What Are Two Downsides of Waxing? Honest Pros & Cons from Las Vegas

If you spend any time at a luxury pool in Las Vegas, it can start to feel like everyone is hairless, glowing, and permanently bikini ready. As an esthetician who has worked on the Strip and off it, I can tell you that look involves effort, planning, and a bit of discomfort, not magic.

Waxing, especially Brazilian waxing, is popular because it delivers a polished finish that shaving simply cannot match. It leaves the skin smoother, the regrowth softer, and, when done well, it feels incredibly clean and intentional. Still, I am not going to pretend that waxing is perfect for everyone.

When you strip it down, two clear downsides of waxing matter more than all the others: pain and skin reaction. Everything else, from cost to scheduling, tends to orbit around those two.

Let us walk through those honestly, then talk about where waxing shines, when to skip it, and how to decide what belongs between you, your skin, and your lingerie drawer.

The first major downside: It hurts, especially at the beginning

There is no such thing as a painless first time Brazilian wax. Anyone who promises that is selling you fantasy.

You are removing hair from the root, in a delicate area rich with nerve endings. The first time always feels the most intense, because the roots are strong and the follicles are not used to being disturbed. After a few consistent sessions, most people notice the pain softening: hair grows back finer, and your nervous system stops treating the process as a full emergency.

How painful is a first time Brazilian wax?

On a ten point scale, first timers usually report something between a 5 and an 8. The range depends heavily on three things: your pain tolerance, how coarse your hair is, and the skill of your waxer.

Tight, shallow breathing and tensing your entire body will make it feel worse. People who breathe deeply and trust the process usually handle it far better. A well trained esthetician will work in small sections, keep the skin taut, and use pressure immediately after each strip to buffer the sting.

Most guests are surprised by how fast it is. A first Brazilian wax, when performed by someone experienced, typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. The moment that really snaps your attention is over in less than a second per strip. You do not lie there in agony for half an hour straight.

Anecdotally, many of my Las Vegas tourists walk in visibly nervous, and 10 minutes later they are chatting about pool parties and asking how often to come back. They walk out a bit tender, but more relieved than anything else.

Is this the most painful body part to wax?

For many, yes. The bikini and Brazilian area rank among the most painful body parts to wax, alongside the upper lip and underarms. The pubic region, especially the labia and inner crease of the thigh, is sensitive by design.

That said, pain is very individual. I have guests who think underarms are far worse than a Brazilian, and others who barely flinch during a full Brazilian wax but loathe having their legs waxed.

What about men - do guys get hard at a manzilian?

This comes up more often than you might think. During a male Brazilian, sometimes called a manzilian, there can be involuntary physical reactions. The area has a lot of nerve endings and blood flow, and the touch can trigger an automatic response.

Professionals view this as a neutral, physiological reaction, not a flirt or an invitation. We focus on the service. Reputable estheticians do not sexualize the treatment or offer anything that resembles a “happy ending.” If a guest tries to shift the atmosphere in that direction, the appointment should end quickly and calmly.

Do you get wet during a Brazilian?

Similarly, some women worry they will get lubricated during a Brazilian wax. It can happen, and it is just the body’s response to warmth, friction, and sometimes nervousness. A professional will not comment on it or make you feel strange. We see skin, hair, and anatomy all day; we are not there to judge how your body functions.

How does the pain compare to shaving?

Shaving is usually painless in the moment, but it trades one kind of discomfort for another. You avoid the sharp sting of waxing, but you get razor burn, nicks, and daily or near daily upkeep as the hair grows back with blunt, itchy tips. With waxing, the pain is upfront and short lived. With shaving, the irritation tends to be chronic and low grade.

When a guest asks, "Is it better to wax or shave?" I answer with questions: How is your skin? How often do you like to maintain? How do you feel about short intense pain versus frequent minor irritation? There is no universal winner.

The second major downside: Skin reaction, irritation, and ingrowns

The other big downside is that waxing can upset your skin. That can show up in several ways: redness, swelling, ingrown hairs, or even infection if aftercare is ignored.

What actually happens to your skin when you wax

Waxing removes hair from the follicle, but it also pulls at the top layers of your skin. The surface becomes slightly wounded, even if it looks smooth and bright. In a dry, hot climate like Las Vegas, where air conditioning and desert air already dehydrate the skin, that disruption can be more noticeable.

The typical skin reactions right after a Brazilian or body wax include redness, small bumps that look like gooseflesh, and mild heat or tenderness. This usually settles in a few hours to a day.

Problems arise when:

You have extremely sensitive or reactive skin.

