Brazilian Waxing FAQ


How long should I wait after shaving to get a wax?

At least 3 to 4 weeks. We need a good quarter of an inch to an inch of growth for you to be happy with your results. If the hair is too stubbly waxing over it can cause irritation and Waxologists won’t be able to grab every hair. Also, note that skin that has been subject to years of abrasion from shaving can be more sensitized so that downtime is necessary before we wax you.

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Customer service is of utmost importance to us at Queen Bee. If you are not happy, we need and want to hear about it immediately. We strive to provide blissful service and treatments, so if your experience is ever less than perfect, please tell us so that we can make it right.

What is the Brazilian Bikini Wax? How is it different from the Heathrow Express and the Inbeetweenie?

There are so many definitions of what a Brazilian Wax is. At Queen Bee, we refer to it as The Full Monty Wax. ALL hair is taken off from bikini top and sides (including treasure trail). All hair is removed from the labia area through to the top of your bottom (and any bunny tails!). If you want a modified Brazilian with a strip or triangle left on top you would request our “Heathrow Express Wax” also known in the industry as a Playboy Wax. Want to leave more? Request an “Inbeetweenie” where we leave a strip or triangle on top, and taper your hair down to your perineum. We acknowledge that not everybody wants to take everything off; some women like to leave more of a natural triangle. Be very specific with your Waxologist as to what you want before you start your service.

Does a Brazilian Wax hurt?

Listen girls, the truth hurts. Of course, ripping hair out of follicles isn’t going to be an utterly comfortable experience; However, in the hands of an experienced esthetician, the process is only minorly painful. It helps if your esthetician has extensive experience with hair removal, especially with Brazilian Bikini Waxes. Make sure she holds your skin taut. She may even ask you for help. You might not want to wax four (4) days before, or four (4) days after your menstrual cycle, as you may find it is a little more painful on these days. On those days, we recommend popping an Advil or two twenty minutes before your appointment. Brazilians can also be more uncomfortable if you are overly tired or feeling under the weather. It’s still fine to get a Brazilian Bikini Wax on these days but it may be a little less comfortable for you. If you do decide to wax during your menstrual cycle, please arrive to your appointment squeaky clean with a new tampon. Whatever you have heard about the pain factor involved in Brazilian Bikini Waxing, forget about it! It’s really not that bad. And always remember: we are not here to force you to do anything you don’t want to do. If you feel like you can’t handle it, tell your esthetician to stop or at least give you a break. It is your prerogative and your body!! 

For more information on prepping for a wax, see »»How to Prepare for a Brazilian Wax.

Can I use a numbing cream before I wax?

I would rather you didn’t. Numbing creams can interfere with the application of the wax or, in certain situations, cause allergic reactions. For instance, somebody could be allergic to a benzocaine that contains an anti-itch formula without knowing it. They apply it before they wax, then become itchy. Thinking this is a reaction to the wax, they reapply the product, and therefore worsen the situation. Beyond this, I’m wary of using chemicals around such a sensitive area full of membranes and have heard horror stories of people not knowing a wax is too hot for their skin (our wax is kept at a steady warm temperature) because they are so numb. So, please avoid numbing creams or sprays.

Will I be uncomfortable after my wax?

For those of you who are getting a Brazilian Bikini Wax for the first time, I would say “probably.” Let’s put it this way, the coarser your hair and the more sensitive your skin, the more sensitivity you will feel during and after the wax. Some first-time clients are uncomfortable for an hour or so and others feel a little bit sore for a day or two. It is important not to wear tight jeans or pants if it is your first time waxing. Don’t throw yourself into a spinning class or do anything else that involves a lot of friction right after a wax! Ouch! The best way to minimize the discomfort is to take an ibuprofen 20 minutes before you wax, another after your wax, and then use a cool compress on the area if needed. (But remember not to place the ice directly on your skin.) You won’t need to do this every time, but it may help the first couple of times. Once you start waxing regularly, it will become a breeze and you likely won’t feel any discomfort once the wax is finished. Plus, we always use fabulous balms to treat your skin after a wax to ensure the most rapid relief possible!

For more information on prepping for a wax, see »»How to Prepare.

Can I get a Brazilian Wax if I am on my period?

Yes of course. Just know the facts:  a) you will be more sensitive, and b) you must wear a clean tampon. Pop an ibuprofen 20 minutes before. It may help.

When should I get my first ever wax?

If you have never waxed before and have a big event coming up, such as your wedding, a vacation with your partner, etc., I would not recommend getting your first ever wax a couple of days before you go. Plan ahead and try to get in at least two (2) waxes before you leave. This way, the first wax, which will be the more uncomfortable one, is out of the way. After your second wax, the results will be better and you won’t be uncomfortable for your special event.

How long will the results of a Brazilian Wax last?

