There are several different types of bikini waxes popular today. Which wax is right for you and which materials you should use to complete this beauty procedure will depend on how much hair you want to remove, where the hair to be removed is located and the nature of your skin. There are a few key safety and hygiene tips you should be aware of before taking on a wax for the first time to help you avoid uncomfortable side effects. Your waxing therapist will go over all of these instructions with you during the procedure to help you get started on appropriate after care.

What Kinds of Bikini Wax Are Available?

• The most common type of wax is commonly known as a regular wax. This means all hair that is along the legs or sticking out of your underwear or bikini line can be removed by it, but any hair along the pubic area is left intact. Most salons are equipped with the facilities to perform this type of waxing. When doing a regular bikini wax you may use a number of waxing products including warm, hot or sugar waxes.
• The second type of bikini wax is a Brazilian wax, or the "landing strip". This type of wax removes all hair on the legs and in the pubic area, leaving a short strip along the front. Because this wax will be done near the genital area, it is recommended that you do not use sugar waxes for this procedure. These are too sticky and may cause excess irritation.
• The final type of bikini wax is the Hollywood, where all hair in the pubic area can be removed. Like the Brazilian wax, this wax should not be done with a sugar wax as it is too sticky and may cause irritation to the genital area. A cream wax is commonly recommended for these two types of waxes as they are most gentle.

When receiving a Hollywood or Brazilian wax, you will typically be treated in a private room with a personal therapist who can address any personal questions or needs that you might have. In most cases you will also be given a pair of paper or disposable undergarments to wear so you do not have to remain fully exposed throughout the entire procedure.

How to Get Prepared for Waxing

• Before you visit your salon for a waxing, take an aspirin. This medication should be taken approximately 45 minutes before your procedure to help reduce the chance of pain and inflammation.
• The ideal time to schedule a waxing appointment is between 3-5 p.m. This is the portion of the day that offers the highest pain threshold so you will not be as sensitive to the procedure.
• You will also want to avoid scheduling your wax within the three day timeframe before you start your period. Many waxing salons also refuse to take clients that are on their period. In addition to the health concerns that are raised during your menstrual cycle, your skin in the pubic area is more sensitive during this time period and may be more prone to injury.
• In order to ensure that your hair is the right length for a wax, most wax therapists recommend that you shave it around three weeks before your appointment. Those planning on a Brazilian or regular wax will need to trim T hair so it is not too long. This will ensure that your hair is of the proper length to be pulled out easily while minimizing the potential damage to your skin.
• Swimming or sunbathing should be avoided for 24 hours before your appointment. If you believe your skin is irritated by these activities or other negative exposure, then apply ice or anti-bacterial cream to the area to help avoid potential discomforts.
• Some therapists recommend that you exfoliate the area before having a wax done, and continuing this process after the appointment is completed to help avoid ingrown hairs. Check with your therapist to determine if this is appropriate for your skin type.
• You will need to prepare appropriate clothing to wear to the salon and the following 48 hours after you have completed your wax. Tight clothing will trap sweat and bacteria close to your sensitive skin which could increase your chances of developing pimples and ingrown hairs in this area. Tight clothing can also cause uncomfortable chafing on your skin. Keep your clothing open and airy for the next 48 hours and avoid wearing undergarments if possible. If you will be wearing underwear to your appointment, choose an older pair or a pair that washes easily as you may wind up with blood or waxy residue on the briefs throughout the course of your appointment.
• It has also been noted that your urine stream may flow differently shortly after your wax. Pubic hair helps to control the flow of urine, so now that the area is bald, you may spray in a different direction than usual. Take your time when urinating to determine how your body is functioning and take your time cleaning yourself afterward to ensure that no excess urine is becoming trapped near your genitals.

How to Deal With Irritation or Infection After Waxing

Those who suffer from eczema, psoriasis or any condition that weakens the immune system should not undergo a bikini wax. In addition to increasing the risk of developing an irritation, people with these conditions require the added protection that pubic hair provides to help prevent an infection from entering the genital area.

• Those who can undergo a bikini wax safely should take care in choosing the salon where they have the procedure done. Look into the reputation the salon has and check to see that they have all the required licenses to provide these kinds of procedures in your area. If you have time, visit the salon ahead of time to observe the cleanliness and cleaning routines that are used to keep the facility safe.
• The therapist should wash their hands before they begin your wax. They should also avoid double dipping the applicator in the wax as this can transfer bacteria. The therapist should also check the temperature of the wax on their skin to ensure that it is not hot enough to burn you. Do not proceed with your wax if these steps are skipped.
• You should also inquire about which types of waxes are available for your bikini wax. Hard wax that adheres to the hair instead of the skin is a popular choice. Sugaring is also popular, though these products are not recommended for use near the genitals. Choosing a quality product for your bikini wax is key to avoiding or minimizing irritation afterward.
• Your therapist may provide you with an antibacterial cream or anti-inflammatory cream after your wax. If they do not, pick up an over the counter version at your local pharmacy and apply it once a day to prevent infection or additional irritation. The product you choose should contain at least 1 percent hydrocortisone.
• After your procedure, check your bikini area frequently. Check for inflamed areas, ingrown hairs, rash, sores or cuts. If you notice any of these symptoms spreading or you develop redness, itching, burning, fever or peeling skin, contact a dermatologist right away to determine if you have an infection that requires treatment.