The Ultimate Guide to Your First Brazilian Wax
What to Expect + Tips from the Pros
If you’re thinking about booking your first Brazilian wax—congratulations! You’re about to experience one of the smoothest, cleanest, most confidence-boosting self-care rituals out there. We know it can feel a little intimidating, but at Neighborhood Wax, we specialize in making first-timers feel completely at ease.
In this guide, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about your first Brazilian wax—from prep to aftercare—so you feel confident, informed, a little less intimidated and ready to go!
What Is a Brazilian Wax, Exactly?
A Brazilian wax removes all the hair from the front, back (meaning, in between the cheeks), and everything in between. Some clients choose to leave a little hair in front (like a strip or triangle), while others prefer to go completely bare. Whatever your preference, we’ll tailor the service to your comfort level.
If you feel like a Brazilian might be too much for your first time, don’t worry, you don’t have to go full steam ahead. You can work your way up to a Brazilian by starting with a bikini, or French bikini wax, just to get a feel for how a typical waxing appointment goes and to make sure we’re the right studio for you.
How to Prepare for Your First Brazilian Wax
Preparation makes all the difference. Follow these simple steps before your appointment:
Let it grow: Hair should be at least ¼ inch long—about the length of a grain of rice. We recommend a minimum of three weeks in between shaving and getting waxed.
Come correct by coming clean: We highly recommend that you come to your appointment, having recently showered and not after a workout.
Exfoliate: In the days leading up to your appointment, lightly exfoliating each day will help soften your skin, which makes your wax hurt less and your hair come out easier.
Take a deep breath: If you’re nervous, that’s totally normal. We’re here to guide you through it.
Avoid caffeine: It can make your skin more sensitive. Stick to water if possible!
Consultation: Fill out your consultation form before you arrive so that your esthetician can review any contraindications ahead of your appointment.
Does It Hurt? (Let’s Be Real)
We won’t lie—your first Brazilian wax can feel a little spicy. But most clients say it’s way more tolerable than they expected and we promise the anticipation is the hardest part.
The good news? It gets easier every time. Our estheticians are trained to work quickly and efficiently, with your comfort top of mind.
What Happens During the Appointment
Come a few minutes early to unwind: Have a drink (champagne, water, or our personal favorite…Diet Coke) or a snack in our super cozy lounge area while you wait for your esthetician.
Time to get started: Once in the treatment room, your esthetician will step out to give you privacy and let you undressed from the waist down. You'll be provided feminine wipes to freshen up and a drape for your lap.
Hot towel treatment: Each intimate waxing service at Neighborhood Wax begins with a complementary hot towel treatment. The hot towel treatment helps soften your skin and relax the little muscles attached to each of your hair follicles. This allows for your hair to come out easier and helps the service hurt less.
The part you’ve been waiting for: To start, your esthetician will apply a nourishing oil to prep your skin. Something that sets Neighborhood Wax apart is our use of an oil barrier, as it is more soothing to the skin and allows for a cleaner and less painful wax. After the oil has been applied, the wax will begin.
Between the cheeks: All Brazilian waxes include hair removal in between the cheeks, unless desired otherwise. Once the front is complete, your aesthetician will guide you into a comfortable position to make this portion of the waxing service seamless. This is often the most intimidating part of getting your first Brazilian although, when it is all said and done, about 99% of clients say it is the easiest part.
Finishing touches: Throughout the waxing portion of your service, your esthetician will tweeze any strays, apply skin soothing products, answer any questions you may have and give you aftercare instructions and advice.
Final moments: When's the service is complete, your esthetician will step out of the room to allow you to get dressed. She will grab any aftercare products you may need and then check you out in the room. She can also rebook you for your next appointment to help keep you consistent so that you can enjoy all the benefits of waxing regularly.
Aftercare Tips
Avoid hot baths, pools/hot tubs, friction and workouts for 24 hours
Start exfoliating manually 2 days post-wax to prevent ingrown hairs.
Keep skin hydrated and exfoliated with an ingrown hair serum and/or oil.
Wear loose clothing for the rest of the day.
Don’t shave between waxes—it disrupts the hair growth cycle!
We’ll also recommend our favorite waxing aftercare products— some of which you can only get at our studio.
How Long Will the Results Last?
For your first Brazilian wax, you can expect to have some short hairs leftover. This is not because your esthetician missed or ignored them, but rather because your hair growth cycle can take 3-4 waxes to get in sync. With each consistent wax, your bikini area will become smoother and smoother and the results will begin to last longer. Consistency is key in order for all the benefits of waxing to be fully realized.
Typically, you can expect to stay smooth for about 2-3 weeks, depending on your hair growth cycle. Overtime, and with consistent waxing, your hair will grow back slower, softer and lighter. With regular appointments (every 4-6 weeks), your hair will grow back softer and sparser over time.
Ready to Book Your First Brazilian?
We love first-timers, like…so much. We remember what it was like to get our first wax. We were intimidated, vulnerable and a little self conscious. Because we remember that feeling so well, we are here to make your waxing experience as relaxing, comfortable and empowering as possible. Whether you’re getting ready for a vacation, a hot date, a fresh start, or just want to treat yourself—you’re in the expert hands of people who have been there. We got you!
NEW GUESTS RECEIVE 50% OFF THEIR FIRST WAX.
Book your appointment today and let us show you just how smooth and confident you can feel.