How to do a Brazilian Wax

Thought it couldn’t be done at home? Follow our guide and master the art of a DIY brazilian wax before you hit the beach…

The type of wax to use

Only ever choose a wax that’s designed specifically for use in that area. It tends to be more adhesive than other types of wax. Choose one that doesn’t require the use of strips to remove it but instead hardens on application. This allows you to see exactly where you’re applying the wax, and you’ll be able to remove it more easily, too.

Preparing for a Brazilian wax

At-home waxing will take an hour or two, so make sure you have set aside enough time. You’ll probably be standing on a tiled bathroom floor to carry out the waxing – maybe with a stool for support – but if there’s carpet on the floor, protect it from any wax that falls by covering it with newspaper or old towels.

Hair should be trimmed to about half a centimetre to make removal easier and avoid unnecessary, prolonged pain.

Most wax comes in a pot, with a wooden or plastic spatula for application. To heat the wax, follow the instruction leaflet, and make sure the wax doesn’t boil. If it starts to bubble, leave it to cool: it should be the consistency of thick honey.

When the wax is ready, dab a small amount on the back of your hand to check the temperature is comfortable.

Applying the wax

It’s best to start from the outside and work your way in to the trickier, more sensitive areas. For any hard-to-reach or hard-to-see areas, position yourself over a hand mirror to help you see what you’re doing.

Apply small amounts of wax at a time. Pubic hair grows in different directions, so don’t be tempted to cover a large area, as this can result in hairs being broken rather than pulled out.

When you’re ready, dip the spatula into the pot of wax, lift it out and twirl it round to get rid of any drips. Then apply a thin layer – about 2cm long and 1cm wide – to the area you want to wax, in the direction of the hair growth. Try to leave a bit of wax curled up at the end, to act as a ‘handle’ to grip for removal.

If the wax in the pot starts to become tough and too thick, you may need to reheat it. Wax that’s not hot enough won’t stick properly to the skin, and the hairs will become tangled up.

Removing the wax

Once the patch of wax is applied, wait for about 30 seconds to let it cool down. Don’t leave it much longer or it will become too hard and difficult to remove. Pull the skin taut, then take the curled-up bit of wax – the ‘handle’ – and quickly pull the strip in the opposite direction of the hair growth. When pulling away, keep your hand as close to the skin as possible, rather than yanking the strip upwards.

After waxing

Once you’ve finished waxing the whole area, apply aloe vera gel to soothe and refresh the area. Then 24 hours after waxing, use an exfoliating scrub to help prevent any ingrown hairs.