Waxing wax applicator with wax dripping down while a hand with blue gloves holds it

Brazilian Waxing: What Actually Happens and How to Get Through It

Thinking about a Brazilian wax but not quite sure what you're signing up for?

Totally fair. At our Denver studio, we've talked plenty of first-timers through the pre-wax nerves, awkward questions, and post-wax surprises, and yes, it's all normal. This page breaks it down without the spa-speak or sugarcoating, so you can walk in (and out) informed and confident.

Brazilian Waxing 101

Brazilian waxing is a method of hair removal that takes it all, or almost all, off from the front, labia, and back area.

While many choose to go completely bare, a Brazilian can also leave a strip or triangle depending on personal preference. It's not just about aesthetics; Brazilian waxing removes hair from the root, which can lead to softer regrowth over time. One common myth? That it’s only for women or that you have to be totally nude, neither is true. Clients of all genders get Brazilians, and there are professional ways to maintain privacy during the service. For more on why soft wax is king or what to expect after your wax, we’ve broken it all down for you.

Brazilian Waxing vs. Bikini Waxing: What’s the Real Difference?

Brazilian waxing and bikini waxing both focus on the pubic area, but the amount of hair removed is what sets them apart.

A bikini wax typically cleans up the edges, just what's visible around a standard pair of underwear. Brazilian waxing goes further, removing hair from the front, labia, and backside, with the option to leave a strip or go fully bare.

Some assume Brazilian means everything must come off, but that’s not the rule, it’s a choice. And while bikini waxes are often seen as more “intro-level,” many clients prefer the longer-lasting smoothness of a Brazilian once they understand the difference.

Why Denver Clients Keep Choosing Waxing Over Shaving

In Denver, where dry air and active lifestyles meet, many clients find waxing offers a smoother, longer-lasting alternative to daily shaving. It’s not that shaving, sugaring, or even laser don’t have their place, but for people who want fewer touch-ups, less irritation, and hair that grows back softer over time, waxing tends to win out. A lot of clients try shaving or DIY waxing at home first, then switch once they experience the difference in regrowth and maintenance. They also appreciate that it fits into a once-a-month rhythm, especially in a city where tank top season stretches into fall. If you're curious about waxing vs. shaving, check out this section.

Wall signage of the 6 waxing aftercare steps

What Actually Impacts Your Skin Before and After a Brazilian Waxing Appointment

Brazilian waxing isn’t just about showing up and getting it done, what you do around your appointment seriously affects your skin’s reaction.

A lot of first-timers don’t realize that using retinol or exfoliating too hard the night before can make their skin more prone to redness, peeling, or stinging. Same goes for post-wax plans: hitting a hot yoga class two hours later or planning beach time right after your appointment? Not the move. Friction, heat, and sweat right after waxing can irritate open follicles and trigger bumps or breakouts. It’s not just what you do, it’s when you do it. If you’re unsure how to prep for a wax or want to know why some people get bumps after waxing, we’ve got real answers.

Brazilian Waxing Questions We Get All the Time (But You Feel Awkward About Googling)

These aren’t SEO-friendly search terms; they’re the real, awkward, nervous-thoughts kind of questions people blurt out the second they walk into the wax room. First-timers, overthinkers, and regulars alike ask this stuff, so don’t feel weird if you’ve wondered too.

  • Yes, you can, but wear a clean tampon or cup, and just know you might feel a little more sensitive than usual.

  • Usually, yes, longer hair and tighter follicles mean the first pass can sting more, but it gets easier with consistency.

  • No need to trim, we’ve got it covered. Trimming too short is actually what causes more issues.

  • Not weird at all. Nerves plus body heat equals sweat, happens every day, and we don’t even blink.

  • Give it at least 24 hours, friction, sweat, and open follicles don’t mix well.

Still got that one oddly specific question in your head? It might be answered on the full Brazilian waxing FAQ page.

What Brazilian Waxing Looks Like in Real Life

Now that you’ve got a better understanding of what Brazilian waxing is, how it works, and what to expect before and after, the next natural step is seeing how that plays out in real life. At our studio in Denver, clients often show up with all the same questions you've just explored and leave feeling more confident and informed. If you're still putting the pieces together, start with the basics of Brazilian waxing to see how everything fits.