Getting waxed is one of the best things you can do for smooth, long-lasting hair removal — but how you prep beforehand makes a huge difference in how comfortable the service is and how good your results look. Whether it's your first time or your fiftieth, here's exactly what to do (and what to skip) before you come in.
1. Let Your Hair Grow Out
This is the one most people get wrong. For wax to grip the hair properly, it needs to be at least 1/4 inch long — about the length of a grain of rice. If you shave regularly, that typically means waiting around two weeks before your appointment.
We know it's tempting to shave in between, but it resets the clock every time. The longer you stick with waxing, the finer and more sparse your hair becomes, which makes future appointments faster and more comfortable. Trust the process.
2. Exfoliate — But Not the Day Of
Gentle exfoliation 24-48 hours before your appointment helps lift dead skin cells so the wax can get as close to the follicle as possible. This also helps prevent ingrown hairs after your service.
Skip the exfoliation the day of your appointment — freshly scrubbed skin can be more sensitive and reactive under wax.
3. Moisturize in the Days Leading Up (But Skip It Day Of)
Hydrated skin holds up better during waxing than dry, tight skin. In the days before your appointment, keep your skin moisturized. But on the day of your wax, skip the lotion, oil, and any heavy creams on the area being waxed. Product on the skin creates a barrier that prevents the wax from adhering properly, which means less effective hair removal and more discomfort.
4. Avoid Sun and Tanning Beds Beforehand
This one is important. Sunburned or sun-sensitized skin can't be waxed — the wax can lift already-damaged skin and cause real irritation. If you've had significant sun exposure, we'll need to reschedule to protect your skin.
Give yourself at least 24 hours of sun avoidance before your appointment, and longer if you've caught a burn. Read more about why sun exposure and waxing don't mix here.
5. Skip Caffeine and Alcohol Before Your Appointment
Both caffeine and alcohol can make your skin more sensitive and reactive, which means you'll feel the wax more than you normally would. Try to avoid both for a few hours before your service. Your skin (and your pain tolerance) will thank you.
6. Wear Loose, Comfortable Clothing
After your wax, your skin is going to be a little sensitive and happy to breathe. Tight clothing — especially synthetic fabrics — can irritate freshly waxed skin and even cause ingrown hairs. Loose, breathable cotton is your best bet, especially for Brazilian and leg services.
7. Skip the Gym Right Before
A sweaty workout right before your appointment means bacteria-laden skin walking into the treatment room, which isn't ideal for you or for us. If you work out, try to do it after your appointment instead — though you'll want to give your skin 24 hours before you hit the gym post-wax too.
8. Take an OTC Pain Reliever If You're Nervous About Discomfort
If you're concerned about sensitivity — especially for a Brazilian or bikini service — you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever like Tylenol about 30 minutes before your appointment. It won't eliminate sensation, but it can take the edge off.
9. Communicate With Your Esthetician
Never be afraid to speak up. If it's your first time, let us know — we'll walk you through everything. If you have sensitive skin, allergies, or you're on any medications (like retinoids or certain antibiotics), it's important to mention that before we start. Certain medications and topicals can make skin more reactive to wax.
You can also check out our FAQ page for answers to the most common questions we get before a first appointment.
After Your Wax: The First 24-48 Hours
Prep doesn't stop when you walk out the door. For the first day or two after your wax:
- Stay out of the sun — freshly waxed skin burns faster and is more prone to dark spots. If you're heading outside, reach for SPF. Our Classic Whip SPF 50 is a great option for body coverage, and the Chardonnay Lip Oil SPF 30 keeps your lips protected too.
- Skip tight clothing, hot baths, and the gym for at least 24 hours
- Start exfoliating again after 48 hours to help prevent ingrown hairs. We carry the Agent 88 Ingrown Spray in the studio if you need something targeted.
Ready to book? Schedule your appointment online — we can't wait to see you. And if you want to see everything we offer before you come in, browse our full services menu.