Waxing your legs can be a little painful, but it’s worth it for the smooth, hair-free skin. Before you go in for your appointment, here are some tips to make your waxing experience less painful.

First and foremost: Don’t shave before getting waxed. Shaving opens up pores in the skin and makes them more susceptible to infection. Also, if you’re getting bikini waxes done, shaving can lead to ingrown hairs.

To reduce pain during a Brazilian wax, ask the technician to apply an numbing cream or gel before beginning the process. You should also let the technician know that you have sensitive skin so she can be extra gentle with you.

If your skin is extra sensitive or thin, ask the technician not to pull too hard while removing hairs from sensitive areas like the bikini line or underarms (you’ll feel it!). You might want to ask her if she has a lighter hand when working on those areas as well.

If you’re having a bikini wax done at home — which we don’t recommend — make sure that you’re using a high quality paraffin wax (like this one) instead of petroleum jelly or other types of waxes because they aren’t as effective at removing hair.

Last modified: October 9, 2022