What to Expect For Your First Brazilian Wax
So you’re finally doing it—you’re booking your first Brazilian wax. Equal parts excited, terrified, and Googling “Does it hurt?” at 2 AM? Say less. The truth: a Brazilian is only scary if you walk in clueless. At Ted D Bare, your favorite waxing studio in San Jose, we don’t do clueless. Instead, we’re all about making sure our clients are informed and comfortable. A Brazilian wax can feel a little out of your comfort zone, but with the right expectations and prep, it’s actually not as intimidating as it sounds. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything—from what to expect at your appointment to how to take care of your skin afterward. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll feel ready to take the plunge—and best of all, once you start, shaving is dead to you.
What Is a Brazilian Wax?
A Brazilian wax involves the removal of all hair in the pubic area, including the front, sides, and often, the back. You can choose whether to leave a small strip, triangle, or square in the front, or go for a completely bare look. While the treatment has become increasingly popular for both men and women, it’s important to understand that waxing removes the hair from the root, offering longer-lasting results compared to shaving or other hair removal methods.
Unlike a traditional bikini wax, which focuses only on cleaning up the sides and upper thighs, a Brazilian wax targets a more extensive area, making it the ideal option for those seeking a smooth and clean look.
Benefits of Choosing a Brazilian Wax
There are many benefits to choosing a Brazilian wax, especially for first-timers:
Longer-lasting results: Unlike shaving, which cuts hair at the surface, waxing removes hair from the root, allowing it to take longer to regrow—typically 3-4 weeks between sessions.
Finer hair growth: Over time, regular waxing leads to thinner, softer hair that grows back slower and more sparse.
Smoother skin: Waxing removes hair from the root and also pulls away the layer of dead skin cells on the surface, which makes your skin feel softer and smoother than shaving.
No more shaving irritation: Waxing eliminates the common problems of razor bumps, nicks, and cut skin that can result from shaving.
How to Prepare for Your First Brazilian Wax
Hair Length and Timing
For the best results, your hair should be about half an inch long—roughly the size of a grain of rice. That’s the sweet spot where the wax can grip the hair like a vice and pull it clean from the root. If it’s longer than that, no big deal. In fact, longer hair can give the wax even more to grab onto, which can make the removal extra thorough. The trade-off? You might feel it a little more—think ripping off a small Band-Aid versus a full roll of duct tape. If you’re rocking a full pop-up book downstairs because you last waxed when Obama was president, no worries—leave it to us. Clients tend to trim too much, which leaves the hair too short for the wax to grip and remove properly. We got you.
Avoid shaving for at least 4 weeks before your first Brazilian wax. Shaving cuts hair at the surface, which can make waxing less effective because the wax needs to grip the hair at the root. When you shave, the hair grows back thicker and more uneven, making it harder for the wax to remove it properly.
Skin Prep and Exfoliation Tips
Exfoliation is key when preparing for a first time Brazilian wax. Gently exfoliate your skin 48-72 hours before your appointment to remove dead skin cells and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs. Avoid using harsh scrubs, as they can irritate the skin, especially in sensitive areas.
It’s also a good idea to avoid excessive sun exposure for a day or two before your wax, as sunburned skin can be more sensitive to waxing. Hydration is important too—drink plenty of water leading up to your appointment to keep your skin in good condition.
What to Wear to Your Appointment
For comfort after your Brazilian wax, wear loose, cotton clothing to avoid friction and irritation. Tight clothing can rub against the skin and increase the risk of ingrown hairs and discomfort, so opt for something soft and breathable, like a flowy skirt or loose pants.
First Brazilian Wax Tips: What to Know Before You Go
Addressing Fears, Anxieties & Communication with Your Wax Specialist
It’s totally normal to feel a little nervous before your first Brazilian wax—it’s a pretty invasive experience, after all. Yeah, it’s going to hurt—a lot—but it gets easier with time! And yes, you will be bare from the waist down—there’s no getting around that, so let’s toss any privacy concerns out the window. But don't worry, your wax specialist is there to make sure you feel comfortable and confident throughout the whole process. If you have any concerns, whether about the pain or anything else, just speak up—they're here to guide you and make the experience as smooth and easy as possible. And us? We’re probably the funniest people we know, so chances are, we’ll have you laughing when you try not to—and you might even find yourself kind of looking forward to your next appointment.
Pain Management Tips for Your First Brazilian Wax
Let’s be real: the pain is going to suck. No lie. It’s swift, brutal, and chest-sucking—and any waxer who tells you otherwise is lying. But here’s the weird part—it’s also eerily quick. One second you feel it, the next it’s over, and you’re left wondering if it was really as bad as your brain hyped it up to be. Luckily, there are some tricks to take the edge off:
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen 30 minutes before your appointment to help reduce discomfort.
Breathe deeply and stay loose. If you tense up, you’re basically inviting the wax to hurt more.
Trust the process—the wax is quick, and most clients find that the discomfort decreases significantly with regular waxing.
The Brazilian Waxing Process: What Happens at the Studio
At Ted D Bare, we don’t waste your time or drag out the pain. We’re the home of the 7-minute Brazilian wax—the same one you’ve probably seen blowing up on TikTok—because nobody needs a 45-minute session of awkward small talk with their legs in the air. You walk in, and we hand you a cleansing wipe to clear off any oils, sweat, or post-gym glow you’re rocking. This step is non-negotiable because it helps the wax grip the hair like it’s supposed to. We laugh, we gossip, and we get right to work so you can get on with your day.
