8 Tips for Your First Brazilian Wax and What to Expect
First time? Take a deep breath, we’ve got you.
Booking your first Brazilian wax can feel a little… intense. One minute, you’re sick of shaving every two days; the next, you’re staring at a confirmation email, wondering what you just signed up for. Sound familiar? Don’t worry. You’re not the only one who’s googled “How bad does a Brazilian wax really hurt” at 2 AM.
Spoiler: it’s not that bad. Especially if you show up prepared.
A Brazilian wax is more than just hair removal, but it’s a confidence booster, a smoother skin moment, and, honestly, kind of a rite of passage. But like anything involving hot wax and sensitive areas, a little prep goes a long way.
This guide is here to walk you through the entire experience: what it is, how to prepare, what not to do, and the tips that will make your first Brazilian feel like less of a horror story and more of a glow-up. Let’s do this.
What Is a Brazilian Wax, Anyway?
A Brazilian wax removes all (or nearly all) of the hair from your bikini area—front, back, and everything in between. Yes, that includes the booty strip. Whether you want it completely bare or prefer to leave a little landing strip, triangle, or lightning bolt (hey, no judgment), your waxer will shape it to your preference.
Unlike shaving, which just skims the surface and leaves you with stubble by tomorrow morning, waxing pulls the hair straight from the root. That means weeks, yes, weeks, of smooth skin without worrying about razor burn, bumps, or itchy regrowth.
Now, we’re not going to lie, it’s not a tickle. But it’s also not the medieval torture you’ve read about in Reddit threads. A licensed waxer knows how to make it quick, effective, and as comfortable as possible. The discomfort only lasts a few seconds, and after that, it’s just you and your silky-smooth skin living your best life.
Most Brazilian wax appointments take about 20–30 minutes tops. The first few sessions may take a little longer (especially if you’ve been shaving), but after that, it’s in and out like a boss. And the more consistent you are? The easier and quicker it gets.
So whether you're prepping for a beach trip, a big night out, or you just want to feel smoother and more confident in your skin, Brazilian waxing isn’t just a beauty treatment. It’s a whole upgrade. Now that you know what you’re in for, let’s get into those prep tips that’ll set you up for smooth, bump-free success.
8 Tips to Prep for Your First Brazilian Wax
Because Winging It Shouldn’t Be Your Hair Removal Strategy
Getting your first Brazilian wax isn’t something you want to just show up to with zero prep and a prayer. The smoother the prep, the smoother the results, literally. So, let’s get into the eight things you actually need to know before that first appointment.
1. Let It Grow—Seriously
If you’ve been shaving, pause. Your hair needs to be at least ¼ inch long (think: a grain of rice) so the wax can grip it properly. Too short? The wax won’t catch. Too long? We’ll trim it, no problem. But don’t roll in freshly shaved, as waxing and stubble don’t play nice.
2. Exfoliate Gently (But Not Right Before)
Sloughing off dead skin helps prevent ingrowns and lets the wax do its job. Exfoliate 24–48 hours beforehand using something gentle but effective that buffs away buildup without being harsh, and trust us, your skin will thank you.
3. Skip the Lotions and Oils on Wax Day
Come to your appointment clean and dry, no body oils, heavy lotions, or moisturizers down there. Products can make it harder for the wax to stick, and you want maximum stickiness where it counts.
4. No Caffeine or Booze Beforehand
Caffeine and alcohol can both increase skin sensitivity. We know it’s tempting to “numb the nerves” with a latte or glass of wine, but it might make the experience more intense. Hydrate instead; water is your pre-wax bestie.
5. Wear Comfy, Loose Clothing
Skip the skinny jeans and go for loose cotton undies or even none at all afterward. Your skin might be a little tender, and friction is not the move. Oversized joggers or your favorite cozy dress? Chef’s kiss.
6. Time It Right
Don’t book your first wax the day before a big event. Give your skin 1–2 days to settle down, especially if you're prone to redness or irritation. Oh, and try not to book during your period if you can avoid it; you’re more sensitive, and it may feel more uncomfortable.
7. Take a Deep Breath And Maybe Some Ibuprofen
About 30–45 minutes before your appointment, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever if you're nervous about the sting. It won’t eliminate all the discomfort, but it can take the edge off. Deep breaths help, too, no joke.
8. Invest in Good Aftercare
You’re not done once the wax is over. What you do after matters just as much as what you do before. Grab a bottle of Agent 88 Serum, it’s a go-to for calming inflammation, preventing ingrowns, and keeping your skin smooth between appointments. Pair it with a regular exfoliation towel, and you’re golden.
Pro tip: If you're the kind of person who needs a routine spelled out (hi, we see you), just ask at your appointment. We’ll walk you through exactly what your skin needs.
Coming up next: what actually happens during a Brazilian wax. Because, yes, knowing the play-by-play makes everything feel a whole lot less intimidating. Let’s go there.
What Actually Happens During a Brazilian Wax
(Spoiler: It’s Not as Scary as You Think)
You’ve booked your first Brazilian wax. You’ve followed the tips. Now you’re wondering… what exactly is about to happen in that treatment room?
Let’s walk you through it from the moment you walk in to when you strut out feeling like a hairless legend.
