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your guide to waxing preparation, aftercare, and long-term results

Waxing is most effective when you understand how it works and how to care for your skin before and after your service. This guide walks you through what to expect so you feel prepared, comfortable, and confident every step of the way.

Whether this is your first wax or your 100th, our goal is to support you and your journey to smooth, hydrated, and healthy skin.

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a guide to your first waxing experience

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

01. Let your hair grow

Waxing removes hair from the root, which is what allows for smoother results and longer regrowth periods. For best results, allow your hair to grow for 3–4 weeks, or at least the length of a grain of rice. Avoid shaving or trimming before your appointment. If hair is too long, we’ll trim it during your service, before applying wax.

02. Begin exfoliating and moisturizing weeks before

Healthy waxing starts with healthy skin. Exfoliation and hydration prepare the skin so hair can be removed more cleanly and comfortably from the root. When the skin is properly cared for ahead of your appointment, waxing feels smoother, irritation decreases, and results last longer.

• Exfoliate three times per week leading up to your appointment. Avoid exfoliating on the day of your service.

• Exfoliate in the shower using a gentle exfoliating glove and plain water, massaging the skin in a downward motion. A pH-balancing body wash can also be used to cleanse the skin without stripping its natural moisture. Exfoliating kits are available in the studio.

• Moisturize daily using simple, nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil. Consistent hydration softens the hair and supports smoother removal. Nerfy’s Serene Energy Oil is also available in the studio for ongoing aftercare.

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03. Wear loose clothing

After waxing, your skin is sensitive and needs space to breathe. Choose loose, breathable clothing for your appointment and the hours following. Tight clothing can increase irritation and the likelihood of ingrown hairs.

04. Hydrate well

Drink plenty of water before your appointment. Hydrated skin responds better to waxing and supports smoother hair removal. Avoid alcohol and coffee beforehand, as they can increase skin sensitivity.

05. Breathe and relax

Tension can make waxing feel more uncomfortable than it needs to be.  The discomfort level is based on your specific pain tolerance, but deep breathing helps the body relax and allows the service to move more smoothly. At Nerfy’s, we will guide you through the process and communicate clearly throughout your service. Try to relax, we’ve got you.

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WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU BOOK A SERVICE

Your appointment begins with clear communication. We’ll review your skin, hair growth, and any concerns before starting.

Services are performed with intention, expert technique, and attention to comfort and skin type. We move efficiently without rushing, and we check in with you throughout the service so you feel informed and supported.

If needed, ingrown hair extraction is included with bikini and Brazilian wax services to support smoother skin and better long-term results.

NORMAL REACTIONS TO WAXING

Some reactions are completely normal after waxing and usually resolve quickly. We’ll guide you on how to care for your skin immediately after your service to support proper healing.

• Pinpoint bleeding may occur in some areas. This indicates the hair follicle has been disrupted and may take longer to regrow.

• Histamine reactions can appear as hives or raised welts and typically subside within a few hours.

• Mild tenderness or sensitivity is normal, especially for first-time clients.

Aftercare is where long-term results are built. The way you care for your skin between appointments directly affects comfort, ingrown prevention, and how your hair grows back over time. Our approach focuses on hydration, gentle exfoliation, and consistency so your skin stays healthy long after you leave the studio.

Waxing aftercare and maintenance

When to begin aftercare

Begin exfoliating and moisturizing 48–72 hours after your appointment. This allows the skin time to calm and begin healing before introducing any exfoliation.

Exfoliation

Exfoliating removes dead skin cells that can trap hair and lead to ingrown hairs. It also helps guide new hair growth in the right direction.

• Exfoliate three times per week using a physical method such as an exfoliating glove, dry brush, African net, or a gentle chemical exfoliant.

• If you use chemical exfoliants, discontinue them 7–10 days before your next waxing appointment. During that window, switch to a physical exfoliation method instead.

• Avoid Tree Hut products or any exfoliants with fragrance, as they can irritate freshly waxed skin and disrupt healing.

Physical and chemical exfoliants are available for purchase in-store at Nerfy’s, and we can help you choose what works best for your skin.

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Hydration & Moisture

Hydration is a key part of our waxing technique and results. Moisturized skin allows hair to release more easily and helps reduce irritation and itching as hair grows back.

• Moisturize daily using simple, nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil.
• Nerfy’s Serene Energy Oil is designed to support hydration, calm the skin, and maintain balance between appointments. Available for purchase in the studio.
• Consistent moisture also helps minimize itchiness and dryness during the regrowth phase.

