A lot of women like to get rid of their pubic hair completely, and use many means to achieve this result. Shaving is a popular option, as is using hair removal cream, but when it comes to waxing, a lot of women think twice. They certainly aren’t to blame: the thought of ripping your hair away from such a sensitive place is enough o make even the strongest person cringe a little bit. However, waxing is quite a popular option, with many women opting for a Brazilian wax on a semi-regular basis. A Brazilian wax is typically when all the hair from the belly button to the fluff in the anal area is removed. It leaves you completely bare, and it’s not surprising that many women prefer to have this area completely hair free as it helps to make things easier in the bedroom. However, before you opt for a Brazilian wax, these are some of the potential risks you might face:
1. Infection
Infection is one of the most common risks of getting a Brazilian wax. Our pubic hair exists to protect the sensitive skin in our genital areas as well as the other organs surrounding the vagina, such as the labia and the vulva. The hair exists to keep away rashes and infections, while also trapping bacteria that can potentially cause infections like bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections. Therefore, when you take the hair away, you leave the area more susceptible to these types of infections. Waxing causes the top layer of the vagina to be pulled away and tears on top of the skin, which can lead to a serious infection if the area isn’t taken care of properly.
In some rare cases, you could also contract sexually transmitted diseases from places that maintain poor hygiene. It could be that someone left behind an infection at the salon, and poor hygiene causes the infection to spread to you. However, the tears in the skin can also make you more susceptible to catching an STI, even if you are wearing protection.
2. Burns
When you use hair removal products, you are certainly at risk for a chemical burn if you leave the cream on for too long. However, when it comes to waxing, the wax can also burn your skin if it is too hot. It can be difficult to maintain the right temperature when you are waxing, but make sure that the person doing the area has the right experience. The best wax should have consistency like honey, but should also be cool enough to not be too painful when it touches your skin. Again, the quality of the salon counts when you are opting for a Brazilian wax. You don’t want to end up with a painful blister or burn in one of the most sensitive areas of your body.
3. Rashes
The skin around our genitals is much more sensitive that other types on skin on our body, and waxing takes a toll on the actual skin since the hair is being literally ripped off. The skin can have swelling (edema), have small tears on the surface, and be exposed to more infections. Rashes can occur when the skin does not react well to its surroundings, which is usually the case when there is too much humidity trapped in the area due to extremely tight clothing. This can lead to itching and discomfort, which can then turn into painful rashes and raised, irritated skin. It’s important to take the right after-care when you get a Brazilian wax done.
4. Ingrown Hairs
When a hair gets pulled away or cut out from the root, it will then lead to new hair growth in the same place. Because these new hairs are weak and thin, they might have a hard time finding their way out to the surface. Sometimes, they can get caught under the skin and lead to an ingrown hair, which can be painful and even lead to an infection. Taking care of your skin, and addressing in grown hairs as soon as you know one is growing can help to keep infections and pain at bay.
5. Scarring
Finally, infections, in grown hairs and burns can lead to permanent scarring on the skin. This is especially true if your skin is on the more sensitive end of the spectrum, and consistently irritating the skin through waxing or other types of hair removal methods can not only be uncomfortable, but change the appearance of your genital area. Before you opt to wax the area, make sure that the salon is safe and hygienic, that you are under a trained and experienced professional, and that your skin isn’t allergic to the materials used.
