Are Brazilian Bikini Waxes Dangerous?

For those of you who do not know what a Brazilian bikini wax is- I will fill you in. It is a hair removal procedure using hot wax to remove all or almost all of the hair in the genital area- both front and back. These treatments are safe- if not a little embarrassing. They can be very painful if hair is thick, but with time and monthly sessions, the hair gets thinner and weaker due to damage to the hair follicle. They are very popular in Brazil (Hence the name), NYC, Miami Beach, and other big cities with an international population.

Those who live in New Jersey almost had to travel to NYC to get Brazilian waxes. The Brazilian bikini wax was in jeopardy of being banned due to complaints filed with NJ’s Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. This came about when two women were hospitalized from a horrible experience.

If you choose to have a Brazilian wax, speak to your salon to find out if the waxing specialists have been licensed and what type of training they have. Without proper training, waxing can cause irritation, burning and ingrown hairs. Your aesthetician will give you instructions on how to care for the waxed areas; heed their advice to avoid any problems.

Tips for those who are seeking a Brazilian bikini wax:

1. Wash the area with Phisoderm or an antibacterial wash one hour before the procedure.
2. A salicylic wash such as Neutrogena Acne Wash or DDF Salicylic wash can help decrease redness and ingrown hairs if used the day of and 4 days after the procedure.
3. Benzoyl peroxide such Oxy5 can be used on any pimples that form.

As for New Jersey’s Board of Cosmetology, they chose not to ban bikini waxing due to the enormous pressure they received from Salon and Spa owners.