THE DANGERS OF BRAZILIAN BIKINI WAXING

Learn the Dangers of Brazilian Bikini Waxing Before Your Next Trip to the Salon!

Are you a fan of the Brazilian bikini wax? This extreme waxing technique has become quite popular in the last decade, and many women, and men, enjoy the look and feel post treatment.

While most clients have a great waxing experience, some have endured what can only be called a nightmare in conjunction with Brazilian bikini waxing. The state of New Jersey considered banning the treatment this year after two women wound up in the hospital after having Brazilian bikini waxes. A few years ago a woman in Australia almost died after her Brazilian wax; she had type 1 diabetes and acquired a bacterial infection.

Because these types of waxes strip away all your pubic hair, (which does have a purpose, including to protect the sensitive skin and mucous membranes around your genital area), you are really left with no protection ‘down there’. Waxing also has the tendency to pull off tiny pieces of skin, creating any easy way for bacteria to enter your body. These conditions can all be precursors to skin infections, including the dreaded and potentially hard to fight off staph type, not to mention bumps and ingrown hairs. Ugh. No one wants to deal with any of those scenarios, right?

THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR BEFORE GETTING A BIKINI WAX

Proper hygiene and cleanliness is part of what you are paying for so demand that you get your monies worth.

• Please be extra careful when choosing your facility and the staff member who will be doing your waxing.

• Confirm that they are licensed!

• Find out what kind of wax they use and make sure the place is clean and tidy.

• Drop by unannounced and ask for a tour.

• Confirm that a new spatula is used for each placement of wax to your skin in your treatment. Repeated dipping with the same spatula stands to contaminate the wax.

• If you notice signs of infection after your treatment, including swelling, redness or an itching or burning feeling on the skin, see a doctor immediately.

TIPS FOR WAXING

Here are some tips for waxing from Leah Nacion, owner of The Waxing Company, in Honolulu Hawaii:

DO Forget Razors’ Edge

According to Leah, waxing makes skin softer and it lasts much longer than shaving. It can also seem more hygienic because it creates a cleaner and fresher feel that lasts about four weeks before new growth begins.

DON’T Be Fooled

The simple truth is home waxing kits aren’t as effective. Professional estheticians are trained to know the best conditions under which to wax – with high quality products and excellent technique. Temperature of the wax is important to avoid burning the skin, and high-quality products pull the hair up by the root, which avoids hair breakage that can cause ingrown hairs and discomfort.

DO Prepare

Preparation beforehand is also important. Hot showers and exfoliating softens hairs before waxing making it easier to remove. Leah also suggests applying a topical pain relieving cream to soothe and reduce discomfort. The Waxing Co. uses their special “No Scream Cream”. Ask your esthetician for a similar product to apply.

DO Shape It Up

Shaping up that down-there hair doesn’t mean only daring to go bare – there are other options … creative ones. Waxing into shapes or designs is one of Hollywood’s hottest trends. Or add some bikini “bling” with Swarovski crystals in shapes of hearts, initials or stars on the hip.

 

If you enjoy that bare as you dare thing, by taking the above-mentioned precautions, you should be well on your way to a smooth, sexy look. As with any cosmetic treatment, you are responsible for looking out for yourself and your health. It’s always good to get recommendations from family or friends, especially with something as personal as bikini waxing. Arm yourself with knowledge and a good pain relieving cream, and you should be good to go!

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Article Written By: Laura Miller; Laura Miller is a beauty expert and is always on the cutting edge of new products and breakthroughs in the health and beauty industry.