If you’re preparing for your first waxing appointment, you’re probably excited yet nervous. How badly will waxing hurt? Will it be awkward? How should you prepare?

Whether you’re considering leg waxing, eyebrow waxing, face waxing, or even Brazilian waxing, proper preparation can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and less painful experience. If you’re not sure how to prepare for your first waxing appointment, here are some pointers.

Grow Your Hair Out

First and perhaps most importantly, you’ll need to grow your hair out before your waxing appointment. The length of your hair directly impacts how effective the waxing is. While some first-time clients may be embarrassed about their body hair or think they need to show up with less hair to make the job easier, the reality is that your hair should be ¼ to ½-inch long. This ensures that the wax can properly grip the hair shaft for effective removal.

Most nail salons recommend that you avoid shaving for at least two weeks prior to your appointment to give the hair time to grow out to the optimal length. If the hair is too short for the wax to properly grip, your waxing session can be less effective, longer, and more painful as it may take multiple attempts to get rid of all of the hair.

Exfoliate

In addition to letting your hair grow out for about two weeks, it’s important to exfoliate the area you plan to have waxed during that time. Gentle exfoliation removes dead skin cells, which can help prevent ingrown hairs and make the waxing more effective. It can also make the process less painful, as it prepares the skin to release hair more easily.

Exfoliate the area the day before your appointment using a mild scrub or exfoliating glove. Make sure not to overly exfoliate and potentially irritate the skin, however. Be extra gentle around sensitive areas, especially if you’re planning on Brazilian waxing. Make sure not to exfoliate on the day of your appointment, also, as this can make your skin more sensitive.

Moisturize

Moisturizing also plays an important role in pre-waxing preparation. Keeping your skin hydrated helps maintain its elasticity, which can make hair remover more gentle and less painful.

Make sure that you’re moisturizing regularly in the days or even weeks leading up to your appointment. However, avoid applying moisturizer on the day of your wax, as this can create a barrier between the wax and the hair, leading to less effective hair removal.

Shower

A shower is highly recommended right before heading to your waxing appointment. A warm shower will help soften the hair and open up the follicles, which can make the waxing process easier and less painful. Be sure to use warm water and not hot water, however, as overly hot water can make your skin more sensitive.

Clean skin also ensures that any excess oils and sweat are removed, allowing the wax to better adhere to the hair. Additionally, especially if you’re Brazilian waxing, a shower will ensure cleanliness and hygiene for your technician.

Take a Pain Reliever

Finally, if you’re particularly concerned about the pain level, consider taking a pain reliever about 30 minutes before your appointment. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and decrease inflammation during and after your waxing session. While waxing pain is typically quick — and, if you follow the other steps above, minimal — a pain reliever can help ease the initial sting and ensure you have a more comfortable experience.

At Newport Nails, our estheticians are highly trained, experienced, and friendly. We always place your comfort at the forefront, ensuring you have a pleasant experience from the moment you walk in the door. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply want to look and feel your best, we’ll leave you feeling confident with our leg waxing, eyebrow waxing, face waxing, and Brazilian waxing services. To book an appointment, contact us online or visit us at Westcliff Plaza or one of our other convenient locations today, and let us know how we can service your waxing needs.