The nuisance of shaving and hair removal has caused people to consider various alternatives. According to Spa Gregories, Brazilian waxes emerged in the United States during the 1980s. Over time, Brazilian waxes grew in popularity for two reasons: Long-lasting results and a quick, seamless hair removal process. Now, Brazilian waxes are in high demand, but some people are apprehensive due to myths and rumors about the service. 

Truthfully, the first Brazilian wax a person gets can be scary and painful. However, there are things you can do to make the waxing experience less agonizing. Here are 12 do’s and don’ts for Brazilian wax prep and aftercare.

Dos

1. Take a shower before your appointment. Per Queen Bee Salon Spa, opting for a shower pre-wax is crucial. Not only do you want to arrive clean, but you also want to have a fresh scent. Hygiene matters, sis. Plus, showering pre-wax can soften the skin and make hair removal easier. 
2. Exfoliate. In addition to being fresh and clean, exfoliating is the key to an easy wax. When you exfoliate, you are scrubbing off dead skin, which allows the hair to be above the skin’s surface. This process makes it easier for the wax to grip the hair. You can exfoliate with a loofa, towel, or scrub. Exfoliating also reduces the likelihood of developing ingrown hairs. 
3. Make sure the hair is long enough. For quick and easy waxes, the hair should be long enough — a quarter of an inch — for the wax to grip it. It’s recommended that you have at least two weeks of growth. Once you begin getting waxes consistently, you can get a Brazilian wax every four to six weeks. 
4. Take a pain reliever. If you know you have a low pain tolerance or are unsure of what to expect, taking a dose of medicine does not hurt. 
5. Research. Before booking with a wax specialist, do some research. See if the individual or company has good reviews, and make sure they are certified! 
6. Plan your Brazilian wax around your period. According to the European Wax Center, Aunt Flo can make your body, especially your private areas, more sensitive. So, you may experience more discomfort during your wax. Wait a few days after your monthly visitor departs to schedule your wax. 

Don’ts

1. Shave before your appointment. Waiting for your wax appointment can be hard, especially when your hair starts growing back. Per LiveAbout, when you shave before the appointment, you cut the hair at the skin’s surface. This makes it harder for the wax to grip the hairs. It can also increase the likelihood of ingrown hairs. 
2. Use a numbing spray/cream. Waxing can be painful, especially during the first couple of sessions. Taking medication is the better route because numbing the area of the wax can be dangerous. The wax sits in a warming pot to ensure it doesn’t harden. If the wax area is numb, you will not be able to tell if the wax is too hot, which can lead to burns. 
3. Pick at ingrown hairs. Whether the ingrown hair developed from shaving or waxing, you do not want to pick at them. If you have a bump that is bothering you, see your wax specialist for assistance. Picking ingrown hairs can lead to open sores. Most waxers will not perform a wax over any open sores.
4. Take a hot shower directly after your wax. Hopping into a warm shower sounds amazing after a Brazilian wax session, but the hot water may irritate the skin. Lukewarm showers are your best option.
5. Engage in strenuous activity directly after getting a wax. After getting a wax, your skin is sensitive. You may even experience soreness. Sweat and skin-to-skin contact can irritate the area further or cause infection. You should wait at least 24 hours after getting your wax to go to the gym or engage in sexual activity. 
6. Use soft wax. According to Candee Skin, soft wax — a thin layer of wax removed with a strip of fabric — is more painful than hard wax since it removes hair and the top layer of skin cells. Play it safe, and opt for salons that use hard wax. 

A few things to remember about Brazilian wax prep and aftercare

Brazilian waxes are often preferred over traditional shaving for a myriad of reasons. You can go longer between waxes than between shaving routines. Waxing also removes the entire hair from the hair follicle. When you shave, the razor shortens the hair in the follicle, making hair growth faster. Additionally, after regularly waxing, the hair will become thin over time.

A person’s first Brazilian wax can be a frightening experience, but with time, the pain will become more tolerable. Adhering to these dos and don’ts will make your Brazilian waxing experience somewhat of a breeze. Take notes!

What steps do you include in your Brazilian wax prep? Let’s discuss in the comment section below. Follow MEFeater on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for more skincare tips and updates.