How to Prepare for a Brazilian Wax

Getting your first Brazilian wax? A flood of emotions are likely going through your head. Will it hurt? Am I going to scream bloody murder and embarrass myself? Is my skin going to be irritated? What if I accidentally kick the esthetician in the face? The thought of waxing in general terrifies people, but yanking the hair by the root in one’s nether regions? That’s enough to muster up a mild panic attack. Fear not, ladies. Below, we’re sharing tips to help you mentally and physically prepare for your upcoming Brazilian wax!

Don’t shave for a week or two beforehand

In order for your session to be successful, hair has to be long enough to adhere to the waxing strip. That means you’ll have to let it grow in to about a quarter inch length before your appointment. It’s frustrating, but it’s a small price to pay compared to what you’re left with in return.    

Exfoliate the night before

To prep your skin before you wax, take a shower or soak in a warm bath to help soften your skin. We also recommend gently—keyword: gently—exfoliating your skin to remove any build up of dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria prior to your appointment to help keep the area as clean as possible. It can also help reduce the risk of breakout after your appointment.

Shower the morning of 

Good hygiene never goes unnoticed, especially when you’re about to get waxed down under. Ease your mind by taking a shower before laying down on the waxing table. Besides, who ever complained of someone smelling too good?

Take a pain reliever

While we’d love to assure you that the procedure won’t hurt one bit, that may not be the case. The treatment area is incredibly sensitive, so there likely will be some pain involved. The good news is that it’ll only last for a few seconds. If you don’t tolerate pain very well, pop a pain reliever 30 minutes before your appointment to help alleviate some of the discomfort.

P.S.—Don’t book your slot during that time of the month (for obvious reasons) or within a week of Aunt Flow’s arrival since you could be more sensitive to pain during that time.

Wear comfortable clothes 

Don’t make the mistake of showing up to your appointment in a body-hugging outfit. You’ll be happy to put on a pair of loose sweatpants rather than skintight jeans, especially if you’re running errands afterwards.

Don’t forget to breathe

You’re on the waxing table and you feel like your heart is going to beat out of your chest. It’s normal to be a little anxious and scared your first time, but don’t freak yourself out too much. It really doesn’t hurt that much. Take a deep breath and relax your muscles. Being too tense is only going to make things worse. Forget the horror stories you’ve heard and do your best to stay calm. It’ll all be OK—we promise!

Looking for tips to help calm your skin after waxing? Read this!