How To Prepare for a Brazilian Wax
Your first Brazilian wax can feel a little intimidating, but understanding how to prepare for a Brazilian wax can help you feel more confident walking into your first session. Proper skin prep also ensures a safe, comfortable experience. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about proper skin prep, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
What is a Brazilian wax?
A personalized Brazilian waxing service can give you silky-smooth skin for weeks at a time. Here’s a quick guide to the basics:
Is a Brazilian wax the same as a bikini wax?
While both bikini and Brazilian waxes remove hair from the pubic area, there are a couple of distinctions to keep in mind. A bikini wax typically targets hair along the bikini line, sometimes including more of the pubic mound.
A Brazilian wax is more comprehensive, eliminating unwanted hair from the bikini line, pubic mound, and all the way back to the butt strip. You can opt for a landing strip in various styles, or choose to go completely bare with a Hollywood Brazilian.
What type of wax is used for Brazilian waxing?
Most estheticians use hard wax for Brazilian hair removal, as it’s more gentle on sensitive skin and intimate areas than soft wax.
Are there any side effects?
Freshly waxed skin may be red, inflamed, and slightly sensitive, but these side effects should subside within a few hours. In some cases, bumps and ingrown hairs may appear due to clogged pores and exposure to bacteria, but you can often prevent these blemishes with proper skin preparation before your Brazilian wax.
Related: What Is a Buccal Massage and Does It Help Lymphatic Drainage?
How to prepare for your first Brazilian wax
As you prepare for your first Brazilian wax appointment, keep the following tips in mind to set yourself up for success:
Grow out your hair
For a successful Brazilian wax, you must grow your hair to around a quarter-inch long. This allows the wax to firmly grasp each hair, removing it fully from the root.
Exfoliate before your appointment
One or two days before your Brazilian waxing session, use a mild scrub to gently remove dead skin cells from the treatment area. Exfoliation helps ensure the waxing process is efficient and prevents the formation of ingrown hairs.
Keep your skin moisturized
Keeping your skin hydrated can make hair removal easier and more comfortable. Drink plenty of water and regularly apply a nourishing, fragrance-free moisturizer in the days leading up to your session. Just remember to arrive for your appointment with clean, product-free skin.
Wear comfy clothing
Your wardrobe may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of how to prepare for a Brazilian wax, but your clothing choice can have a big impact on your comfort after treatment. On the day of your session, opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothes to minimize friction and heat retention.
Schedule your wax for the right time
Hormonal fluctuations throughout your cycle affect your pain tolerance, so it’s best to avoid waxing five days before and after your period.
Related: Does Waxing Reduce Hair Growth?
What to avoid before your Brazilian wax
Just like full-body waxing services, prepare for your Brazilian wax and encourage the best possible results with these tips:
Avoid tanning for 24 to 48 hours before waxing
UV exposure compromises your moisture barrier and makes skin more sensitive. It can even increase the risk of irritation, hyperpigmentation, and minor burns. Protect your skin from direct sunlight leading up to your Brazilian wax to ensure a safe and comfortable session.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine on your appointment day
Both caffeine and alcohol can heighten skin sensitivity and make you more prone to bleeding and bruising during your wax. Hold off on the fun drinks until after your wax, and focus on staying super hydrated in the meantime.
Don’t apply any products on the day of your appointment
We’ve mentioned the importance of maintaining well-moisturized skin as you prepare for your Brazilian wax, but it’s just as essential to skip all topical products on the day of your waxing session. Lotions, body sprays, and deodorant all create barriers between the wax and your hair, making waxing less effective.
In some cases, your esthetician may apply a numbing cream before treatment, but these are vetted products that won’t interfere with your salon service. If you have concerns about discomfort during your wax, consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen about 30 minutes before your appointment.
Experience the best in Brazilian waxing at Vian Aesthetics!
The skincare specialists at Vian Aesthetics believe that true beauty originates from within. We take a holistic approach to corrective skin care, addressing cosmetic concerns and nourishing the spirit to support better overall wellness in mind, body, and spirit. Ready to get started? Book an appointment or give us a call to learn more!
