How Often to Bikini Wax, According to Experts

Bikini waxes are a necessary evil. Sure, they're a quick and effective way to get rid of unwanted hair down below, but they come with some discomfort (let's be honest, bikini waxes aren't exactly a walk in the park) and the potential for ingrown hairs and bumps. No doubt, the hair-reducing results of a bikini wax last longer than shaving, but waxing still requires repeating the treatment on a regular basis, too.

Smooth, soft, hairless skin is the goal of a bikini wax, and to achieve that, the hair needs to be the correct length. That means running to get a wax at the first sign of hair regrowth isn't always the best plan. Consider this your ultimate guide on what to expect during and after a bikini wax — and when to schedule the next one.

How Does a Bikini Wax Work?

During a bikini wax, soft or hard wax is applied to the skin to remove unwanted hair from the bikini line and surrounding areas. Soft wax uses paper or muslin strips to lift the wax off the skin after applying it, whereas hard wax doesn't. Gina Petak says the hard, stripless wax adheres to the hair rather than the skin, making it more comfortable and gentler. If you're looking to take off a little more hair — maybe all of it plus hair in between the butt, a.k.a. a Brazilian wax — that's possible too. 

The waxing process is relatively quick and straightforward, and while every waxer puts their spin on the treatment, the basic steps of a bikini wax include first cleaning the skin, then applying oil so the wax sticks to the hair only. Next, the wax is applied with a small wooden spatula in the same direction as hair growth, which will sit for a minute or so before pulling the skin taut and removing it. Finally, an ingrown hair serum is applied once the waxing is complete.

How Often Should You Really Wax?

Bikini waxes will leave you hairless, but they aren't a permanent option. To remain fuzz-free, most of us benefit from bikini waxes every two weeks; three to four weeks for a Brazilian wax. Waiting longer than a few weeks between appointments can leave skin feeling itchy and uncomfortable as the hairs grow in.

But, according to Maria Desmarais how often you wax your bikini depends on how fast your hair grows. Desmarais adds that hair should be between two and six millimeters long so the wax can grip the hair and remove it from the root. A consistent waxing regimen and the right at-home products give the smoothest results, Petak shares. 

Post-Wax Aftercare Tips to Follow

Bikini wax newbies may notice more redness and sensitivity than those who have waxed for a while. To mitigate lingering redness or irritation, apply a thin layer of aloe, witch hazel, or over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream after waxing. Since skin is vulnerable during this time, steer clear of harsh soaps, body washes, exfoliators, hot tubs, and saunas.

The best post-wax skincare ingredients are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-calming, such as tea tree oil, aloe vera, chamomile, green tea, and glycerin. "Most ingrown hairs happen from improper exfoliating or using oil-based products that sit on the skin and prevent the hair from growing out," Petak says. "Rather than tweezing or picking at deep ingrown hairs, gently exfoliate the area and use something targeted to treat ingrown hairs." European Wax Center Ingrown Hair Wipes and BushBalm Nude Ingrown Hair Oil are both effective options.

How Long Will a Bikini Wax Last?

Hair can grow at different points of the hair follicle's cycle, so you may see a hair or two sprout a few days after a fresh wax. It's not that your waxer did a lousy job, but that hairs growing under the skin just made their way out from the follicles. 

On average, a bikini wax lasts about two to four weeks before enough hairs grow back to repeat the treatment. Desmarais explains that because waxing removes hair directly from the root, it helps weaken hair follicles, resulting in slower and less future hair growth and thinner, softer hair over time. "Of course, this varies from person to person," she says. More good news? The thinner the hair, the more tolerable each bikini wax becomes — with less visible hair, too.

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