Your first Brazilian wax: hair length, prep and what to expect

How long should hair be for a Brazilian wax?

About 6 mm, or a quarter inch. Wax needs enough length to grip each hair so it comes out from the root in one pull.

• Too short (less than about 3 mm): wax can’t grip, so hairs break or get left behind. Stop shaving 2 to 3 weeks before.
• Too long (more than about 12 mm, or half an inch): long hair tangles and pulls more. Trim it down to about 6 mm with scissors or a trimmer, or ask us to trim it for you at the start.

How to prepare, step by step

One to two days before

• Gently exfoliate the area with a soft scrub or mitt. It lifts dead skin so hair releases more easily. Don’t exfoliate on the day.
• Skip tanning and sun on the area.
• Pause retinol or acids on the area.

On the day

• Shower and come in clean. Skip lotion or oil on the area.
• Wear loose, breathable clothing and cotton underwear.
• Go easy on coffee and alcohol right before; some people find they make skin feel more sensitive.
• If you’re worried about discomfort, some people take an over-the-counter pain reliever beforehand. Check that it’s right for you.

What happens during a Brazilian

1. A quick chat. Your esthetician asks what you’d like: everything removed, or a strip or triangle left at the front.
2. Getting comfortable. You undress from the waist down and lie on a clean, covered treatment bed. Your esthetician keeps you covered as much as possible.
3. Waxing in small sections. Wax goes on warm, and comes off quickly, with the skin held taut. Your esthetician tells you before each pull. You’ll be asked to change position a few times; it’s routine.
4. Tidying. Any stray hairs are tweezed.
5. Soothing. A calming product goes on at the end.

At Mood we book a full hour for a Brazilian, so there’s time to talk first and nobody rushes.

Does a Brazilian hurt?

It stings, especially the first time, but each pull is over in a second. Breathing out slowly as the wax comes off helps. Many people find later appointments much easier, because regular waxing keeps hair on a steady growth cycle and it grows back softer.

What does a Brazilian include?

A Brazilian removes hair from the front (the pubic area), underneath (the labia), and between the buttocks. You choose whether to keep a small strip or triangle at the front. For how it compares with other bikini waxes, see bikini vs Brazilian wax.

Aftercare and ingrown hairs

For 24 to 48 hours:

• Wear loose clothing and cotton underwear.
• Avoid hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, swimming pools, tanning and hard workouts. If you’re a Mood. client, save the sauna for your next visit.
• Hold off on sex for a day to let the skin settle.
• Shower in lukewarm water with a gentle, unscented wash.

From day 3 onwards, ingrown hairs are the thing to prevent:

• Exfoliate gently two or three times a week.
• Moisturize daily with a light, unscented lotion.
• Don’t shave between waxes.
• If you get an ingrown hair, don’t pick it. A warm compress and gentle exfoliation usually release it. See a doctor if a bump becomes painful, hot or swollen.

Timing it right in Calgary

Book your wax two to three days before you need to be smooth, whether that’s a lake weekend, Stampede or a winter sun trip. The skin has settled by then, and you’re at your smoothest for about three weeks.

Calgary’s dry air matters here too: skin that’s dry and flaky is more prone to ingrown hairs, so keep moisturizing through the winter, even when nobody’s seeing your bikini line.

Questions we hear

How long does a Brazilian wax take?

The waxing itself is usually 20 to 30 minutes. We book a full hour, so there is time to talk first.

Can I get a Brazilian wax while pregnant?

Often yes, though skin can be more sensitive and hair can grow differently in pregnancy. Tell us when you book, and check with your care provider if you’re unsure.

How often should I get a Brazilian?

Every 4 to 6 weeks keeps you smooth and on a steady growth cycle. Read how long a wax lasts for more.