TMI, but Uh, How Do I Wax My Butt Strip Like I Did When I Got Brazilians?

Photo: Getty Images/jacoblund
As we're stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, away from our typical beauty salons, things can be getting pretty... hairy, to say the least. Some of us have stopped shaving, while others are desperately attempting at-home grooming treatments. While doing your own eyebrows is on the more manageable side, learning how to wax your butt in an at-home Brazilian is more, well, challenging.

If you've never gotten a Brazilian, it's a waxing treatment that truly leaves you completely bare down there. "A Brazilian wax treatment removes all hair from your bikini or pubic area—the top, sides, and front—and those hard-to-reach areas in the back," says Natalie Ismiel, Nad's brand expert and ambassador. Sure, handling your own pubic area isn't much of a feat, but that back area is one that can be incredibly frustrating to do with your own two hands. But (ha) Ismiel says that it's possible to do yourself. Keep scrolling for your guide.


Experts In This Article

How to wax your butt strip

1. Start with freshly-washed skin: First things first: Before your wax, it's important to clean your butt. That means hopping in the shower and using a gentle yet effective soap in order to keep the sensitive area irritation-free.

2. Get the right products: Ismiel says to only use waxing products that say they're for Brazilian waxes, since not all products are formulated for that sensitive area. "Test a small patch of skin to ensure that you don't have any adverse reactions," she suggests. Try something like Nad's Brazilian and Bikini Wax ($12), or Sally Hansen Extra Strength Stripless Brazilian Bikini Wax Kit ($21).

3. Figure out your position: This is the trickiest part of all, as you could imagine. Ismiel says that you may have to change positions a couple of times. "Try standing while propping one leg up on a bathtub or chair," she suggests. "Stand in front of a mirror or have a hand mirror, so that you can give yourself extra visibility. If you have trouble reaching, you can also lay in front of a standing mirror while bending your knees and spreading your legs widely while propping up your lower back with a pillow." Find out what is the most comfortable for you.

4. Wax wisely: "Wax should always be applied in the direction of the hair growth, so if your hair grows in two different directions, you'll need to treat it in two sections," says Ismiel. Her pro tip: Hold the skin taut with one hand when removing the wax, and keep the wax as close to the skin as possible when removing it. "Don't pull in an upward direction, as this will simply pull the skin and not the hair."

5. Try to remain chill: Yes, you may be waxing your pubic area and your butt strip, but it's key to try and relax as much as humanly possible. "Take deep breaths and relax your body," says Ismiel. "You'll find that every wax after that gets easier and less painful." She suggests avoiding too much alcohol or caffeine right before waxing, as it "can tighten your pores and feel more painful." And avoid doing this while you're on your period, because you'll be more sensitive and prone to extra discomfort.

6. Take proper after care: As is the case with most hair removal treatments, ingrown hairs are a risk. "To prevent ingrowns after your wax, we recommend using a serum like European Wax Center Smooth Me Ingrown Hair Serum to help slow the growth of hair between waxes," says Gina Petak, European Wax Center education manager. Ismiel also recommends avoiding products with fragrance immediately after waxing, and to avoid soaking in water, working out, or doing anything high heat "due to the area being sensitive." Also, at 24 hours after waxing, you should begin exfoliating that area three times per week to help prevent ingrowns, too, according to Ismiel. "Try not to shave between waxes either, which will reduce irritation and ingrowns," she says. "Hair can grow back thinner and weaker the more you wax."

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