Buttock waxing: preparation, process and aftercare

Buttock waxing removes hair from the root, keeps your skin smooth for 3 to 5 weeks and, with the right aftercare, keeps irritation to a minimum. If you want to know exactly how to prepare, what happens during the session and what to do afterwards to avoid spots and ingrown hairs, everything is here in one place: before, during and after your appointment.

What is buttock waxing?

Buttock waxing means applying warm wax to the buttocks – the upper part, the sides and the lower crease – to pull out each hair from the root. Unlike shaving, which cuts the hair at skin level and brings coarse regrowth within 2–3 days, wax removes the whole hair from the follicle, so new hair takes longer to appear and gets weaker over time.

It's an area many people have questions about, out of shyness or simply not knowing what to expect, but in practice it's one of the quickest services in our waxing in Gandia menu: it usually takes around 10 minutes, depending on the size of the area and how dense the hair is. Also available as waxing in Ontinyent.

Why wax rather than other methods

• Slower, finer regrowth: because the hair comes out from the root, new hair takes weeks to appear and grows back weaker with each session.
• Less irritation in the long run: no nicks and no folliculitis from hairs cut at an angle, a common problem with razors.
• Natural exfoliation: wax also lifts dead cells from the surface, leaving skin smoother.
• No harsh chemicals: unlike hair removal creams, there are no chemical agents that can sensitise reactive skin.

If you'd like to look at the differences between methods in detail, we have a full comparison of wax vs laser.

Why wax is a good choice for the buttocks

The skin on the buttocks is relatively thick and resilient, which makes it one of the areas that tolerates wax best. Discomfort during the session is usually much lower than on areas such as the bikini line or underarms, where the skin is thinner and more sensitive.

Wax also lets us cover a large area in a few passes, which is especially practical here. If you combine this service with a Brazilian or Hollywood wax or full-body waxing, you get an even result across the whole lower body.

Preparing for your waxing appointment

Good preparation is the difference between a comfortable session with a clean result and one with more discomfort and irritation than necessary.

What to do 48 hours before

1. Gently exfoliate the area with an exfoliating mitt or a fine-grain body scrub. This removes dead cells and frees hairs trapped under the surface, making them easier to remove.
2. Moisturise with a light body cream (without heavy mineral oils) up to 24 hours before your appointment. Well-hydrated skin makes the pull easier and stops hairs snapping halfway down the root.
3. Check the length of the hair: for the wax to grip properly, it needs to be at least 5 mm long – roughly 10–14 days after your last shave. If it's very long (over 15 mm), you can trim it beforehand with scissors or a clipper with a guard, without going too short.

What to avoid before waxing

• Sunbathing or sunbeds in the 48 hours beforehand. Freshly tanned skin is more reactive and irritates more easily.
• Retinol, acids (AHA/BHA) or tretinoin on the area for at least 5 days before. These actives thin the outer layer of the skin and increase the risk of lifting skin.
• Self-tan in the 48 hours beforehand: the wax will take some of it off along with the hair, leaving a patchy, uneven finish.
• Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or aspirin in the hours before, as they can thin the blood and make small bruises around stubborn follicles more likely.

Buttock waxing step by step

Knowing what happens in the treatment room takes away the uncertainty, especially if it's your first time.

Checking and cleansing the skin

The therapist checks the area for any immediate contraindications: open wounds, recent sunburn, warts or raised moles that need covering with a plaster. She then cleanses the skin with a pre-wax lotion (usually water-based with soothing extracts such as chamomile or witch hazel) to remove any cream, sweat or deodorant.

A thin layer of talc or pre-wax powder is applied to the clean skin to absorb any remaining moisture and create a slight barrier between the wax and the skin. This stops the wax sticking directly to the skin and makes removal more comfortable.

Applying warm wax

At our salons in Gandia and in Ontinyent we use low-temperature warm wax, which is kinder to sensitive skin and avoids the risk of burns. The wax is always spread in the direction of hair growth with a single-use disposable spatula.