You wax over sunburned or compromised skin. You work out, swim, or wear tight, sweaty clothing right after waxing. You pick, scratch, or forget to keep the area clean and moisturized.

What are the downsides of a Brazilian wax in particular?

A Brazilian removes most or all hair from the pubic mound, labia, and between the cheeks. That is a lot of hair, in a region that is warm, moist, and often under clothing. That combination means the upsides are dramatic, but so are the potential downsides.

Specific issues I see regularly:

Persistent redness or swelling around the labia, especially for first timers.

Ingrown hairs along the bikini line, where friction from underwear is highest. Folliculitis, which looks like a crop of tiny whitehead style bumps, if bacteria enter freshly waxed follicles. Increased sensitivity if you have sex, use scented products, or wear synthetic lingerie too soon afterward.

People also ask, "Why do I smell after Brazilian wax?" What they are noticing is usually one of three things: leftover wax or product that was not fully removed, sweat and bacteria trapped by very tight clothing, or simply becoming more aware of their natural scent now that hair, which used to trap and diffuse odor, is gone. Proper cleansing, breathable underwear, and fragrance free, pH balanced washes help more than any perfume.

Can you catch HPV from waxing?

This concern is understandable. HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual skin to skin contact, not through waxing. However, poor hygiene in a waxing studio can theoretically spread other infections, especially bacterial ones, if tools are reused or surfaces are not properly sanitized.

Always look for hard wax or soft wax applied with single use sticks, no double dipping, fresh linens or disposable paper, and a practitioner who wears gloves and disinfects non disposable tools. A luxury price tag means nothing if the hygiene is sloppy.

The “old lady smell” myth and other anxieties

There is a phrase that circulates online about an "old lady's smell." It is usually used cruelly, and often directed at normal changes in body odor and vaginal flora as women age or go through menopause.

Waxing does not create that smell. Age related changes in hormones, diet, hygiene habits, and health conditions may shift how your body smells, but hair removal is a minor player by comparison. If there is a strong or sudden odor change, or a smell that seems off, a visit to a gynecologist matters far more than layering on fragranced washes or scrubbing the area.

What doctors and gynecologists actually think about pubic hair

There is a quiet, steady chorus from gynecologists that often gets drowned out by beauty marketing: your genitals do not need to be hairless to be healthy.

Do gynecologists recommend waxing or Brazilian waxes?

Most gynecologists are neutral on whether you remove your pubic hair. They care more about gentle products, avoiding trauma to the skin, and watching for signs of infection.

A few key points they tend to emphasize:

Pubic hair serves a function. It cushions against friction, traps some bacteria and debris, and reduces chafing.

Complete removal, like a full Brazilian wax, may increase the risk of minor skin infections or irritation simply because more skin is exposed and more follicles are opened. They see a lot of razor burn, cuts, and folliculitis from aggressive shaving and waxing, especially when people rush before appointments or vacations.

So, do gynecologists recommend Brazilian wax specifically? Generally they do not recommend or discourage it across the board. They want you to choose what makes you comfortable, but to understand that less can be more from a medical lens. The “French pubic hair style,” which usually leaves a smaller triangle or strip of hair on the pubic mound and removes hair along the bikini line and labia, aligns more closely with this idea. It balances tidiness with some natural protection.

When patients ask "What do gynecologists think about pubic hair overall?" The answer is almost always: it is optional, it is yours, and it is not dirty.

What exactly is included in a Brazilian wax?

The phrase “Brazilian wax” gets thrown around loosely, but it typically has a clear meaning in a professional setting.

So, what is a full Brazilian wax? In most upscale Las Vegas studios, it includes removal of hair from:

The pubic mound.

The labia and sides of the vulva. The area between the buttocks, often called the “between the cheeks” strip.

Some guests choose to leave a small triangle or strip of hair at the front. That is often called a modified Brazilian or a French bikini, depending on the shape. You can also request that your esthetician follow a particular French pubic hair trend or style if you have a reference photo. The key is to discuss it before the wax begins.

When people ask "How far down does a Brazilian wax go?" The answer is: from the top of the mound all the way back to the tailbone crease, unless you request otherwise.

The Las Vegas factor: climate, lifestyle, and local habits

Las Vegas has a very specific beauty culture. Dayclubs, nightclubs, pool parties, desert hikes, and lingerie as outerwear all coexist in the same weekend. That environment shapes how and why people wax.

Do most girls get a Brazilian wax?

In Las Vegas, you will definitely feel as if everyone is getting Brazilians, but the reality is more nuanced. Many women choose some form of bikini or Brazilian waxing, especially in their 20s to 40s, but plenty still shave, trim, or leave the area natural.