Step 1: The Quick Chat (A.K.A. We’re Not Just Ripping and Running)
First things first, we talk. Your esthetician will ask if it’s your first time (no shame in that game), whether you’ve been using any skincare products like Retinol, and if you have any concerns. This isn’t small talk; it’s to make sure your skin is safe to wax, and your comfort comes first.
Step 2: Pants Off, Comfort On
You’ll be left alone to undress from the waist down (yes, everything) and lie back on the table. A drape or towel is usually provided, and we’ll guide you through positioning. There’s nothing you need to do perfectly here; we’ve seen it all, and nothing surprises us.
Step 3: The Waxing Begins
Your esthetician will cleanse the area, sometimes apply a light powder, and then it’s go time. Wax is applied in small sections, then swiftly removed against the direction of hair growth. Some spots sting more than others (hi, inner lips), but the pain is short-lived and never lasts more than a few seconds.
And yes, we do the booty strip, it’s quick, oddly satisfying, and honestly, most people say it’s the easiest part.
Step 4: The Finishing Touches
Once all the hair is removed, we go back with tweezers to catch any stubborn strays. Then comes the good stuff: soothing aftercare. We might apply a calming serum like Agent 88 or a hydrating balm to help reduce redness and irritation.
You'll also get aftercare instructions and product recs so your skin stays smooth and bump-free.
Step 5: You Walk Out Glowing (and Maybe a Little Shocked)
That’s it. You did it. The whole process takes about 20–30 minutes. It’s fast, efficient, and surprisingly empowering.
Will you be a little red or tender? Probably. Will you immediately regret not doing this sooner? Definitely.
Next up? The full breakdown on aftercare. Because what you do in the 24 hours after your wax totally changes how your skin looks and feels. Keep scrolling for the lowdown. 👇
Brazilian Wax Aftercare: What to Do Once You're Hair-Free
(Because Glowing Skin Doesn’t Stop at the Table)
So, you braved the wax. You’re feeling smooth, fierce, and a little bit tender. Totally normal. But what do you do after your first Brazilian wax? That’s where the real magic happens. The difference between irritated skin and a flawless finish often comes down to how you treat those freshly waxed bits in the next 24–48 hours.
Let’s break it down.
Skip the Sweat
No hot yoga, no gym, no steamy showers for at least 24 hours. Sweat = bacteria. Bacteria = breakouts. And trust us, clogged follicles down there? No one’s idea of fun.
Hands Off
Avoid touching, scratching, or checking the area every 15 minutes (we know it’s tempting). Your skin’s healing. Let it do its thing without extra friction or bacteria.
Use the Right Products
The golden rule? Soothe and protect. Apply it daily after your wax, and again after exfoliating.
Speaking of…
Exfoliate Like You Mean It (But Not Right Away)
Wait about 48–72 hours, then start gently exfoliating the area 2–3 times per week. It helps prevent clogged pores and allows future waxes to go way more smoothly.
We love pairing an exfoliating towel with your favorite unscented body washit's tough enough to buff away buildup but still gentle on sensitive skin.
Loose Clothes, Happy Skin
Tight leggings or clingy panties can irritate the area and trap heat. Go for soft, breathable cotton and give your skin space to chill out.
Follow these steps, and you’re not just smooth, you’re thriving. Brazilian waxing isn’t just about removing hair, but it’s about giving your skin the kind of treatment it deserves.
Brazilian Waxing FAQ for First-Timers
(You’ve Got Questions—We’ve Got the Honest Answers)
Nervous about your first Brazilian wax? Totally normal. These are the questions clients ask the most before they hop on the table, so let’s clear a few things up.
Does a Brazilian wax hurt?
Yep, it’s not a tickle fight. But is it unbearable? Nope. Most people describe it as a quick sting, like pulling off a bandage. The pain lasts just a second, and it gets easier with each visit. Pro tip: Take a deep breath, exhale, and trust your waxer. (We do this all day.)
How long should my hair be before my first Brazilian wax?
Let it grow to about ¼ inch, think the length of a grain of rice. If it’s shorter than that, the wax can’t grip. If it’s longer, don’t worry, we’ll trim it for you. Just resist the urge to shave beforehand.
Can I get waxed if I’m on my period?
You can, but you might be a little more sensitive. If you’re cool with it, wear a fresh tampon or menstrual cup, and we’ll get to work. No judgment here, we’ve seen it all.
When can I start working out again after my Brazilian wax?
Hold off for 24 hours. Sweating too soon can clog pores and cause irritation. Instead, give your skin time to chill, literally and figuratively.
Final Thoughts: Your First Brazilian Wax Is a Big Deal and You’ve Got This
Booking your first Brazilian wax takes guts. No one’s pretending it’s not a little intimidating, but once it’s done? You walk out feeling like you can take on the world (with the smoothest skin to match). There’s something powerful about choosing to care for your body in a way that feels good to you on your terms, in your time.
At Bare Skin Bronze and Body in Twin Falls, the experience is all about you. No judgment, no pressure, and absolutely no cookie-cutter approach. Just real people, real comfort, and real results.
So, if you’re ready to say goodbye to the razor and hello to confidence that lasts weeks instead of hours, we’re ready when you are.
Book your appointment now, and let’s get you waxed, smooth, and strutting.