How to Prepare for a Brazilian Wax

Have you decided to get a Brazilian wax, but you’re not quite sure what to expect?  This post is for you!  

So you’ve scheduled an appointment for a Brazilian waxing, and while you’re excited to try something new, you’re also a bit nervous about the whole process.  What should you do before you go?  What is going to happen during the waxing?  Is someone really going to be seeing and touching you “down there”?  If you are asking yourself any of these questions, keep reading for these answers and more!  (NOTE: these tips are also applicable to a bikini wax, which is similar but removes less hair.)

Before your Brazilian wax

In order for the wax to work properly, your pubic hair needs to be about 1/4″ long.  If you are getting waxed after shaving, make sure you let your hair grow out long enough.  If your pubic hair is already longer, you can trim it down to 1/4″ before you go.  However, it’s better to leave it a little bit too long than too short.  If your pubic hair is too long, the esthetician can quickly trim it up before she starts waxing, but if it is too short you’ll have to come back another day.

I recommend using a hair trimmer rather than scissors, so you can easily get an even length with less chance of cutting yourself. (Something specifically made for pubic hair is ideal – other trimmer/shaver combos can have a bigger head that is awkward to use for delicate work.)

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On the day of your Brazilian wax appointment, make sure you wear comfortable underwear and loose-fitting pants or a skirt.  Underwear made from a breathable fabric like cotton are best.  You definitely want to avoid any chafing or rubbing on your tender skin when you are done!  If you are nervous, do something calming to help relax yourself.  Try a few yoga poses before you go, listen to soothing music, or have a nice piece of chocolate to calm your nerves.  Deep breathing exercises are also a good way to relax your body.  If you’ve never gotten waxed before, or you know you have a low pain tolerance, take an ibuprofen (Advil) an hour before the appointment to help with the pain and swelling.

When you get to the waxing salon

When you arrive at the salon for your Brazilian wax, you’ll meet your esthetician and she will take you to a private room to prepare.   This is a good time to ask the esthetician any questions and make any requests.  Make sure to let her know if you want to leave a landing strip (or other pubic hair style), and whether you want her to remove the hair around your anus.  Removing all of your pubic hair, front and back, is often called a “full Brazilian wax” or a “Hollywood wax” (although the names of waxing styles are different at different salons, so be sure to ask!)

There will be a small table in the room (like at a doctor’s office) and you will be asked to strip from the waist down.  The exact process varies from salon to salon, but you will  either lie on your back with your knees up and apart, or you will get on all fours on the table.  At this point, you may feel somewhat awkward or embarrassed because the esthetician will be intently studying your vulva to make sure she gets all the hair.  Don’t worry!  It will feel weird at first, but she’s seen hundreds of other women and she is just doing her job.

You may be surprised at how quickly your Brazilian wax goes.  It doesn’t take long for each cycle of applying the wax, applying the cloth, and yanking the wax (and hair) away.  In 20 to 30 minutes you will be done, and your skin will be smooth and clean.  Once she’s done waxing, your esthetician will clean up and often apply baby powder to soothe and protect your skin.

In my next post, I’ll tell you how to care for your skin after a Brazilian wax.  Leave any questions or comments in the comment box below, or feel free to privately email me via the Contact form.

8 Replies to “How to Prepare for a Brazilian Wax”

  1. This is exactly what I needed, thank you so much! I’ve been shaving my pubes, but since I’ve turned sixteen I really want to get a Brazilian since i find it so much more hygienic and It seems much easier and worth the pain! But I wanted to know if sixteen is too young? My mom is perfectly Fine with it, but I dont know what you’d recommend? I am starting to be sexually active as well (sounds lame, sorry) so I want to keep it clean as well! I’ve tried shaving but hate the stubbles…. Thank you!

    1. Hi Colbie! If your mom doesn’t have a problem with it, I say go for it! Make sure you let the salon know how old you are when you book your appointment – some of them have an age limit, although I think most would take a sixteen-year-old. Let me know how it goes, and enjoy your stubble-free skin!

  2. Hiya I’m Gunna get a full wax! I.e it all off! Minus the anus and I was just wondering if it’s suitable to keep your pants on as I don’t want to show everything down there!

    1. Hi Olivia! For any sort of Brazilian wax you’ll have to take your pants off, even if you’re not getting your bottom waxed. The esthetician will need enough room to rip the wax off without catching her hand on your clothing. She may also need you to spread or otherwise move your legs during the procedure, which could be difficult if you are wearing pants. And you don’t want to get wax on your clothes!

      Don’t worry about her seeing you down there – it will be less awkward to strip down than to try to cover up. Trust me, she’s seen hundreds of women, and it’s just a part of her job.

  3. As a guy! I’m going to my first Brazilian wax done ;do I have to use anything special on my pubs skin area when showering before I go in?

    1. Hi Keith – I don’t think you will need to do anything special before you get waxed. Showering just before is a great idea, and your aesthetician will appreciate it!

  4. Hiya! I found this article incredibly helpful seeing as getting a brazilian especially by another the first time is awkward. How long do you think a Brazilian lasts for, as in after how many weeks does hair start growing back? Many thanks in advance!

    1. Hi Yas, I’m glad you found it helpful! In general your hair will starting growing back 3-4 weeks after the waxing. The more often you get waxed, the finer your hair will get, so it will take longer to grow back.

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