Nationally, surveys suggest that a large percentage of women groom their pubic hair in some way, but fewer commit to full Brazilians on a strict schedule. Among my clients: hospitality workers, dancers, models, and frequent pool goers are far more likely to book Brazilians every 4 to 6 weeks. Others reserve them for vacations, weddings, or summer only.

The question "Do most girls wax or shave?" Has no single answer. In luxury settings, waxing is common, but shaving is still the default for many because it is inexpensive and accessible.

How do models have no pubic hair?

Models and performers who seem permanently smooth tend to rely on one of three things: regular waxing, laser hair removal, or a combination of the two. Airbrushing and photo editing also play a big role in images. Real skin has pores, hair follicles, and texture, even when just waxed.

Safety, timing, and when not to get a Brazilian wax

Waxing works best when you time it well, prepare properly, and know when to say not now.

When not to get a Brazilian wax

There are specific moments when waxing is a bad idea:

If your skin is sunburned, irritated, or has open cuts or rashes.

If you are using strong retinoids or exfoliating acids on the area, which can make the skin fragile. If you have an active infection, like herpes, bacterial vaginosis with irritation, or a yeast infection. If you cannot avoid tight gym wear, pools, hot tubs, or sex in the first 24 hours afterward.

The question "Can I do Brazilian wax even when I start seeing spotting in Lay Bare?" Or any studio, comes up often for those who are close to their period. Light spotting is not an automatic no, but heavy flow or severe cramps make it an uncomfortable and messy experience. Many estheticians will still wax you if you wear a tampon or cup and the area is clean, but book with a studio that explicitly allows it and be candid when you arrive.

The 24 hour and 48 hour rules after waxing

Aftercare is where a lot of people create problems for themselves. The so called “24 hour rule after waxing” and sometimes a “48 hour rule for waxing” exist to protect your freshly exposed follicles while the skin calms down.

Here is a simple way to remember it.

List 1: The 5 S’s after waxing

• Skip sex for at least 24 hours, to avoid friction, heat, and bacteria in the area.
• Skip sweating, heavy workouts, and tight gym clothes for 24 hours, ideally 48.
• Skip swimming, hot tubs, and soaking baths for 24 to 48 hours.
• Skip scalding hot showers and heavily fragranced products on the area.
• Start soothing: use a gentle, fragrance free moisturizer or aloe based gel as recommended.

Those guidelines help prevent folliculitis, irritation, and that rough “why does my Brazilian but lift stink later?” situation, where sweat and bacteria get trapped in damp, tight clothes before your skin has healed. Breathable cotton underwear and loose dresses or joggers are your friends for at least the first evening.

Preparing for your first Brazilian: what to wear and what not to do

Good preparation softens both main downsides of waxing: pain and skin irritation. It is worth giving yourself a calm, intentional 24 hours beforehand.

What not to do before a Brazilian wax for the first time

Do not shave in the week before. Hair that is too short will not grip the wax. The best length to get a Brazilian wax is usually about a quarter of an inch, or roughly the length of a grain of rice. For most people, that means not shaving for 2 to 3 weeks.

Do not pour alcohol on the area or exfoliate harshly the day of your appointment. That only irritates the skin and heightens pain. Do not apply heavy lotions, oils, or self tanner right before your appointment. They can interfere with the wax’s grip and increase the chance of uneven results. Do not book if you have just started a new retinoid or strong acid in the bikini area. Ask your provider how long you should pause before waxing.

What should I wear for a Brazilian wax?

Slip into something soft, breathable, and easy to remove. In Las Vegas, I often suggest a loose dress for women and light joggers or shorts for men. Avoid thongs, tight shapewear, or rigid denim afterward. The goal is to minimize friction so the skin can settle.

If you plan to go out or for a walk after a Brazilian wax, keep it gentle. A leisurely stroll in breathable clothing is usually fine once your skin feels calm, but avoid power walks in compressive leggings for the rest of the day.

Frequency, age, and long term choices

Waxing is not a one time magic trick. It works best as a rhythm.

Is 4 weeks long enough between waxes?

For most people, yes. Four weeks is the standard spacing for a Brazilian or bikini wax. Hair will be long enough for the wax to grip, but not so long that pain is amplified. Coarser hair types or those who have shaved heavily in the past may prefer 5 to 6 week intervals at first.

Over time, many people notice their hair growing back finer, and some can stretch to 6 or even 8 weeks while maintaining a neat look.

Should a 60 year old woman get a Brazilian wax?

Age is not a disqualifier. I have waxed confident, glamorous women in their 60s, 70s, and beyond in Las Vegas. The only real question is: Does it make you feel better in your own body?