Clothing & Skin Care

What you wear and how you treat your skin immediately after waxing matters.

• Avoid tight clothing that causes friction, especially in freshly waxed areas.
• For intimate waxing, staying underwear-free when possible allows the skin to breathe. If underwear is necessary, choose breathable cotton.
• Avoid touching freshly waxed skin to prevent irritation and bacteria transfer.

Avoid for 24–48 hours

To protect your skin and prevent irritation, avoid the following for 24–48 hours after your appointment:

• Hot showers
• Exercise or excessive sweating
• Sun exposure, tanning beds, and saunas 
• Hot tubs, and pools
• Shaving
• Sexual activity, including oral
• Pedicures after leg waxing

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TIPS FOR CONSISTENCY AND LONG-TERM RESULTS

Drinking plenty of water supports skin hydration from the inside out and helps maintain healthy skin overall.

For best results, consistency is key. We recommend pre-booking your next appointment 4–6 weeks out so your hair growth cycle can sync properly. Waiting long periods between appointments disrupts progress and can make results harder to maintain.

If you ever have questions or need guidance between visits, we’re here to help. Aftercare is part of the experience, not an afterthought.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Everyone’s sensitivity level is different, but proper preparation, hydration, and consistency make a noticeable difference. First-time appointments may feel more uncomfortable than later visits, but many clients find waxing becomes easier over time as hair grows back finer. Relaxed breathing and staying hydrated help support a more comfortable experience.

  • Yes. You can still receive waxing services while menstruating. Please arrive with a fresh tampon before your appointment. Keep in mind that sensitivity may be slightly higher during this time.

  • For best results, we recommend waxing every 4–6 weeks. Hair grows in cycles, and consistent waxing helps those cycles sync over time. Long gaps between appointments can interrupt progress and make results harder to maintain.

  • No. Shaving disrupts the hair growth cycle and can lead to uneven regrowth, irritation, and ingrown hairs. For best long-term results, avoid shaving between waxes and stay consistent with your waxing schedule.

  • Yes. Ingrown hair extraction is included with bikini and Brazilian waxing services when appropriate. Consistent exfoliation and hydration between visits also play a major role in preventing ingrown hairs.

  • Sensitive skin is common. We tailor our approach based on your skin’s needs and provide aftercare guidance to support healing and comfort. Following aftercare instructions closely is especially important if your skin is prone to sensitivity.

  • Yes. Mild redness, pinpoint bleeding, or small raised bumps can occur and usually subside within a few hours. These reactions are a normal response to hair being removed from the root. We’ll guide you on how to care for your skin after your service.

  • Avoid fragranced products and harsh exfoliants on freshly waxed skin. This includes Tree Hut products, which can be irritating after waxing. Stick to gentle, fragrance-free options and simple oils or moisturizers recommended by your provider. We also recommend washing your clothes with hypoallergenic laundry detergent,  like All Free and Clear. 

  • Begin exfoliating 48–72 hours after your appointment. Exfoliate three times per week using a physical exfoliant or approved chemical exfoliant. Stop chemical exfoliants 7–10 days before your next wax.

  • Avoid exercise, hot showers, saunas, hot tubs, pools, and sun exposure for 24–48 hours after your appointment. Heat and friction can irritate freshly waxed skin and increase the risk of ingrown hairs.

  • Loose, breathable clothing is best. Tight clothing can cause friction and irritation. For intimate waxing, staying underwear-free when possible allows the skin to breathe. If underwear is necessary, choose cotton.

  • Yes. Nerfy’s Wax Studio welcomes clients of all genders. Our services are designed to support different hair types, skin needs, and comfort levels, and we approach every appointment with the same care, respect, and professionalism.

    If you’re new to waxing or unsure which service to book, we’re happy to guide you and answer questions before your appointment so you feel informed and comfortable

  • Numbing cream is unnecessary and not recommended. It can interfere with how wax adheres to the hair and may increase the risk of skin irritation. With consistent waxing every 4–6 weeks, discomfort decreases as your hair grows back finer. Our techniques are designed to be quick, controlled, and as comfortable as possible—without numbing agents.

  • We’re always happy to help. If you’re unsure about aftercare, reactions, or products, don’t hesitate to reach out. Supporting your skin between visits is part of the Nerfy’s experience.

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