Depending on the exact area and the type of hair, we use:

• Strip wax: spread in a thin layer and removed with a fabric or non-woven strip, pulled against the direction of growth. Ideal for large, flat surfaces.
• Stripless wax (hard wax): applied more thickly, left to partly set and lifted off on its own. Preferred for curves, creases or coarser hair, as it wraps around each hair better.

The therapist chooses the most suitable type for each pass. Often both are used in the same session.

Removal and immediate aftercare

Once all the wax is off, the area is checked for any remaining hairs, especially where the hair changes direction. These are removed individually with tweezers if needed.

To finish, a post-wax oil or lotion with soothing actives – aloe vera, bisabolol, calendula – is applied. It does three things at once: dissolves microscopic traces of wax, calms the initial redness and starts hydrating the freshly waxed skin.

Immediate aftercare: the first 24 hours

The first few hours after buttock waxing are the most important. Pores are open and the skin is temporarily more vulnerable to bacteria, friction and irritants.

What you SHOULD do

• Wear loose cotton underwear for at least 24 hours. Natural fabrics let your skin breathe and reduce friction.
• Apply a soothing product such as pure aloe vera gel or a panthenol cream, 2–3 times during the first 24 hours if you feel tightness, heat or mild itching.
• Keep the area clean and dry. If you need to shower, use lukewarm (not hot) water and a mild, fragrance-free, pH-neutral soap.

What you should NOT do

• Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas and hot baths for 24–48 hours. Chlorine and excess heat irritate open follicles and can lead to folliculitis.
• No intense exercise for the first 12–24 hours. Sweat building up in the area can cause irritation, especially with tight clothing.
• Keep the area out of the sun and away from sunbeds for at least 48 hours.
• Don't touch the area with unwashed hands. Open follicles are an easy way in for bacteria.
• No deodorant, perfume or alcohol-based products on freshly waxed skin.

How to soothe irritation

Some redness and mild swelling after buttock waxing is completely normal and usually goes within 2–6 hours. If the discomfort lasts longer than that:

1. Cold compresses (never ice directly on the skin) wrapped in a clean cloth, for 5–10 minutes.
2. Aloe vera gel kept in the fridge: the extra cold boosts the soothing effect and brings swelling down faster.
3. A calendula or bisabolol cream if the redness is still there after the first few hours.

If after 48 hours you notice pustules, increasing pain or an area that feels hot to the touch, see a healthcare professional. Although it's rare when waxing is done in a salon with proper hygiene protocols, it's best to rule out bacterial folliculitis as soon as possible.

Long-term aftercare

Caring for your skin after buttock waxing doesn't stop at 24 hours. A simple routine between sessions improves results, prevents ingrown hairs and keeps your skin smooth for longer.

Daily hygiene routine

• Use a mild body wash (without harsh sulphates such as SLS/SLES) on the area.
• Always pat dry with a clean towel rather than rubbing. Moisture left in the creases can encourage fungal infections or irritation from damp skin.
• If you exercise every day, change your underwear as soon as you can afterwards. Damp cotton against the skin is a breeding ground for bacteria.

Moisturising and recommended products

From the second day after waxing, add a light body moisturiser to your daily routine. Look for products that contain:

• Aloe vera or panthenol as a soothing, repairing base.
• Niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce reactivity.
• Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid for deep hydration without a greasy feel.

Avoid very rich formulas or heavy mineral oils (petroleum jelly, liquid paraffin), as they can clog follicles and encourage ingrown hairs.

Exfoliating between sessions: the key step

This is the aftercare step that makes the biggest difference in preventing ingrown hairs and spots after waxing:

• Start exfoliating 3–4 days after each session, never earlier, so you don't stress freshly waxed skin.
• Ideal frequency: 2–3 times a week.
• Method: an exfoliating mitt or similar with gentle circular movements, or an enzyme body exfoliant if you'd rather avoid friction.
• Focus especially on areas where spots or hairs that can't break through tend to appear.

Regular exfoliation stops the layer of dead skin trapping new hairs before they come through, which is exactly what causes those annoying ingrown hairs.

