How to Prepare for a Brazilian Wax (Besides Getting Naked)
TL;DR: How to Prepare for a Brazilian Wax
Grow hair to about ½ inch (no shaving between appointments).
Exfoliate gently 24–48 hours before, but skip lotions, oils, or harsh scrubs on wax day.
Wear loose, breathable clothing to prevent irritation afterward.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, tanning, and sweaty workouts right before.
For less sensitivity, book mid-cycle—but yes, waxing is safe during your period or pregnancy.
So, you’re thinking about getting waxed and finally ditching the razor. Welcome to the club. You’re here because you want to know how to prepare for a Brazilian wax, and you came to the right place.
Since 2006, Ted D Bare has been the standard for waxing in San Jose, and after thousands of Brazilians, we’ve seen it all. Preparation is what separates a smooth, fast appointment from one that feels like a slow-motion horror flick. Done right, it means less discomfort, fewer ingrown hairs, and a tech who can move at top speed without stopping to fix rookie mistakes.
Here’s how to show up ready.
What Is a Brazilian Wax?
Before we talk Brazilian wax prep, let’s clear the air on what a Brazilian wax actually covers. We’re not just tidying the bikini line. We’re taking it all—from the pubic bone, down the sides, and straight through to the backside. Most people go completely bare because… why half-commit? But if you want a strip or triangle up front, we can make that happen.
This service has earned its spot as one of the most popular treatments worldwide because shaving can’t compete. Razors give you stubble, irritation, and ingrowns. Unlike a quick trim or shave, waxing removes hair directly from the follicle, meaning regrowth is slower, finer and softer over time.
At Ted D Bare, we’ve been perfecting Brazilians since 2006. Translation: we’ve seen every shape, every style, and every rookie mistake. You’re in the hands of pros who can get you smooth in minutes, not an hour-long horror show.
Brazilian Wax vs. Bikini Wax
A bikini wax is the starter pack. It only removes the hair that peeks out around your underwear or swimsuit. Cute, tidy, beach-ready.
A Brazilian wax is the full commitment. Pubic bone, sides, labia, and between the cheeks. If you want everything smooth, this is the one. Your choice to go completely bare or leave a landing strip or inverted V up front.
The difference matters. If you’re just cleaning up for the pool or that barely-there Halloween costume (yes, Whoreloween counts), a bikini wax might be enough. But if you’re tired of razor burn, hate stubble, or just don’t want to think about hair for weeks, Brazilian is the gold standard.
At Ted D Bare, we offer both. You choose how bare you want to go, and we make it happen fast, clean, and without the horror-story of 45 minute waxes.
What to Expect for First-Timers
If it’s your first Brazilian, nerves are normal. Let’s be real: it hurts. We’re not here to sell you a “painless wax” fantasy. It’s soul-crushing for a hot second, then it’s over. The difference at Ted D Bare is how we get you through it. We crack bad jokes, spill tea, distract you, and somehow make it feel like less of a torture session and more like hanging out.
We’re also fast. Our TikTok-viral “7-minute Brazilian” is legendary for a reason. Efficiency doesn’t mean sloppy. Efficiency means skill. Our estheticians are trained to move quickly and precisely so you’re in and out before your brain has time to panic.
And while we love to keep it light, we don’t play around with safety. Every tool and surface is sterilized beyond industry standards. UV disinfection, fresh table paper, the whole nine. You get the best of both worlds: a wax that’s quick and clean, in an environment that's surgically clean but never clinical.
How to Prepare for a Brazilian Wax (First Time or Not)
Now let’s get into the core: how to prepare for a first time Brazilian wax or as a regular client. These Brazilian wax preparation tips apply across the board, ensuring you leave with the best possible results.
Hair Length Guidelines
Hair length is critical. For wax to grip properly, hair should be about half an inch long—roughly the width of a pencil eraser. Too short, and the wax won’t grab. Too long, and the pull can be more uncomfortable. When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of longer—your esthetician can always trim before the appointment.
If you’ve been shaving, plan to let your hair grow for about four weeks before booking your appointment so it reaches that ideal length. After your first wax, your esthetician will guide you on how often to come back (usually every 3–4 weeks) to keep hair at the right stage for easy removal.
Trimming vs. Shaving
Trimming is fine if your hair feels a little long, but shaving in between appointments is a no-go. Shaving cuts hair bluntly, which makes regrowth thicker, uneven, and harder for wax to grip the next time around. Sticking to waxing keeps your hair softer and finer over time.
Why Exfoliation Matters
Gentle exfoliation 24–48 hours before waxing helps remove dead skin, prevents clogged pores, and allows wax to adhere better. Think soft scrubs, exfoliating cloths, or a loofah—not harsh chemicals.
Regular exfoliation also reduces the risk of ingrown hairs, a common concern for Brazilian waxing clients. In fact, many people don’t realize that the waxing process itself provides light exfoliation, since the wax lifts away dead skin cells along with the hair. This double benefit is part of why skin feels so smooth and refreshed immediately after a wax.
