Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know About a Brazilian Wax

When it comes to body hair and grooming routines, we've (thankfully) arrived at a place where anything—from minimal trimming to maximal waxing—goes. If low maintenance is your style, you can embrace a more au naturel vibe by trimming errant hairs or shaving. But if you're open to investing a little time and money into your hair removal, options like sugar waxing, bikini waxing, laser hair removal, or a classic Brazilian wax are available.

The latter is a particularly solid choice if you want to be super smooth and 100 percent hair-free down there—without breaking the bank or dealing with daily upkeep. "A Brazilian wax can remove dead skin cells, product buildup, and more, leaving skin softer and clearer than before," adds aesthetician Jade Haifa. You're less likely to deal with ingrown hairs, constant stubble, or stragglers, too.

To help you decide if a Brazilian wax is suitable for you, we turned to board-certified dermatologists Elyse Love, M.D., and Jessie Cheung, M.D., founder of Cheung Aesthetics & Wellness, as well as aesthetician Yasmin Ibrahim to lay out everything you need to know before booking a Brazilian wax.

From how to prep to keep your bikini zone smooth, soft, and free of ingrown hairs to the amount a Brazilian actually hurts, ahead.

What Is a Brazilian Wax?

A Brazilian wax is a hair removal method that involves removing all pubic hair from the labia, perineum, and butt, according to Haifa. “The idea is that the entire area—front, back, and everything in between—will be totally smooth and hair-free,” she explains, adding that if you prefer, your professional can leave a small strip or triangle of hair at the front (also known as a landing strip), rather than going totally bald.

Bikini Wax vs Brazilian Wax: What’s the Difference?

The difference between a traditional bikini wax and Brazilian wax comes down to how much hair is removed. “A bikini wax is more conservative, whereas a Brazilian wax is more extensive,” says Haifa. Generally speaking, the former will remove whatever pubic hair falls outside the silhouette of a bikini, while the latter gets rid of all hair down there.

What Are the Benefits of a Brazilian Wax?

Overall, you can expect to see longer-lasting results, less risk of ingrown hairs and razor bumps, and regrowth of finer, softer hair with a bikini wax compared to shaving says Dr. Cheung. Another bonus? It’s not incredibly time-consuming, as appointments last anywhere from fifteen to sixty minutes every four to five weeks. It also means less time shaving your nether regions in the shower, and it’s more budget-friendly than laser hair removal.

What Are the Downsides of a Brazilian Wax?

The biggest drawback of Brazilian wax is that it is a bit painful. "There are always two pulls that are particularly spicy," reveals Marie Claire Beauty Director, Hannah Baxter. "If you're going full Brazilian, the labia get waxed too, and I always have to grunt through those strips. My hands start sweating and I just have to breathe as deeply as possible. Everything else is generally pretty okay, but still, it isn't a fun time. But dealing with eight seconds of pain for three weeks of hairlessness is definitely worth it in my book, especially before a beach vacation."

Beyond general discomfort, the procedure should come with minimum side effects, explains Dr. Love. “You could experience a little redness, swelling, bumps, or ingrown hairs that should subside in one to three days. If you have major skin irritation, rashes, or major pain after the procedure, you should speak to your dermatologist,” she adds.

Who Can Get a Brazilian Wax?

Ultimately, anyone who wants to be smooth and hair-free can get a Brazilian wax. However, Dr. Love notes that if you are on isotretinoin (Accutane), you should avoid waxing all body areas because of the increased risk of burn, irritation, and skin lifting. “If you have super sensitive skin or a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, you should test a small area first before going through with the full appointment,” she adds.

Ibrahim adds that those with open wounds or infections on the genital area should also avoid waxing. “If you’re not sure if waxing suits you, always consult with your dermatologist,” she says.

How Much Does a Brazilian Wax Hurt?

Any situation where you’re removing hair from the follicle will be irritating in some way. The pubic area is one of the most sensitive areas on the body, so it’s a recipe for discomfort. Whether it’s moderately uncomfortable or a quick flash of pain depends on your pain tolerance, skin sensitivity, and hair thickness.

Both Haifa and Dr. Love agree that working with an experienced, skilled professional makes the process quicker, more tolerable and mitigates the risk of pesky side effects. You may also want to take ibuprofen 30 minutes before your appointment to minimize discomfort.

How to Prep for a Brazilian Wax

First things first—you want to avoid shaving for at least two weeks before your waxing appointment so there is enough hair to be removed. Haifa recommends that hair should be about one-fourth inch long (the length of a grain of rice) otherwise it can decrease the efficacy of the waxing process.

You should also use a gentle exfoliant to buff away dead skin cells about 48 hours before the service. "That will help prevent ingrown hairs," says Haifa.

Dr. Love suggests avoiding harsh actives like retinol/retinoids in the area for one week before waxing. “It will lessen the risk of irritation or the skin lifting during the treatment,” she says.

What to Expect During a Brazilian Wax

Don’t be afraid to ask questions or have your waxing technician walk you through the procedure. “We ultimately want clients to be as comfortable as possible,” says Ibrahim.

