Your first Brazilian wax: what to expect

A first Brazilian wax can bring up plenty of questions. What gets removed? How much does it hurt? What if you feel awkward? Knowing what to ask and how to prepare makes the appointment easier to approach.

Brazilian or bikini: what is the difference?

A bikini wax generally removes hair outside the underwear line. A Brazilian usually removes more pubic hair and may include the back. You can ask to leave some hair. Confirm the areas included before treatment starts, because service names and preferences can vary.

You do not need to know all the terminology. Describe the result you want, and ask which option fits.

Before your appointment

• Let the hair grow. Hair needs to be at least the length of a grain of rice so the wax can grip it. Typically, avoid shaving or trimming for at least 2–3 weeks before your appointment, depending on how quickly your hair grows. If you are unsure whether it is long enough, text the studio before booking.
• Keep preparation simple. Arrive with clean skin and skip an aggressive scrub or new exfoliating product on the area.
• Choose comfortable clothes. Loose clothing can help reduce rubbing on the way home.
• Share relevant skin information. Tell the studio about sensitivities, allergies, recent skin treatments, and all oral or topical medications and skincare products—including retinol, tretinoin (Retin-A), and anything that affects skin sensitivity or healing—even if you use them somewhere other than the area being waxed. For nonprescription retinol used on the waxing area, the studio recommends pausing it for 5–7 days before your appointment. For tretinoin or any other prescription or oral medication, ask your prescriber whether waxing is appropriate and whether a pause is needed; do not stop medication on your own. A short pause does not make every medication safe for waxing. Contact the studio before booking so suitability can be checked.

What to talk about when you arrive

Tell Jaimie it is your first visit. Before treatment begins, discuss the areas you want waxed, what you prefer to leave, and anything that makes you nervous. Ask how to signal for a pause and what positioning will be needed.

You can ask for an explanation before each step. You can also change your mind, ask for a break, or stop. A beauty appointment should leave room for your boundaries.

Will it hurt?

Waxing pulls hair from the root, so expect brief discomfort when wax is removed. Sensitivity varies by person and by area. There is no honest promise that a first Brazilian will be painless.

Let your esthetician know how you are feeling throughout the service. If discomfort feels more intense than you expected, speak up instead of trying to push through it.

Keep aftercare gentle

Ask for aftercare instructions before you leave. Freshly waxed skin can be sensitive, so avoid tight clothing, rubbing, and harsh products while it settles. Top Notch Beauty recommends waiting at least 48 hours after waxing before using hot tubs or saunas. Wait longer if your skin is still irritated. Ask when to resume exfoliating, workouts, and other activities that involve heat or friction.

The AAD recommends loose clothing, avoiding hot baths and showers after waxing, and using a cold pack for discomfort. If redness or swelling lasts more than two days, contact a dermatologist. See the AAD’s waxing care tips.

Between visits: exfoliation and ingrown-hair care

Gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin that traps growing hairs. Once your skin has settled after waxing, ask Jaimie which approach fits your skin. More exfoliation is not always better—avoid scrubbing irritated skin or picking at ingrown hairs.

PFB: our #1-selling aftercare product

PFB Vanish is Top Notch Beauty’s best-selling aftercare product. Its exfoliating formula helps lift trapped hairs and improve the appearance of ingrown-hair bumps. Consistent care between appointments matters more than applying extra product.

For PFB roll-ons, follow the directions on your specific bottle. The manufacturer recommends a small-area sensitivity test, then starting every other day for one week before increasing to once daily if tolerated. Apply after cleansing or showering, once your skin is completely dry. Use only 1–2 swipes, massage in, and leave it on. Keep up your routine between monthly appointments, with the required breaks around hair removal.

Wait at least 24 hours after waxing before applying PFB, and pause it for 24 hours before your next wax. Do not apply it to irritated or broken skin. If your skin has not settled, wait longer and contact the studio. Follow the product’s precautions, including avoiding use during pregnancy or nursing or if you have an aspirin allergy, and using SPF 30+ on exposed skin.

PFB already exfoliates: do not combine it with an exfoliating mitt, scrubs, or other chemical exfoliants. Overuse can cause irritation. Read PFB’s application directions and precautions.

A gentle mitt as a separate option

If you are not using PFB, the studio may recommend a lightly textured exfoliating mitt once your skin has recovered. Use light pressure and ask Jaimie how often to use it for your skin. Skip it if your skin is tender or irritated; do not use it to scrub away inflamed bumps.

Ask about PFB and your aftercare routine at your appointment, or text Jaimie before starting a new product. A good routine supports smoother-looking skin between visits, but does not guarantee a painless wax.

Planning a wax around an event

For a wedding, vacation, or other special occasion, give yourself room to see how your skin responds. Avoid making your first wax a last-minute experiment just before the event. Text the studio with your date so you can discuss a sensible timeline.

If you also plan to get a spray tan, mention that before booking. The order of services matters; use the spray tan page to explore the options and ask the studio about timing.

Ready for your first visit in Anchorage?

Top Notch Beauty is on Spenard Road in Anchorage. Browse the treatment and waxing menu, or text Jaimie if you are unsure which service to choose. Square shows current appointment availability.