This post is sponsored by European Wax Center but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
"I worked at Nordstrom in college, and while retail was brutal, chatting with the other girls on the floor shaped my beauty routine. One day, we were all complaining about shaving (and the razor burn that often comes with it) when a coworker raved about European Wax Center—barely any pain, slower regrowth, and “the best money she’d ever spent.” As broke 20-year-olds, those were some big words. I booked an appointment at the nearby EWC and never looked back.
As a proud Wax Pass holder for 11 years now, I’ve come a long way from googling “Does a Brazilian wax hurt?” from the parking lot. Waxing season is officially here (if you choose to remove hair for the summer), and after years of personal experience and extensive trial and error, I know exactly what to expect. With the help of expert insights, I’m breaking down everything you should know before booking your next appointment.
Meet the Expert
DEIDRA GREEN, VP of Field Performance
Deidra Green is a licensed esthetician, MBA, aPHR, author, and VP of Field Performance at European Wax Center. She leads field training, industry relations, and learning and development to help franchise teams succeed. Deidra also partners with leadership to set and implement EWC’s DE&I strategy, aligning it with the brand’s core values of care, integrity, guest experience, and fun.
What to expect at your first wax appointment
I still remember my first waxing appointment like it was yesterday: It included a million questions and a serious internal debate about whether or not to bail. But Deidra Green, a licensed esthetician, MBA, aPHR, author, and VP of Field Performance at European Wax Center, says most consistent wax customers walk out saying the same thing: “Oh, that wasn’t that bad.”
When you arrive at European Wax Center, you’ll check in with the desk and then be taken to a private suite by your Wax Specialist. They’ll walk you through their four-step process: cleanse, protect, wax, and rejuvenate. I’m not going to lie—the first couple of times were uncomfortable. But with consistency, my hair grows back thinner and sparser, and the pain is super manageable. “We always say your third wax is where you really begin to reap the results,” Green says.
Depending on the area you’re getting waxed, services typically take less than 20 minutes. My advice? The pain is never as bad as you imagine it will be, especially after your third time, and it’s over before you know it. If I ever wait too long between appointments, I’m always nervous it will hurt like the first time again. It never does.
How to prep for your wax like a pro
If you want the best results and the least discomfort, proper prep is key. The more hydrated your skin is, the easier it’ll be to remove the hair on it. Making sure your skin is properly exfoliated can also make the waxing process go a lot smoother (pun intended).
According to Green, your hair should be about one-fourth of an inch long (the length of a grain of rice) when you show up to your waxing appointment. Skip the oils and numbing creams—they’ll just be wiped off and can mess with the wax. Instead, keep your appointment prep simple and opt to exfoliate 24-48 hours before you show up.
How to care for your skin post-wax
I learned the hard way that working out, sweating, or going to the beach immediately after a wax is a bad idea. “We advise against excessive sweating, sun exposure, or soaking for at least 24 hours after your service,” Green says. Your freshly waxed pores are more susceptible to bacteria, so it’s important to give them time to recover for at least a day before you dive back into any intense activity.
Preventing ingrown hairs post-wax is all about routine. “We also have exfoliants, cleansers, and moisturizers that help slow hair growth and support smooth skin,” Green says. Your specialist can help customize a plan based on your skin type. Stick with the aftercare religiously. Your skin will thank you.
My review on European Wax Center
There’s a reason I’ve been loyal to European Wax Center for over a decade: They’ve earned my trust. From my very first appointment to now, the level of professionalism and consistency has never wavered. What I think makes EWC stand out, especially for first-timers, is how approachable and non-judgmental the entire team is. It’s so convenient and consistent—no matter which location I go to, I know exactly what to expect. Even after moving, I’ve found a new nearest location and haven’t looked back. Finding an esthetician you trust is always difficult, but with European Wax Center, I don’t have to search through a sea of Google reviews to find a trustworthy place.
The suites are spotless and private, which, as a regular, I’ve come to appreciate even more. Every wax specialist I’ve worked with has been trained to not only deliver a thorough wax but also educate me on best practices for before and after care. Green credits this to EWC’s field training programs, which ensure that every specialist is equipped with the tools and knowledge to give clients the best experience possible.
At the beginning of my waxing journey, I’d get waxed every four weeks, but because I’ve been getting them so consistently, I now go up to six weeks between waxes.
European Wax Center
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The long-term benefits of waxing
The biggest perk of waxing? It helps to thin out your hair over time. Even when I’m technically “due” for a wax, no one can tell unless they’re inspecting under a microscope. “By staying consistent, hair grows back thinner and finer, making waxes more comfortable and efficient,” Green says.
Waxing can also help to exfoliate dead skin cells away, which has helped to brighten and even my skin’s tone over time. According to Green, shaving can cause darkening, which often reverses after people switch to waxing.
Your most-asked waxing questions, answered
Should I be embarrassed about anything?
Absolutely not. “We’ve seen it all,” Green says. “You don’t have to apologize for your body or hair.” Just show up with clean, dry skin, and let the pros do the rest.
Can I get waxed on my period?
Yes, but you may be more sensitive. Wear a tampon and tuck the string to avoid any interference.
What areas can I get waxed?
EWC offers full-body services on clean, healthy skin. “We don’t wax male facial hair or heads, as those hair types are deeply rooted and more painful,” Green adds.
How long do results last?
It depends on the area. Green said facial and underarm waxing is usually recommended every two to three weeks, while body waxing can be stretched to every three to four weeks. I always book my next appointment when I leave my current one so I guarantee I’m locking in the time slot that’s best for me.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Garri Chaverst, Senior Managing Editor
As Senior Managing Editor of The Everygirl, Garri oversees the pitching, planning, and creation of all content. You might also find her name pop up as a contributor throughout the site, though she mostly works behind the scenes, leading the team in their creative efforts and ensuring they have everything they need to create top-quality content for our audience.
This post is sponsored by European Wax Center but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.