Showering and Skincare Before Your Appointment
Shower on the day of your appointment if possible. Use lukewarm water and mild soap, but avoid heavy lotions or oils afterward. These can coat the skin and interfere with the wax.
At Ted D Bare, we also provide cleansing wipes so you can freshen up before your session—because we know sometimes you’re coming straight from work, errands, or the gym.
Clothing Choices for Comfort
After waxing, skin is more sensitive. Loose, breathable fabrics—cotton underwear, relaxed joggers, or dresses—prevent friction and allow skin to heal. Tight synthetic fabrics trap sweat and can cause irritation or ingrown hairs.
What Should You Not Do Before a Brazilian Wax?
Time for the core: how to actually prepare for your wax. These tips apply whether it’s your very first Brazilian or your fiftieth. Follow them and you’ll leave smoother, happier, and (dare we say) excited to return.
Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine, and Certain Medications
What you put in your body before a wax can make a big difference in how it feels. Alcohol and caffeine both constrict blood vessels and tighten pores. Translation: every pull feels sharper than it needs to. Save the morning latte or pre-wax glass of wine for afterward.
Medications are just as important to flag. Accutane, topical retinoids, and certain acne treatments thin or sensitize the skin, which can make waxing unsafe and lead to tearing or irritation. If you’re unsure about a prescription, tell your esthetician up front so we can advise you on whether it’s safe to proceed. A quick conversation now saves your skin later.
Skip Tanning, Sunburns, or Heavy Workouts
Freshly tanned or sunburned skin might look good in photos, but it’s a nightmare for waxing. That skin is already stressed and fragile, which means pulling wax on top of it risks extra pain, irritation, or even lifting. Always wait until your skin is fully healed before booking.
Workouts deserve a quick callout too. Light activity earlier in the day is fine, but don’t roll into your appointment fresh off a sweaty HIIT class. Excess heat and sweat make skin more sensitive and raise the risk of ingrowns. The best move is to schedule your wax at a time when you’re not heading straight into an intense workout. Your skin will thank you.
How to Make a Brazilian Wax Less Painful
Pain is part of the process. No lie. But it doesn’t need to feel like a sucking chest wound. Here’s how to prep smart and keep the sting manageable:
Timing Around Your Cycle
Your hormones are filled with mood swings, sure, but did you know also they affect pain levels? Right before or during your period, your skin is extra sensitive, which means every pull can sting just a little bit more. If you want the smoothest ride, aim to book your wax mid-cycle, about a week after your period ends.
That said, waxing on your period is 100% safe. Just wear a tampon or menstrual cup and let your esthetician know so we can keep things extra discreet and comfortable. We’ve seen it all, it doesn’t faze us, and it won’t change the quality of your wax.
Pain Relievers and Numbing Options
A little strategy goes a long way. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen 30–45 minutes before your wax can help take the edge off.
Numbing creams? Totally fine as long as you use them right. Apply 30–45 minutes beforehand so the numbing agents have time to sink in, and cover the area with a bit of plastic wrap to help it penetrate fully. Do it wrong and you’ll just end up greasy with zero benefit.
If you’re not sure what products are legit, ask your esthetician. We’ll steer you toward what actually works and away from the snake oil.
Relaxation and Breathing Techniques
Your mindset matters. If you walk in clenching every muscle, you’ll feel every pull. Just breathe and do your bestest to relax and not tense up in order to lower pain levels. And forget about awkward silence because we don’t do quiet rooms here. At Ted D Bare, expect bad jokes, gossip, and banter to keep you distracted until you realize… oh, we’re already done.
Brazilian Wax Aftercare: What to Do for the Best Results
Prep gets you through the appointment. Aftercare is what keeps your skin smooth instead of angry. How you treat your skin in the first 24–48 hours makes the difference between flawless results and irritation, bumps, or ingrowns.
What Is The 48 Hour Rule For Waxing?
The first 48 hours after a Brazilian are your skin’s danger zone. It’s more sensitive, pores are still open, and the wrong move can mean irritation, bumps, or breakouts. The rules are simple: keep it clean, keep it cool, and keep it chill.
That means no gym, no sex, no tanning, no hot tubs, no saunas, no steamy baths, and no exfoliating yet. Basically, if it causes sweat, heat, or friction, skip it. Stick to quick, lukewarm showers and fragrance-free products until your skin calms down.
After 48–72 hours, once your skin feels normal again, you can start gentle exfoliation to keep things smooth and ingrown-free.
Exfoliation Tips to Prevent Ingrowns
Ingrown hairs are one of the most common post-wax complaints, but the good news is they’re easy to manage with the right routine. The trick is starting at the right time: wait 48–72 hours after your wax before doing any exfoliation so your skin has a chance to calm down first.
Once you’re in the clear, aim to exfoliate 2–3 times per week. A combo approach works best:
Gentle physical exfoliation: Use a soft cloth, mitt, or fine-grain scrub to whisk away dead skin cells that can block follicles. At Ted D Bare, we recommend the 50 Grit Exfoliating Cloth—choose Passive for sensitive skin or Aggressive for normal/combination types. Think buff, not scrub—your skin’s already been through enough.
