Waxing is never a comfortable experience (even if you do it regularly), but waxing your private parts takes discomfort to a new level. If you're thinking about getting a butt wax as part of a bikini or Brazilian waxing, or if you're just thinking about getting a butt wax, booking an appointment can be nerve-wracking. Which part is waxed? Will it hurt? What can I prepare? What will you and your waxer do? talk about During waxing? (In our experience: your latest favorite TV show, vacation plans, where you got your nails done)
If you're new to the world of waxing, we're here to help. We caught up with Elizabeth Satterly, a waxer and corporate on-site trainer. European Wax Centerand Janet GrafMD is a dermatologist based in Great Neck, New York.We break down what to expect during butt waxing, the risks, pain, aftercare, and whether waxing is right for you.
What is Intimate Butt Wax?
Butt waxes are similar to waxes for other parts of the body, but also include the entire butt crack and butt cheeks if desired. Like all hair removal in general, butt waxing is an aesthetic choice. “Because the butt is an area where hair typically grows, some people choose to remove it through waxing,” says dermatologist Dr. Graf. “Wax works by grabbing individual hairs after application using a soft or stripless wax and then using fast, vigorous motions to pull the wax or strips to remove the hair from the root, also known as the hair follicle.”
Is waxing or shaving better for your butt?
Waxing, shaving or laser hair removal largely depends on preference. Many people prefer waxing to shaving. This is because waxing removes the entire hair. When you shave, you only cut the hair where it meets the top layer of skin, so the waxing effect lasts much longer. Additionally, your hair may become finer and softer over time, Satterly says. However, shaving is the least painful of all hair removal options.
If you have been removing hair for a long time, laser hair removal may be an option. “Laser hair removal can be a great option for many people,” says Dr. Graf. “The initial investment is greater, but the duration is much longer and there is no risk of frustration.”
Does the Brazilian service include butt wax?
Waxing services vary from salon to salon, but most Brazilian services include the butt crack and between the cheeks, Satterly says. “But if you want to wax your entire buttocks, it’s likely to be considered an additional service,” she adds. Again, some locations require you to book a separate butt wax, and this applies to both locations where your service is performed.
Are there any risks to butt waxing?
Butt waxing is one of the safest cosmetic or cosmetic procedures you can get at a salon. “The only risk associated with waxing any body part is irritation.” To avoid further irritation to your skin, Dr. Lee recommends getting your wax done by a professional instead of doing it at home. says Graf. “Even if you have sensitive skin, many people wax the area they want.” However, if you have sensitive skin, Dr. Graf recommends notifying the technician who will be waxing you so they can prepare accordingly. Satterly points out that there is also some risk of ingrown hairs that can be alleviated with proper aftercare, such as regular exfoliation.
How much does butt waxing hurt?
We'll be honest: you're essentially ripping the hair from your skin. There's no getting around the fact that it won't be very comfortable. However, many people believe that the smooth, hair-free finish is worth any pain. “Waxing can become less painful the more you do it, so you may feel pain-free after four or five sessions,” says Dr. Graf.
Of course, not all waxing is created equal. Eyebrow waxing is less painful than Brazilian waxing due to the thickness and sensitivity of the skin. Surprisingly, butt waxes are generally low on the pain scale. “The first wax on a body part is always the most uncomfortable, but this particular wax is known to be extremely low on the pain list,” says Satterly.
What can you expect during butt waxing?
If you are only waxing your buttocks or receiving additional Brazilian or bikini line services, your technician will ask you to completely undress from the waist down. You will then be positioned on a table depending on what you are waxing (knees up, stomach or back). The waxer then preps the skin (European Wax Centers use a pre-wax cleanser and skin oil, Satterly says). Once your skin is clean and prepped, there are generally two waxing methods: soft waxing and hard waxing. If your technician is using a soft wax, apply the warm wax in the direction of hair growth. The hair is then removed by sticking the strip over the wax and pulling in the opposite direction of hair growth. Instead, hard wax does not utilize strips. It is applied similarly but removed directly after cooling.
Butt wax requires multiple wax applications and removals (several times for each side of the crack and several times for each cheek). You may need a few small applications of wax to clean out any hair that may have escaped through the cracks. Nonetheless, removing these stragglers is much more accessible and less painful than initial removal. If you don't have hair, your technician will use soothing gels (such as aloe vera) and potentially serums to help prevent ingrown hairs. Then you are free to dress and go.
How do I prepare my butt wax?
First rule: Don't shave. The wax needs something to hold on to in order to remove the entire hair. Satterly recommends growing your hair out to about the length of a candy cane or rice grain. “If possible, exfoliate 42 hours before waxing and avoid applying moisturizer to the area the same day,” she adds. Before waxing, your provider may ask you if you need to use the bathroom and may provide you with cleansing wipes ahead of time. Otherwise, it's a fairly simple experience that should happen fairly quickly in the hands of an experienced waxer.
butt wax aftercare
Aftercare is important to soothe irritated skin and prevent ingrown hairs. Dr. Graf recommends avoiding harsh or abrasive products (such as scrubs or chemical exfoliants) for the first 48 hours. After that period, Satterly recommends exfoliating and moisturizing regularly until your next wax. That period is approximately 4-6 weeks later (if your goal is to maintain hair-free skin).
Final takeaway
Anyone who is self-conscious about their hair growth can benefit from a butt wax (this is completely normal! But hair removal is an aesthetic choice). “You don’t have to have a specific hairstyle to use this service. Anyone can get it,” Satterly adds. “And don’t be nervous or embarrassed. Your waxer is a professional and we can’t wait for you to experience the results.”