It’s your first time getting waxed, and you’re not sure what is going to happen. You’re unsure if you should spritz up down there, or moisturize or do nothing at all? Don’t worry, after this article you’ll seem like a seasoned pro.

First thing first, make sure you have hair to wax! It’s really hard for us to do our job, or impossible sometimes, if your hair isn’t long enough. What is long enough? Before your first wax you should have left your hair for the past 2 weeks or be ¼ of an inch long. About the length of an uncooked grain of rice. If the hair isn’t quite long enough, the wax won’t be able to grab onto the hair to pull it out.

The next step is a big one. Exfoliate! Let me repeat myself.. exfoliate! Exfoliation helps to lift and rid the skin of any excess dead skin cells so that the hair has a smooth way to exit the skin while growing as well as help lift trapped hairs that otherwise would not be able to come out during your appointment. At the end of your shower, grab your handy dandy exfoliating glove or loofah, and scrub down whatever area you are about to get waxed in circular motions.

You don’t need to apply any lotions or creams pre wax as it will hinder the wax’s ability to adhere to your hair. After you exfoliate, leave the skin alone. You are ready to get waxed.

If you are feeling a little sensitive, or if you just think the pain will be unbearable, feel free to take something for the pain about an hour before. One Advil or Tylenol will do the trick.

After your wax, you might find your skin a bit more sensitive. Waxing causes a slight trauma on your skin, as to be expected you just ripped the hair out of it. For the next 24-48 hours steer clear of hot showers or baths, sitting in a hot tub, going tanning or being in the sun as well as sweating too much. Take a day off from your spin class.

Scared you’ll be prone to in-gowns, or already know that you are? Once again, EXFOLIATE! Exfoliating will become your best friend for pre/post waxing. 24 hrs after your wax begin to exfoliate just as you would before your wax. Regular exfoliation keeps your skin clear of dead skin cells so your hair has a clear pathway to exit your skin. Not to mention it keeps your skin silky smooth.

Antibiotics (oral and topical) and steroid creams cause your skin to become much more sensitive than it normally would be. Stay far away from these if you are wanting to get any waxing done.

Retinols as well as alpha hydroxy’s can also cause skin sensitivity before your waxing. Many anti-aging creams have retinols or vitamin A in it so be sure to check all of your face product ingredients before booking your monthly waxing appointment.

Waxing on Accutane is a big no no. Accutane slows down the oil production in your skin causing it to dry out and become extremely sensitive to waxing. You should never wax while on Accutane and should wait 6-8 months after finishing your Accutane cycle to pick back up your hair removal routine.

Last but not least, try not to shave between appointments. If there are any unruly hairs that sprout out before your wax, tweeze them out. You’ll be thankful later.