As skin ages, it becomes thinner and sometimes more delicate, so patch tests and cautious technique are essential. Some older women choose a more modest style, like a French pubic hair style with a neat triangle, instead of a completely bare Brazilian. Others adore the feeling of full smoothness. Both are valid.

If a 60 year old woman has never removed her pubic hair, the first treatment may start with a conservative bikini wax to see how her skin responds.

What happens if you never shave your pubic hair as a woman?

Nothing ominous. If you never shave or wax your pubic hair, you will have a natural protective layer. You may have slightly more odor trapped in the hair, but regular washing with gentle, unscented products is usually enough. Some people experience more trapped sweat or discomfort in very tight clothing, but others feel no downside at all.

Culture, religion, and personal preference

Topics like "Can husband shave wife private parts in Islam?" Or "Do Amish girls shave their pubic hair?" Touch on religious law and private cultural practices that vary widely.

Within Islam, many scholars encourage or permit pubic hair grooming for cleanliness, and a husband shaving his wife’s private area can be seen as intimate and allowed within marriage, while public display would not be. Opinions vary by school of thought and region, so religious questions are best directed to a trusted scholar.

Regarding Amish women and pubic hair, practices differ between communities, and reliable, respectful data is scarce. Amish culture values modesty and privacy, so assumptions from outside observers often miss the nuance. It is more important to understand that grooming is shaped by personal belief, access, and community norms.

On the cosmetic side, people often ask "Do men prefer pubic hair or bare hair?" Or "Do Brazilian men like in a woman physically hairless or natural?" There is no single male preference. Studies and real world conversation show a spectrum: some men favour completely bare, others like a groomed triangle, some truly prefer natural. Your own comfort should outweigh hypothetical opinions.

Common worries: modesty, doctors, and being seen

A lot of clients feel torn between grooming for themselves and feeling exposed in front of professionals.

"Can I refuse a doctor to look at my privates during a physical?" Absolutely. You have full bodily autonomy. A physician may recommend a pelvic exam for medical reasons, but you can decline. That Brazilian Waxing Las Vegas said, skipping medically indicated exams can carry risks, so talk through your concerns. Whether you are waxed, shaved, or natural, doctors have seen it all.

On the opposite side, people ask: "Do most girls get a Brazilian wax before a gynecologist visit?" Many do, but it is not necessary. Doctors do not need you to be hairless. They need you to be honest about your health.

Managing discomfort after waxing

Since the two major downsides of waxing are pain and skin reaction, the way you treat your skin afterward matters as much as the appointment itself.

How to soothe a vag after waxing

Use cool, not ice cold, compresses if the area feels hot.

Apply a fragrance free, alcohol free soothing product your esthetician recommends, often a light aloe or chamomile based gel. Wear loose, breathable underwear and bottoms for the first day. Avoid scrubbing or exfoliating for at least 48 hours. After that, gentle exfoliation a couple of times per week can reduce ingrowns. Keep an eye on any bumps. Redness that fades is normal, but spreading warmth, severe pain, or pus filled lesions deserve a call to a doctor.

If your partner asks "Can you get fingered straight after a wax?" Or you are tempted yourself, remember the 5 S’s and give your skin a little grace period. It is not only about comfort, but also about keeping open follicles free from unnecessary friction and bacteria.

A quick word about body odor and ethnicity

People sometimes search for "What ethnicity has the least body odor?" As if that will predict how they will smell after a Brazilian wax or a “Brazilian but lift.” Body odor is shaped by genetics, diet, hygiene, hormones, and the specific bacteria on your skin, not just ethnicity. Hair can trap odor, but hair removal does not erase it. Clean, breathable clothing, regular gentle washing, and staying hydrated matter far more.

If your Brazilian but lift area starts to smell off, look at your laundry detergent, how quickly you change out of damp clothes, and whether you are using overly perfumed products that disrupt your skin’s normal flora.

The quiet luxury of choosing what works for you

Waxing is not a requirement for beauty, even in a city as image driven as Las Vegas. It is simply one tool among many. It gives a level of smoothness and longevity that shaving does not, but the trade offs are real: upfront pain, potential skin reaction, cost, and the need for consistent scheduling.

Those two core downsides, pain and irritation, can be managed but not erased. They might be a fair price to pay for three to six weeks of silky skin, or they might not suit you at all.

What matters is that your grooming choices feel deliberate, comfortable, and aligned with your life. For some that means a meticulously shaped French pubic hair style before every pool season. For others, it means a quiet decision to keep their hair natural, slip into a silk robe, and pour a drink while the Strip glows outside.

Luxury is not about having no hair. It is about having options, understanding the trade offs, and choosing what makes you feel at ease in your own skin.