Getting a Brazilian wax can provide smoother, stubble-free skin that lasts longer than shaving. However, even after a Brazilian wax, hair can start growing back in a few days to a few weeks. Here is a detailed look at what to expect and how long the results of a Brazilian wax can last.
What is a Brazilian Wax?
A Brazilian wax is a hair removal technique that removes pubic hair from the front and back of the bikini area. It eliminates hair from the labia, perineum, and anus, leaving only a thin strip of hair above the vulva. The name comes from the country of Brazil, where this type of bikini wax originated.
During a Brazilian wax, a thin layer of hot wax is applied to the skin. A cloth or paper strip is pressed on top of the wax, which adheres to the hairs. The strip is then quickly ripped against the direction of hair growth, pulling the hairs out from the follicle. This process is repeated until all the unwanted hair in the area is removed.
Brazilian waxes are usually performed by licensed estheticians at salons that specialize in waxing services. The procedure can take 15-30 minutes and may require some discomfort as the hairs are removed. However, the results can be smooth skin that remains hair-free for several weeks.
When Does Stubble Appear After a Brazilian Wax?
After getting a Brazilian wax, most people will start to see some stubble reappearing after 2-3 weeks. Here is a general timeline for what to expect:
- Days 1-5: The area remains smooth and hairless immediately after the wax.
- Days 5-10: Some prickly stubble may start to emerge as hairs begin growing back.
- Weeks 2-3: More visible stubble develops as the hairs get longer.
- Weeks 4-6: The hair starts to gain length and thickness, no longer feeling prickly.
- Weeks 6-8: The hair is noticeably growing back in and a touch up wax is needed.
Of course, the exact timeline can vary from person to person. Those who have coarse, thick hair may see stubble reemerging in as little as 1 week. People with fine hair may remain smoother for 3-4 weeks before significant stubble develops. The appearance of stubble also depends on your individual hair growth cycle.
Factors That Affect Stubble Regrowth
Several factors play a role in determining when you’ll start seeing stubble after a Brazilian wax and how quickly it grows back in:
Your Natural Hair Growth Cycles
Like all body hair, the hair in the bikini region goes through three phases of growth:
- Anagen phase – The active growth phase when hair lengthens.
- Catagen phase – The transitional phase when growth stops.
- Telogen phase – The resting phase before shedding and new growth.
Waxing removes hairs in the anagen or catagen phases. The hairs in the telogen phase will shed on their own and be replaced by new hair growth. As your hair cycles through these phases at different rates, new stubble will appear on its own schedule.
Your Hormones
Hormonal fluctuations can accelerate hair growth. Many women report seeing more regrowth right before or during their periods when estrogen levels dip and testosterone increases. Pregnancy, menopause, and PCOS can also impact hair regrowth.
Genetics
Some people naturally have thicker, more coarse hair than others. If you inherit hair follicles that produce robust hair, you can expect your stubble to return faster and feel more noticeable after waxing.
Hair Removal Methods
Your regrowth timeline may also depend on the specific technique used during your Brazilian wax. Soft wax is gentler on the skin and may cause less trauma to the follicle, resulting in faster regrowth. Hard wax adheres better to coarse and short hairs, so stubble may take longer to return if this method was used.
Skin Type
Those with oilier skin tend to see hair regrowing faster. The sebum secretion can help clear pores to make way for new hairs. People with drier skin that lacks moisture may have slower hair regrowth after a Brazilian wax.
Tips for Dealing With Stubble Regrowth
While stubble after a Brazilian wax is inevitable, there are some tips that can help keep it manageable between appointments:
Exfoliate Gently
Gently sloughing off dead skin cells can help prevent ingrown hairs as stubble emerges. Try a soft washcloth, loufa sponge, or chemical exfoliant up to 3 times a week.
Use Tend Skin
Applying Tend Skin solution after waxing can reduce ingrown hairs and bumps associated with regrowth. It contains acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) to help prevent clogged follicles.
Moisturize
Keeping freshly waxed skin hydrated with a lotion made for sensitive areas can create a smoother surface for new hairs to grown through.
Avoid Tight Clothes
Wear loose, breathable underwear and pants to prevent friction that could irritate stubble as it emerges.
Try Retinol Cream
Retinoids boost cell turnover to clear dead skin cells and help dislodge ingrown hairs. But use gently, as retinol can cause irritation after waxing.
Take Cool Showers
Hot water can aggravate freshly waxed skin. Lukewarm showers are best for the first 48 hours.
Schedule Touch Ups
Book follow up Brazilian waxes every 4-6 weeks to catch stubble before it gets too long. Regular waxes can help weaken the follicle so regrowth is slower over time.
How to Make Results Last Longer
While you can’t prevent the inevitable return of stubble after a Brazilian wax, you can help the smooth results last longer by:
- Starting when hair is in the anagen or growth phase, about 3-4 weeks after your last wax.
- Disrupting the hair follicle by consistently removing the entire hair.
- Having regular waxes every 4-6 weeks to catch the follicle when hair is still short.
- Letting the esthetician apply post-wax products like tend skin to prevent ingrown hairs.
- Exfoliating between waxes to help new hairs emerge.
- Using a moisturizer to soften the skin and hair.
- Taking hair growth vitamins like biotin to thicken the skin.
Over several consistent Brazilian waxes, you can enjoy longer lasting smoothness between appointments. Just be diligent about aftercare and exfoliation as the hairs grow back in.
Other Longer Lasting Options
If you want to prevent stubble for longer than waxing allows, you may want to consider alternative hair removal methods, like:
Laser Hair Removal
Laser targets the hair follicle to damage it, retarding regrowth for up to several months. A series of 6-8 treatments is needed for more permanent reduction.
Electrolysis
This method uses an electrical current directed into each follicle to permanently destroy it. Several treatments are required to clear an area.
Chemical Depilatories
Creams like Nair or Veet dissolve hair near the skin’s surface, eliminating visible hair for 1-2 weeks before stubble recurs.
Intense Pulsed Light
This uses broad spectrum light waves to target melanin in the hair and follicle, impeding regrowth for about 4-6 weeks.
These options come with more costs, visits, and healing time, but can offerlonger lasting smoothness compared to regular waxing.
Conclusion
Getting a Brazilian wax provides several weeks of sleek, hairless skin before stubble returns. Most people will start seeing some prickly regrowth around 2-3 weeks after the wax. But genetics, hormones, skin type, and hair removal method can all impact when the hair begins growing back in and how quickly it returns to its former length.
While stubble can’t be avoided entirely after a Brazilian wax, staying diligent with aftercare and booking touch up appointments every 4-6 weeks can help keep it under control. Or those seeking months of hairlessness can explore laser treatments, electrolysis, depilatories, or other longer lasting hair removal options.