Here's the gist: You’ll be taken to a private room where you can undress from the waist down before lying on a fresh paper sheet on the waxing table—usually with your legs bent or in a butterfly position. Then, the aesthetician will apply warm wax to small sections of hair and pull it off quickly, removing the hair from the root. They’ll repeat that step until all the desired hair is removed. (Confirm with your waxer that they are not double dipping the same stick in the wax—you risk infection and spread of bacteria.)

“Afterwards, your aesthetician will apply something soothing like a calming cream or cooling gel to combat any redness or irritation before giving you aftercare instructions,” says Haifa. “The whole process should take 15 to 60 minutes depending on the hair density and technique.”

Brazilian Wax Aftercare

Gentle aftercare is crucial to maintaining a smooth, irritation-free bikini zone. “Avoid potential irritants like fragrances, harsh soaps, or active ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or retinol,” says Dr. Love. “Instead, use a gentle body or intimate wash and calming over-the-counter creams, oils, or balms to soothe and hydrate the area for up to 24 hours post-wax. You can also apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone or Avene Cicalfate+ to help calm inflammation,” she says. Look for soothing ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid.

Dr. Cheung also recommends cool compresses and anti-inflammatory topicals like aloe vera to help soothe the area. Heat, sweat, and friction can further irritate freshly waxed skin, she adds, so avoid intense workouts like cycling or running, saunas, hot baths or showers, sex, and tight clothing. You’ll also want to avoid any sun exposure.

While it may seem obvious, you also don’t want to shave the area, says Haifa. But if you follow all of this advice and book with a well-reviewed waxer, you'll be on your way to a Y2K-style bikini line in no time

Best Post-Wax Treatments

How to Prevent Ingrown Hair From a Brazilian Wax

Exfoliation, exfoliation, exfoliation. Once any irritation has resolved, exfoliate your skin three times a week with a gentle scrub to keep your skin and hair regenerating on a cycle where the follicle is free to breathe. When you don’t polish away the dead skin and debris that accumulates, it clogs your pores, and your hair isn’t able to grow up and out. The hair then curls inward and results in ingrown hairs. When your skin is clear and healthy, your hair can grow more comfortably.

If you do get pesky ingrown hair, there are a few options to help soothe and treat the area. Whatever you do, don’t dig at your skin or try to “pop” it. It may cause the area to worsen or scar.

How Long Does a Brazilian Wax Last?

Everyone’s hair growth cycle is unique, depending on how fast your hair grows. “Typically a Brazilian wax should last anywhere from three to six weeks,” says Ibrahim. “I recommend booking your wax appointments every four to five weeks so your hair growth cycle begins to grow on a regular schedule.”

How Much Does a Brazilian Wax Cost?

On average a Brazilian wax can cost between $50 to $100. Location, what salon you choose, type of wax, and tip can all determine the cost.

Is it Safe to Do a Brazilian Wax at Home?

Technically, yes. Many great at-home waxing kits are available, but most experts recommend leaving the treatment to the professionals. You must be super careful to avoid burns, bruises, or infections. “A lot can go wrong,” says Dr. Cheung. “You could peel off skin or burn yourself if the wax temperature is too high.”

Ibrahim adds that hair grows in different directions and patterns so it’s essential to know how to pull the wax strip to avoid breaking the hair.

Meet the Experts

Dr. Elyse Love, MD

Dr. Elyse Love is a board-certified dermatologist practicing medical and cosmetic dermatology at Gramercy Laser and Medical Dermatology in NYC. She received her Doctor of Medicine from Emory University School of Medicine, after which she moved to New York to complete residency training at The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology. She served as chief of aesthetics during her final year. In addition to up to date, evidenced based care, Dr. Love has a clinical and research interest in the quality of life impact of dermatologic conditions and methods to modernize the dermatology visit. She has published many peer reviewed articles on these topics. Dr. Love has a holistic approach to skin wellness that includes fitness and diet.

Dr. Jessie Cheung, MD

Dr. Jessie Cheung is a board-certified, fellowship-trained dermatologist with practices in suburban Chicago and New York City. Her focus is on cosmetics, anti-aging, regenerative medicine with hormones and peptides, as well as proper sexual health practices. With her 15 years of practice, Dr. Cheung utilizes evidence-based treatments that have proven results for a full spectrum of skin colors, tones, and types. It is Dr. Cheung’s strongly held view that her practice reflects the future of regenerative medicine and aesthetics, as she believes your external health is a reflection of your internal health.

Jade Haifa

With over a decade of experience in the skincare industry, Jade

Haifa is renowned for her holistic approach to beauty. In 2021, Jade established her own studio, dedicated to delivering bespoke skincare treatments. At Jade Haifa Studio, every treatment is a luxurious blend of energy, technology, and science. Whether you're seeking revitalizing facials, body treatments, or organic sugaring hair removal, Jade and her team are committed to enhancing each client’s beauty and confidence. Beyond skin and bodycare, the studio offers comprehensive services, including lash and brow enhancements, ensuring a complete beauty experience.

Yasmin Ibrahim

Yasmin Ibrahim is the founder of Manhattan-based salon Yaz Beauty Studio. She has been specializing in professional waxing for over 22 years.