Valentine’s Day is just a few sleeps away, which means it’s officially time to lock in those plans. Whether you’re gearing up for a date night with your partner or hitting the town with your Galentines, you might want to start thinking about your beauty routine leading up to the big day. Sure, that might mean a love-inspired manicure or some fresh makeup inspo, and for many of us, it also includes a wax appointment.
To help you prep for the most highly requested appointment ahead of V-Day—yes, we asked, and yes, it's a Brazilian wax—I rounded up everything you need to know before heading in. I’ve personally been getting Brazilian waxes for the last five years. I haven’t put a razor down there since college, so consider me well-versed when it comes to waxing, what to ask for, and how to properly prep. Even still, I get a bit angsty leading up to my appointment, but follow these guidelines, and you'll be silky smooth ahead of the weekend, no matter what your plans entail.
We also tapped Carly Tietzer, VP of marketing at European Wax Center, to answer all our burning questions (no pun intended) about prepping for the big wax before Valentine’s Day.
How many days before Valentine’s Day is best for a Brazilian or bikini wax?
Typically, it's best to "plan your wax at least 24 to 48 hours before any sexual activity," says Tietzer. So that means if your February 14 plans entail a spicy night, you’ll want to book your wax ASAP—Friday morning at the very latest—to give your skin time to recover and stay smooth. Timing is key, because getting waxed too close to the occasion can leave your skin red, irritated, or extra sensitive, which is the last thing you want when you’re trying to feel confident and comfortable.
This day or so time frame also helps prevent bacteria from entering your pores and causing breakouts or irritation, explains Tietzer. Think of it as giving your skin a mini “cool-down” period so you can enjoy your plans, or perhaps slip on some sexy lingerie, without any discomfort or chafing. "During that same window, it’s smart to avoid swimming, soaking, or hot baths, since these can further irritate freshly waxed skin," adds Tiezter. "And if a spray tan is part of your Valentine’s prep routine, always wax before tanning, to ensure an even, flawless finish."
Choosing between a Brazilian and bikini wax
Now comes the part where you decide if you want a Brazilian or bikini wax for Valentine’s Day. I’ll break down the difference. A bikini wax removes everything around the bikini line and excess hair that might peek out of your underwear, while a Brazilian is more intense and gets rid of everything. With a Brazilian, you can choose to be fully bare or leave some hair behind (for example, a landing strip or a triangle of hair). I personally prefer getting a Brazilian, because if I'm already going in for the appointment, I might as well take it all off. After the first few pulls, you get used to the sensation, but it's totally up to you and your personal preference.
How to prepare for a Brazilian or bikini wax
Leading up to your appointment, don't make the mistake of shaving or trimming any hairs. "Your hair should be at least the length of a grain of rice," says Tietzer. That means no shaving for two or three weeks prior to your appointment—a bit annoying if you prefer a freshly smooth look at all times, but trust me, it’s worth it for how smooth you will be afterwards. "This ensures the wax can grip the lengths of your hair properly, giving you smoother results that last longer," she adds.
A day or two before your wax, gently exfoliate the area in the shower with your favorite body scrub or wash. This helps remove dead skin cells and allows the hair to lift away from the skin more easily, reducing the likelihood of ingrowns—and it also makes the process more comfortable. By the time you make it to the waxing table, your appointment should take about 10 minutes, add an extra few minutes for the butt strip if you're getting a Brazilian. And if you’ve followed these prep steps, the pain should be minimal, leaving your skin smooth, calm, and ready for your Valentine’s Day plans.
Brazilian and bikini wax aftercare
And your post-wax care is just as important as the preparation. For the day or two after your wax, avoid working out, super hot showers, or super tight clothes that could exacerbate irritation. I also apply a soothing serum or oil to calm the skin and keep it hydrated. And since the area will still be extra sensitive, wait at least three days before exfoliating again. "To keep skin healthy and bump-free, use products that are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores," adds Tietzer.
Meet the Expert
- Carly Tietzer is the vice president of Marketing at European Wax Center.
Why Trust Cosmopolitan?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmopolitan who covers skincare, bodycare, fragrance, and more. She's an expert when it comes to waxing, and consulted the VP of marketing at European Wax Center for her insight and recommendations.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
