I have often found that the best way to calm anxiety before a stressful experience is to arm yourself with knowledge about what to expect. And since no one on Earth is immune from fear in the face of a particularly intimate type of beauty event, I’ve worked with the experts to break down everything you need to know about preparing for a Brazilian wax, how to prepare during it, and what to do after it. treatment.
Our two experts, Courtney Claghorn and Jodi Shays, founders of the popular Sugar + Bronzed and Queen Bee salons, respectively, are well-versed in the art of Brazilian. (Claghorn salons remove hair with sugar, while Shays use traditional wax.) Heed their advice and proceed with confidence.
Above image of our interview with Kori Meloy

How to prepare for a Brazilian wax
It’s helpful (for current and future Brazilians) to get into the habit of regularly moisturizing and exfoliating to help prevent ingrown hairs (more on that below). Pubic hair must be at least a quarter inch long.
Consider taking an Advil or two 20 minutes before your appointment, and be sure to wear loose fitting clothing.
Should you exfoliate?
Yeah! But be careful with when.
“Don’t exfoliate 24 hours before your treatment,” explains Claghorn. “Arrive to your appointment with clean skin, free of lotions and oils. Wait 48 hours after your appointment to start exfoliating too.”
Should you trim before a Brazilian wax or sugaring? How long should your hair be ideally?
The hair should be at least a quarter of an inch long so that the wax and fondant can extract it from the skin. Don’t worry about trimming, but do it carefully with baby scissors if you need to.
How is sugar removal different from waxing?
Like eyebrow threading, sugaring doesn’t pull on the skin as much as waxing. It may also be better for people with sensitive skin. “It has only three organic ingredients: sugar, lemon, and water,” Claghorn notes. “It is applied at a warm temperature and avoids burning the skin.”
What is the difference between a Brazilian wax and a bikini wax?
“Bikini wax removes all the hair that would ‘stick out’ of a bathing suit or underwear,” Shays explains. “A Brazilian wax removes all hair, from top to bottom and from back to front.

during his brazilian
Is there anything I can do to help him relax during the appointment?
In addition to the Advil, you can take it 20 minutes before your appointment, breathing techniques are essential.
“Great yoga breaths help, as does having an esthetician who has an amazing bedside manner,” Shays shares. “It’s really weird when you’re getting waxed and it’s quiet in the room. We love putting on good music and having a good time in the room.”
How much should you tip for a Brazilian Sugaring?
Between 18% and 20%.

after your brazilian
What should you apply after a Brazilian waxing?
Although your technician will apply something immediately after the waxing experience, the goal at home is to keep things calm and cool to avoid bumps and ingrown hairs. You’ll want to use ultra-hydrating balms or oils that have inflammation-soothing ingredients (Sugar + Bronzed offers an oil infused with coconut and jojoba oil). And be sure to wait at least 48 hours before exfoliating.
Can Brazilians shave or wax?
Trim if necessary, but definitely avoid tweezing or shaving.
“It will create different hair growth cycles and prevent future sugar sessions from leaving your skin smooth for maximum time,” adds Claghorn.
How long should a Brazilian wax or sugaring last?
Although it depends on the growth cycle of your hair, both experts agree that it should last between three and four weeks. It should continue to last longer if you’re going to be waxing regularly.