Chemical exfoliation: Lightweight products with ingredients like salicylic or lactic acid can penetrate deeper into pores and stop buildup before it turns into irritation. Agent 88 is a favorite because it combines gentle acids with calming botanicals to keep skin clear without causing dryness.
Skip anything harsh: chunky scrubs, strong fragrance, or alcohol-heavy toners will only piss off freshly waxed skin. Stick to gentle, targeted products that calm and protect. That’s how you stay smooth longer and make your wax last.
Common Questions About How to Prepare for a Brazilian Wax
Does a Brazilian Wax Hurt More the First Time?
Yes. Your first time usually feels the most intense because the hair is thick, coarse, and rooted turnips. The good news? It only gets easier from here.
With consistent waxing, regrowth comes in softer and finer, which means less pain and faster appointments. By your third or fourth visit, most clients say the difference is night and day. Stick with it and you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with a razor in the first place.
How Often Should I Book a Brazilian Wax?
Most clients stick to every 4–6 weeks, depending on how fast their hair grows. That timing keeps you consistently smooth and prevents a full regrowth cycle from undoing all your progress.
Stay on schedule and each appointment gets easier, faster, and less painful. Skip too long and you’re basically starting over. Trust us, no one wants their “first wax pain” on repeat.
Can I Get a Brazilian Wax on My Period?
Yes, absolutely. As long as you’re wearing a tampon or menstrual cup, you’re fine. Your period doesn’t cancel self-care.
And no, we’re not living in some ancient era where menstruation was treated like a curse that brought shame or misfortune to your whole family. It’s 2025. A period is just biology, c'mon now.
You might feel a little extra sensitivity thanks to hormone shifts, so expect it to sting more than usual. But TRUST, we’ve waxed thousands of clients on their cycle. It’s safe, normal, and nothing to stress about. Your esthetician isn’t fazed, and you shouldn’t be either.
Is It Safe to Get a Brazilian Wax While Pregnant?
Yes, it’s safe. Plenty of clients wax through pregnancy for comfort and hygiene. The main difference is sensitivity—thanks to hormones, your skin may feel more tender, so every pull can sting a little extra.
At our studio, if you plan to be waxed for your delivery, we’ll only do it if you’ve maintained your waxing routine with us at least three times during your first five months. Pregnancy hormones make your hair thicker and your skin extra sensitive. If you skip months and then show up right before birth, it will be brutally uncomfortable for you. And you’ll end up cursing your unborn children. Hard pass.
Bottom line: consistency is everything. Keep up your routine and we’ll keep you smooth and your insanity intact right up to the finish line.
How Long Does a Brazilian Wax Last?
On average, results last about 3–4 weeks. How fast your hair grows depends on genetics, texture, and how consistent you are with waxing. The more regularly you wax, the finer and slower your regrowth becomes.
Think of your first couple appointments as training your follicles. Stay on schedule and you’ll stretch out the smooth weeks. Fall off the wagon and you’ll be right back to square one, wondering why you wasted your time with a razor.
What If I’m Waxing for the First Time as a Man?
Yes, men get waxed too. A “Manzilian” is the male version of a Brazilian—it removes all the hair from the pubic region, scrotum, penis, between the cheeks, and the crack. In other words, it’s full coverage, tailored for male anatomy.
Fun fact: Ted D Bare actually launched as a men-only waxing studio and was the first to bring male waxing to the Bay Area. We pioneered the Manzilian here, period. So if you’re nervous about your first time, relax, we've seen it all and we will only talk about you BEHIND your back. Just kidding. Sort of.
Should I Trim My Pubic Hair Before a Brazilian Wax?
Nope. Put the scissors down. Trimming too short makes waxing harder because the wax can’t grip the hair. The ideal length is about half an inch.
If it’s longer than that, don’t stress. Your esthetician can safely trim it for you at the studio. We’d rather handle it ourselves than waste your time and money trying to wax hairs that are too short to come out.
Are You Supposed to Shower Before a Brazilian Wax?
A quick shower before your appointment is ideal. Use lukewarm water and mild soap, but skip lotions or oils afterward since they can block the wax from gripping.
Coming straight from work? No problem! We’ve got wipes so you can freshen up. Coming straight from the gym? Not a good idea. After a workout your pores are wide open, sweat and bacteria are everywhere, and that’s basically begging for folliculitis and irritation. Do yourself a favor and shower first or skip the gym on wax day.
Your Go-To Guide on Preparing for a Brazilian Wax in San Jose
At Ted D Bare, we’ve been perfecting speed waxing in San Jose since 2006. We’ve answered every question, calmed every first-timer, and seen more Brazilians than we can count. Think of us as your childless, unfiltered waxing auntie. We may not be raising kids, but we sure raised the bar on what a Brazilian should feel like.
Want more tips (and answers to the stuff you’re too shy to ask)? Keep digging through our blog. We cover it all.