It really depends. Hair grows at different cycles depending on the person and sometimes your cultural background. Shaved hair does not grow back in one cycle. I am seeing more and more that after a first wax, shaved hair will still appear days after the wax. This is typically because the client didn’t wait long enough for ALL of the hair to grow out. You will, however, notice that after a few Brazilian Waxes your hair will start to grow in much slower and finer. Shaved hair is much thicker because it gets cut off at its thickest point. Don’t, therefore, have high expectations of extremely smooth skin after your first wax. This comes with time and the patience of growing all of your hair out at the same time, but, believe me, it pays off.

I understand that there can be frustration during those 4 to 6 weeks of “growing in” time.  Here is my advice if you are perhaps going to the beach, or have a rendezvous and don’t want to scare young children or your partner!  Just shave the sides of your bikini line, or if you have time, come in and we can just wax the sides.  I’m more concerned with that top part of the bikini line where the hair grows in slower and thicker; it’s a really good idea to give that area enough time to grow in 100%, especially when you are a newbee to waxing and have been shaving.

Can I get a Brazilian Wax if I am pregnant?

Yes, but please clear this with your doctor. Just like waxing when you are menstruating, being pregnant will leave you more sensitive during and after your wax.

I personally think it is best to wait until the second trimester to wax.  Unfortunately, we will not be able to perform a Full Monty Wax/Brazilian on you if you are 5 months pregnant or more and have not ever received a Brazilian Wax, or have not been waxed for over a year.  It is much too much for skin that is already sensitive and engorged.

Do you wax men?

Yes we do.  Men’s services are listed on the Culver City, Brentwood, and Seattle menu pages.

What kind of wax do you use, and is it sanitary?

We use a soft, warm wax. Other establishments sometimes use hard wax or a technique called sugaring. It is simply a matter of preference. We like the reassurance that the whole hair is coming up, including the bulb, and the soft wax allows us to see this. We have tested all different kinds of wax and we stick to the one that works best for our clients. The wax we use is a very high quality wax, manufactured in Italy, that has been developed and tested by Queen Bee over the years.  It doesn’t stick to the skin (only the hair!) and provides a smooth powdery finish because there is a buffer in it.  Our wax products and procedures are entirely sanitary.  We use individual disposable pots for your bikini wax.

When can’t I wax?

We cannot wax you if you fall under any of the following categories:

  1. You are using any Retinol products i.e. Retin A, Renova etc. on your bikini line or brow area.
  2. You are using Accutane.
  3. You have any kind of sunburn, laser burn, pustules, or breakouts on the area to be waxed.
  4. You are diabetic: however, we can wax you if you supply a doctor’s note saying it’s okay for you to wax.
  5. If your bottom or other private parts are not clean (tmi?) they are not sanitary and based on the situation it is at our discretion whether to continue the service or send you to the loo with a wet wipe.

We ask that you discreetly disclose any and all medical conditions you have before we wax you, especially any STDs. Also, please, please freshen up before your appointment. Although we always prep the skin with an antiseptic before we wax, we cannot apply wax to skin with any debris on it. We like to run a clean ship!!  In Culver City and Brentwood, we follow the rules of the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.  In Seattle, we follow the Washington Administrative Code  (308-20) under the jurisdiction of the Washington State Department of Licensing.  Our procedures are the same in California and Washington.

Did you know?

That prolonged use of panty liners can lead to serious irritation of your delicate bits? There is some evidence out there to suggest that because a lot of feminine products have been bleached, when the pad comes into contact with moisture it can cause a chemical reaction, which in turn breaks down your epidermis?  You can do your own research on this and come to your own conclusions, but the girls and I at Queen Bee have noticed some very sore undercarriages. After tons of research online and questioning of some M.D. clients, we have been led to believe that panty liners could be the culprits. We will not wax you if you have irritated skin.  If you do need to wear panty liners, choose a natural, unbleached brand.  And if you can’t, at least apply a thin layer of barrier cream to your labia area to protect your bits!

Can I go tanning before or after a Brazilian Wax?

It’s best not to. Your skin will be too sensitive. Remember, waxing is an exfoliation.
However, airbrush tanning after a wax is fine.

Why don’t you trim for clients?

Hygiene. We have the AC on during the day and the last thing we want is pubic hair all over the floor. We understand other establishments provide this service. We just don’t want clients to leave with other peoples’ hair on their feet/socks.

Can I bring my partner/friend into the room to watch?

The answer to this is “no” and we have our reasons.  Another person in the room can distract the esthetician and we feel a friend/partner can make an already nervous first timer more nervous.

Can I bring my children with me to the shop?

Even though we love your children, we ask that you leave them elsewhere and not bring them with you to Queen Bee.

Why is your “No Show” and “Cancellation Policy” so strict?

There are always going to be good reasons why you can’t make your appointment. A phone call is all we need from you. We had a trend of people just simply not showing for their appointments, which is rude. It is also inconvenient to the esthetician, as she could have put somebody else in that spot. We always have a wait list of people wanting to get in, so really, if you can’t make your appointment, just give us a holler as early as you can so that we can accommodate somebody else. When you run more than 15 minutes late for your appointment please be prepared to wait when you come in. We are only late for you when our client(s) ahead of you are late.

No question is a silly question. Please send any our way that are not covered on this page.