Everything You Need to Know Before Getting a Brazilian Wax

When we think about getting a Brazilian wax, we can't help but compare it to something akin to skydiving. For some, the sheer idea of both is slightly terrifying, but how people talk about how they feel after makes it something we want to try despite the initial fear.

If it's time for you to scratch this beauty service off of your bucket list of things to try, then you came to the right place. We understand that getting a Brazilian wax (or any form of waxing) for the first time can be nerve-wracking, which is why we spoke with an expert esthetician and a waxing specialist from European Wax Centers to address all of your questions. For tips on how to deal with the pain and maintenance of getting waxed, read ahead.

What is a Brazilian Wax?

A Brazilian wax removes pubic hair from the bikini area and around the external genitals with the added "butt strip," as European Wax Centers call it.

Unlike a standard bikini wax, which typically removes exposed hair from around your panty line, a Brazilian is a great option if you prefer a completely nude look. However, you can also leave a neat triangle, strip, or square of pubic hair in the front, if you prefer to keep some.

What's the Best Way to Prepare for a Brazilian Wax?

To prepare for your wax, Deidra Green, the Field Training Manager at European Wax Centers, recommends growing out pubic hair to be at least a quarter of an inch long — about the size of a sprinkle. "Stop shaving at least five days before your waxing reservation," she recommends. You want to let the hair grow out so that the wax better grips onto the hair and removes it in one go. When the hair is too short, the wax may not pull out all of the hair at once, causing your wax specialist to go over those missed areas. "Don't worry, your hair can never be too long to come to see us," reassures Green.

You can also exfoliate before your appointment to help buff away dead skin cells. "If you are going to exfoliate your skin, please use a film-free exfoliant as these don't leave the skin coated in oil, 24 to 48 hours before your wax," says Green. She recommends European Wax Centers Treat Face & Body Exfoliating Gel ($40, waxcenter.com) for its non-abrasive formula that contains ingredients to help calm, nourish, and restore skin.

As far as things to avoid, you may want to skip any caffeine or alcohol on the day of your appointment. "It may seem like a good idea to have a drink to calm the nerves, but alcohol thins the blood, which can cause a more painful experience," says Green. "Caffeine leads to more skin sensitivity and also can up the pain during a wax."