contact if possible: It’s best to wait at least 48 hours after your wax before engaging in sexual contact. This way, your skin will be less vulnerable to any possible infection or irritation.
- Don’t over-wax: To prevent irritation and infection, don’t wax the area again for at least two weeks. If you’re getting a Brazilian wax, a longer wait of three to four weeks is usually ideal.
Styles of Bikini Waxes
If you’ve been looking into a bikini wax, you’ve probably also noticed other types of waxes being mentioned, such as Brazilian and French. Derrick points readers to Byrdie’s full guide to pubic hair styles for a full comparison, but for starters, here are the differences between the four common types below.
- Traditional bikini wax: Think of a bikini wax as removing the hair you might see peeking out if you were wearing a swimsuit. The hair is removed from the crease of your leg to about two-fingers-width in from your bikini, and the same from the very bottom of your stomach to the mid-point of your pubic area.
- Brazilian wax: On the flip side, a Brazilian wax removes almost all of the hair in the pubic area, bikini line, and between the buttocks. It usually leaves a small bit of hair, such as a triangle or square strip, in the front — but a full Brazilian removes it all. If you’re feeling bold, you can make like Samantha Jones in Sex and the City, opting for a lightning bolt.
- Hollywood wax: Another term for a full Brazilian, this wax removes the hair in the area completely, leaving you entirely bare. It earned this moniker due to its popularity in Hollywood.
- French bikini wax: Looking for an in-between? This type of wax removes the hair slightly higher on the sides than with a basic bikini wax, resulting in more of a “strip” appearance. Unlike with a Brazilian, however, the French wax leaves hair on the labia and between the buttocks intact.
Are Bikini Waxes Risky?
A bikini wax, especially if it’s your first one, may result in some redness and irritation. While this is common, it can still be uncomfortable. Use an aloe-based product and a cold compress to soothe the area post-wax.
Breakouts, ingrown hairs, and bumps may also appear after your bikini wax, but the good news is that the proper pre- and post-wax routines can help prevent them from occurring. For instance, exfoliating the bikini area before your wax and cleansing it afterward will help to reduce the risk of side effects.
The Final Takeaway
Bikini waxes — and other types of waxes — are a safe and effective hair removal option, as reputable studios are well-versed in the process. Be sure to follow prep and aftercare steps to minimize irritation and other concerns, but know that if you’ve done your research and read the reviews, you’re in good hands. Don’t be afraid to communicate with your waxer about your questions and preferences: a good professional will be more than happy to listen. Take the experience step by step, and you’ll more than likely find that your first bikini wax wasn’t anything to worry about — just a new-to-you way to achieve smoother skin.
