Real Questions About Body Waxing, Answered

Body waxing removes hair from the root, giving you longer-lasting smoothness without the daily upkeep of shaving. For a lot of clients, that’s the biggest appeal: less time thinking about razors, stubble and shaving before every trip, event or last-minute plan.

Unlike shaving, which cuts hair at the surface, waxing removes the entire hair from the root. That means it takes longer for regrowth to appear, with many clients enjoying smooth skin for several weeks between appointments. With consistent waxing, some people also notice that regrowth becomes finer, softer and easier to manage over time.

Whether you’re booking a Brazilian, legs, underarms or several areas at once, body waxing can make your routine a whole lot simpler, especially if you’re tired of shaving every few days.

New to waxing? Read our body waxing prep guide before your first appointment so you know exactly how much hair growth you need, what to avoid beforehand and how to get the best results from your wax.

How long does my hair need to be before waxing?

Your hair should be about ¼ inch long before your appointment. If you’ve been shaving, that usually means letting it grow for about two weeks. Hair that’s too short can be difficult for the wax to grip, so avoid shaving or trimming before you come in.

What if I shaved a few days ago?

It’s better to wait. When hair is too short or growing back at different lengths, the wax may not be able to pick up everything, which can affect how smooth and thorough your results are. If you’re planning your first Brazilian, read what to expect during a Brazilian wax so you know exactly how to prepare.

Should I exfoliate before my wax?

Yes. Gently exfoliate the area about 48 hours before your appointment to help remove dead skin and make it easier for the wax to grab the hair. Skip exfoliating the day of your appointment—we don’t want your skin freshly scrubbed or irritated before waxing.

Should I put anything on my skin before my appointment?

Come in with clean, dry skin and, if possible, no products on the area being waxed. That means skipping moisturizer, body oil, and deodorant on areas we’ll be waxing. Don’t worry if you’re coming straight from work or somewhere else; we’ll cleanse and prep your skin before we get started.

Do I need to tell you if I use retinol, tretinoin, or other medications?

Yes. Certain skincare products and medications can make your skin more sensitive to waxing, so always let us know what you’re using. Retinol, tretinoin, and other topical retinoids should be stopped at least seven days before waxing the area where they’re applied. When in doubt, tell us before your service; we’d always rather make sure it’s safe to wax your skin.

Can I get waxed while I’m on my period?

Absolutely. If you’re getting a Brazilian or bikini wax, just arrive wearing a fresh tampon or menstrual cup. Your skin can be a little more sensitive before and during your period, so your wax may feel slightly more uncomfortable than usual, but there’s no need to cancel your appointment.

Can I wax before or after a tan?

We recommend avoiding significant sun exposure before your appointment, especially if your skin is red, tender, or sunburned—we will never wax over sunburned or compromised skin. If you’re getting a spray tan, wax first. Waxing naturally exfoliates the skin and can remove some of an existing spray tan, so schedule your spray tan after your wax for a more even result.

Can I get waxed while taking antibiotics or prescription medications?

Some prescription medications, including certain antibiotics and acne treatments, can make your skin more sensitive and may mean waxing isn’t appropriate. Always let us know about medications and topical prescriptions before your service—even if they aren’t being used directly on the area being waxed. When in doubt, check with your prescribing provider before your appointment. You can also read our guide to Who Should Not Wax for more information.