When to expect the best results

The first session already gives a clean, long-lasting result, but the biggest benefits of buttock waxing come with consistency:

• Sessions 1–3: regrowth may be a little patchy, because not all follicles are in the same growth phase (anagen, catagen, telogen).
• From session 4–5: regrowth becomes more even, noticeably finer and slower to show.
• With regular sessions over 6+ months: many people see a visible reduction in overall hair density.

Recommended frequency

In a professional salon, sessions are usually every 4–6 weeks, adjusted to how fast your hair grows. It's important not to shave between sessions, as it breaks the gradual weakening of the follicle that waxing encourages and practically puts you back to square one.

If you combine buttock waxing with other areas such as the bikini line, legs or perianal area, you can book them all in one visit to save time. For the bikini area, see our guide to bikini line irritation after waxing, and if you're interested in the perianal area, we also have a detailed guide to perianal waxing.

Frequently asked questions about buttock waxing

Does buttock waxing hurt a lot?

The buttocks are one of the most tolerable areas for waxing. The skin is relatively thick and has fewer nerve endings than areas such as the bikini line or underarms. Most people describe the sensation as a short, perfectly bearable tug rather than real pain. Discomfort also drops noticeably from the second or third session, once the hair grows back finer and the follicle offers less resistance. If you have a low pain threshold, the therapist can press firmly with her hand straight after each pull to ease the sensation instantly.

How long does the result last?

Buttock waxing lasts between 3 and 5 weeks, depending on your genetics, the growth phase of each follicle and how regularly you exfoliate between sessions. The first few times it may last a little less (around 3 weeks), as the follicles are still strong. With regular sessions, regrowth weakens and takes longer to show each time. There's no comparison with shaving, where hair comes back in 2–3 days with coarse, scratchy tips that itch as they grow.

Can I have it done if I have sensitive skin?

Yes, as long as the right precautions are taken. At a professional salon like Adrian Beauty Studio in Gandia or in Ontinyent, the therapist assesses your skin type before starting and chooses a low-temperature wax formulated for reactive skin. If you have dermatitis, psoriasis or any other active skin condition in the area, check with your dermatologist before booking. It's also a good idea to tell the therapist about any known allergies so she can do a patch test first if needed.

What should I do if I get irritation afterwards?

Slight redness in the first few hours is completely normal and needs nothing more than the soothing gel applied in the salon. If you notice spots or irritation that lasts beyond 24 hours, apply cold aloe vera gel 2–3 times a day and avoid any fragranced or alcohol-based products on the area. Wear cotton underwear and skip intense exercise until your skin has fully settled. If after 48–72 hours you see pus-filled spots, an area that feels hot or pain that keeps increasing, see a healthcare professional to rule out bacterial folliculitis and get early treatment.

Is it safe during pregnancy?

Waxing isn't generally contraindicated during pregnancy, but there are a few things worth knowing. Your skin may be more sensitive because of hormonal changes, which can make the session more uncomfortable. It's important to tell the therapist you're pregnant so she can adjust the wax temperature and work more gently. From our experience in the salon, it's best to avoid waxing in the first trimester if you have a history of complications. In the third trimester, the position may be less comfortable. If you have any specific questions, check with your gynaecologist or midwife before booking.

Can I have it done if my hair is very coarse?

Coarse hair responds particularly well to waxing, because wax grips thicker hairs more effectively. The first session may be a little more uncomfortable because the follicles are more firmly anchored, but from the second appointment the difference is clear, both in comfort and in results. Wax weakens the follicle gradually, so coarse hair loses density and thickness with every regular session. If your hair is particularly dense, the therapist may recommend stripless hard wax, which wraps around each coarse hair better and removes it from the root more effectively than standard strip wax.

Good results start with good aftercare

If you've been thinking about buttock waxing for a while but weren't sure what to expect or how to prepare, you now have all the information you need to arrive relaxed at your first appointment. Aftercare is simple – regular exfoliation, light moisturising, comfortable clothing – and the results improve session after session.

You can book your buttock wax at either of our salons. If you'd like to make the most of your visit with other areas too, take a look at our full-body waxing guide or our general waxing guide for any other questions.

Quick reference: waxing