How to Prepare for Your First Brazilian Wax (Without Spiraling)
So you've decided to get a Brazilian wax. Maybe you Googled it at 2am, watched one too many TikToks, or your friend swore it changed her life. Whatever got you here — welcome. We're glad you're considering it and we're here to tell you it's going to be fine. Like, actually fine. Not "fine" in the way you say fine when you're not fine. Actually fine.
We're Bush and Brow, Denver's favorite hard wax studio, and we do Brazilians every single day. We've seen it all, heard every horror story, and made it our mission to prove the internet wrong about how bad this supposedly is. Here's everything you need to know before you come in.
First — How Long Does Your Hair Need to Be?
This is the number one thing that derails a first timer. Your hair needs to be at least a quarter inch long — about the size of a grain of rice. That's roughly two weeks of growth after shaving.
Too short and the wax can't grip it. Too long and... well, it's fine, we've seen worse. Just please don't trim it before you come in. We mean it. Put the scissors down. This is our jungle, not your DIY project.
Should You Take Anything Beforehand?
A couple of ibuprofen about 30 minutes before your appointment can take the edge off, especially if you're sensitive or it's your first time. Skip the caffeine the day of — it tightens your pores and makes everything more intense. And please don't show up hungover. Your skin and your mood will both suffer and we say this with love.
Speaking of pre-appointment beverages — did we mention we have a lobby bar? Yes, really. Adult beverages are always welcome before your appointment at Bush and Brow. We're not saying you need liquid courage, but we're also not not saying that.
What Should You Do the Day Before?
Exfoliate and hydrate. Seriously — well moisturized skin makes for a smoother wax and less irritation after. Use a gentle scrub or exfoliating mitt the day before your appointment, then follow up with a good moisturizer. Just don't apply lotion the morning of your appointment — we need your skin clean and dry when you come in.
What About Your Period?
Yes you can still get waxed on your period. You'll be a little more sensitive but it absolutely does not stop us from doing our thing. Just wear a tampon or cup and we're good to go. We're professionals, not miracle workers, but we've definitely got this.
What Skincare Products Should You Avoid?
If you're using retinoids, AHAs, BHAs or strong exfoliating acids, pause them at least a week before your appointment. These thin the skin and can make waxing more irritating than it needs to be.
And if you're on Accutane — we can't wax you at all, face or body, for six months after your last dose. No exceptions, no workarounds. It's a hard no and it's for your own good.
What Actually Happens During the Appointment?
You come in, we make you feel comfortable, we do the thing, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and then it's over. That's genuinely it. At Bush and Brow we use hard vegan wax exclusively — it's gentler on skin than soft wax, grips the hair not the skin, and makes the whole experience way less intense than what you've probably read about online.
We also specialize in first timers. Our whole team genuinely loves proving the internet wrong about how scary this is. You're in good hands.
What Do You Do After?
For the first 24 to 48 hours treat your freshly waxed skin like royalty. That means no gym, no hot tubs, no sex, no sunbathing and no tight clothing if you can help it. Your skin just went through something — give it a minute to recover.
After that — exfoliate regularly between appointments to prevent ingrown hairs and keep moisturizing. Come back every three to six weeks for best results and you'll notice it gets easier and less painful every single time. True story.
Ready to Book?
Your first Brazilian wax doesn't have to be a big dramatic thing. It can just be a Tuesday. Come see us at Bush and Brow, 1540 S Holly St in Denver's Virginia Village neighborhood, and let us show you what waxing without the weird actually feels like.
👉 Book your first appointment at bushandbrow.com