How To Prepare For A Brazilian Wax: The Ultimate Guide For New & Seasoned Waxers

If you’re new to Brazilian waxes, you likely have several questions (and maybe a few concerns) running through your head right now. 

“Uh oh – is this going to hurt?”

“Is there any way to make a Brazilian wax less painful?”

“Should I buy anything to take care of my skin after a Brazilian wax?”

Any of these match what you’ve been thinking? If so, you’re totally not alone. 

Over the years, I’ve performed hundreds of Brazilian waxes on both new and experienced clients, and I’ve got allll the answers to your questions about how to prepare for a Brazilian wax.

Answering Brazilian Wax FAQs From New Clients

Before I dive into my new client FAQs (and corresponding tips) for preparing for a Brazilian wax, let me first assure you that the results are 100% worth the few minutes of discomfort. 

Sure, it’s no deep tissue massage. However, despite what you’ve seen in the movies & media, Brazilian waxes are actually completely tolerable (no 40 Year Old Virgin trauma here, girl). 

Though the first-timer nerves might be filling your brain with allll the scary thoughts and worries, know that you’re already following the best preparation tip by taking the time to research Brazilian waxes before your appointment! 

Ugh, we love a prepared gal! 

Brazilian Wax FAQs

  • Can I exfoliate before my appointment? 

YES. I highly recommend exfoliating your skin (remember to be gentle!) at least 24 hours before your appointment. Exfoliation with a washcloth or scrub helps remove any dead skin so I can be sure to get every little hair.

  • Should I shower before my appointment? 

Sure! Taking a warm shower about 1 hour before your wax helps to soften the hairs (and your skin). However, if your appointment is during the day, a baby wipe will do just fine. 

  • Can I toss back a shot or have a glass of wine before my appointment to ease the pain and settle my nerves? 

LOL – this question always gives me a chuckle. I totally understand wanting a sip of an adult bevvy to calm the nerves, but the truth is that both stimulants and depressants (AKA coffee and alcohol) dehydrate you and your skin, which typically makes a Brazilian wax more painful. 

Instead, practice some deep breathing to calm the nerves and focus on drinking plenty of water before your wax – dehydration isn’t a good look on anyone, especially when it has the potential to lead to more discomfort. 

  • Do you have any easy ways to reduce pain during a Brazilian wax?

For sure! If you’re someone who has a lower pain tolerance and is feeling a bit nervous about the discomfort, pop an Advil 30 minutes before your appointment (as long as your doc says it’s okay!). 

As someone who is big on positivity, I’m also a big believer in getting yourself in the right mindset with even breathing and positive mantras to ease your nerves and any pain you may experience. 

  • How long should my hair be to have it waxed?

Oooh, good question – hair length definitely matters when it comes to your waxing schedule.

To ensure the hair is long enough to be removed fully from the root, allow for at least 3-4 weeks of hair growth before a Brazilian or a wax on the following areas:

  • Legs
  • Arms
  • Butt
  • Stomach
  • Inner Thighs
  • Chest 
  • Back

These areas are a bit easier to wax, but should have at least 2 weeks of hair growth before your next appointment:

  • Underarms
  • Lip
  • Brows
  • Chin
  • Nose
  • Ears
  • Sideburns
  • Cheeks
  • Hairline
  • Is there anything I should avoid before my wax?

YES. In addition to the obvious ones like trimming or shaving your hair (leave that to the pro, my friend), I recommend avoiding the following in the 24 hours before your wax to ensure the smoothest, most comfortable results:

  • Caffeine (save that Starbs latte for after your wax!)
  • Spray tan
  • Sun exposure or sunburn
  • Harsh exfoliation (ex: peels, bleaching, rough scrubbing)
  • Numbing creams
  • Is there anything I should avoid after my wax? 

Waxing will leave your skin feeling a bit sensitive (don’t worry, it doesn’t last long!). However, avoiding the following for at least 24 hours after your wax will help you prevent any uncomfortable irritation:

  • Sun exposure/sunburn
  • Spray tans
  • Sweating (from exercise)
  • Excessive touching or intimacy (wink)
  • Exfoliation 
  • Hot shower
  • Swimming in a pool, lake, or at a beach
  • Tight clothing (in case you needed another excuse to rock your fave sweatpants)

I also highly recommend avoiding any intense cleansers or heavy moisturizers that may clog your pores and cause irritation or breakouts. Instead, try one of my fave products, Fur Oil. A light oil made specifically for folks who get waxes, Fur Oil hydrates and soothes waxed areas to help you get oh-so-smooth and soft skin.

  • What kind of pain can I expect from my first wax appointment?

Ah, the big question – dun, dun, dun. To be honest, the pain/discomfort totally varies based on a number of factors. But, because I love ya, I have a quick chart you can check out that includes several variables and how they contribute to pain levels. 

Rest assured that I do my best to reduce your pain as much as possible with both my professional waxing techniques and my mindfulness practices that help you focus on your breathing. 

Achieve Healthy, Smooth Skin By Preparing For A Brazilian Wax

Let’s be real – there’s no better feeling than that of freshly-waxed skin, and at The Wax & Only, we’re all about empowering our clients with the knowledge they need to get the best, smoothest results possible. 

Before your next (or first!) Brazilian wax, be sure to follow my tips to prepare your skin for waxing and keep your skin looking healthy and soft. 

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Posted

August 17, 2023