Advice for First Time Brazilian Wax Aftercare
Post-Wax Experience and Immediate Aftercare
Right after your first Brazilian wax, expect a little redness or tenderness in the treated area—totally normal. We just low-key traumatized your skin, so it needs a minute to calm down. Most of this will fade within a few hours. For the first 24 hours, skip hot showers, baths, saunas, and direct sunbathing. Think “easy-peasy and gentle” with your skin. This is not the time for a spin class, pool day, or any friction-heavy activities. Treat the area like it’s in recovery mode, and you’ll heal faster and stay smoother longer.
Preventing Irritation and Ingrown Hairs
Preventing irritation and ingrown hairs is crucial for maintaining smooth skin after your wax. The right aftercare products can help ensure your skin heals properly. Here’s what you need:
Physical Exfoliation – After waiting 48-72 hours post-wax to allow your skin to calm down, you’ll want to gently exfoliate 2-3 times a week. Use a physical exfoliator to remove dead skin and prevent ingrown hairs. We recommend the 50 Grit Exfoliating Cloth (available in Passive for sensitive skin or Aggressive for normal/combination skin). These cloths help to slough off the dead skin that can block follicles and cause ingrowns.
Chemical Exfoliation/Ingrown Serum – Follow up with a chemical exfoliator like Agent 88. This serum works deeper within the pores to clear out the buildup before it turns into ingrown hairs. It's a gentle yet effective solution that combines lactic acid and salicylic acid to prevent irritation, while calming botanicals ensure your skin stays balanced.
Ingrown Oil – To further soothe the skin and keep ingrown hairs at bay, use an ingrown oil like Phantom Oil. This oil has neem oil (a gentler cousin of tea tree oil) to help prevent ingrown hairs while keeping the skin moisturized and nourished. It’s a great alternative to harsher chemical exfoliants and works beautifully on sensitive skin. This oil takes care of both hydration and ingrown prevention, making it a great post-wax solution.
How Often Should You Get a Brazilian Wax?
The Ideal Timing for Your Next Appointment
After your first Brazilian wax, book your next session in about 4–6ish weeks. That’s the sweet spot before your hair gets too long and you end up back at square one. Regular waxing keeps your skin smooth, keeps the hair from growing back like it’s training for a comeback tour, and makes each session easier than the last. Skip too many appointments, and you’re basically undoing all your progress—so stay on schedule if you want to keep that just-waxed magic going.
How Consistency Helps with Hair Regrowth
Waxing once in a blue moon is like going to the gym once a year and expecting abs. The more consistently you wax, the more you train your hair to grow back finer, softer, and in fewer numbers. After a few sessions, you’ll notice the hair doesn’t just grow back slower; it also grows in more evenly. That means your appointments get quicker, your pain tolerance shoots up, and the whole thing feels less like a battle and more like routine maintenance.
First Brazilian Wax FAQs
Can I Get a Brazilian Wax During My Period?
Yes, you can absolutely get a Brazilian wax during your period as long as you’re wearing a tampon or menstrual cup. This is not The Handmaid's Tale, and women are no longer banished to menstruation huts. If women can run marathons and companies while on their cycle, they can certainly get a Brazilian wax. That said, you might feel a little more sensitivity thanks to hormone changes, so brace for a slightly spicier experience. Just know we’ve done this a hundred times, and it’s perfectly safe.
How Long Does a Brazilian Wax Last?
Typically 3 to 4 weeks, depending on how quickly your hair likes to stage its comeback. Stay consistent with your appointments, and you’ll notice it grows back slower, finer, and way less aggressively.
Will My Skin React After My First Brazilian Wax?
Probably. Redness, slight swelling, or a bit of tenderness right after your first wax is normal. You just had hair ripped out from the root, so it’s not a spa nap. But with proper aftercare, the redness fades within hours, and you’ll be back to normal before you know it.
How Many Sessions Will It Take to Get Smooth Skin?
Most people see the magic around session three or four. That’s when your hair starts growing in finer, sparser, and more evenly, making your appointments faster and more comfortable.
What Is the Difference Between a Brazilian and Bikini Wax?
A Brazilian wax is the full eviction of hair from the mons pubis, labia, front, and bum crack. A bikini wax is just the visible cleanup, removing hair from the sides and the top of the bikini line. Think of a bikini wax as mowing the front lawn, and a Brazilian as full landscaping with the backyard included.
What Happens if My Hair Is Too Short for a Brazilian Wax?
If it’s less than half an inch long, the wax won’t grip properly. That means more missed hairs and more frustration for both of us. Better to wait until it’s long enough so we can get a clean, satisfying pull.
How Soon Can I Schedule My Next Brazilian Wax After My First Appointment?
Three to four weeks is the sweet spot. Any sooner and the hair might be too short. Any later and you’re letting the roots thicken and the pain increase.
Can I Get a Brazilian Wax While Pregnant?
Yes, it’s generally safe. But keep in mind pregnancy hormones can make your skin extra sensitive, so it may hurt more than usual. If you’re over 5 months along and haven’t been in for regular waxing at least three times in the last five months, we won’t wax you. Not because we don’t want to, but because swelling and hormones can make it unnecessarily uncomfortable, and we’re not about traumatizing you or your baby.
Final Thoughts on Your First Brazilian Wax Experience
At Ted D Bare, we believe waxing should be quick, easy, and (dare we say) fun! Our famous 7-minute Brazilian wax gets you in and out without sacrifice of comfort and time. We keep it light, we keep you laughing, and we make sure you leave feeling like a smooth-skinned legend.
If you want more insider tips on waxing in San Jose, the best aftercare hacks, or how to keep your skin looking like a filter-free Instagram post, dive into the rest of our blog. And if you've got other questions you want answered, just ask! We’ll take care of everything—except your hair. That’s gone.