The Brazilian wax has the unique distinction of being both one of the most common beauty treatments and one of the most intimidating, especially for first-timers. As a newbie myself, I admit that there are some questions I need answered before I’d even consider getting my first Brazilian wax.

Thankfully, Groupon has an airtight double-dog-dare policy in place, so fellow beauty editor Favin stepped up to describe what getting your first Brazilian wax is really like. I wanted to know everything, including whether—or how badly?—the procedure would hurt, what it would feel like afterward, and exactly how much hair we’re talking about getting rid of.

So she booked an appointment with Nataliya Dilay, a 17-year industry vet who works at Salon Envy in Chicago, and then confessed that she had many of the same trepidations I do. Namely, Favin was worried it would feel like “getting shot with a cannon.”

What is a Brazilian wax?

A Brazilian wax has a no-man-left-behind attitude when it comes to hair. Whereas a standard bikini wax eradicates any hair that would be visible in a traditional swimsuit, a Brazilian gets rid of it all, front and back.  

Does a Brazilian wax hurt?

We all already know the answer here, right? Both Favin and aesthetician Nataliya admitted that the first Brazilian wax is going to hurt. But, according to Nataliya, the first time is definitely the worst, and there are a few things that can help ease the pain.

• The type of wax: Nataliya prefers to use hard wax versus soft (who knew there were different kinds?) because she thinks it is a little less painful. Unlike soft wax, it doesn’t stick to your skin, just your hair, so it doesn’t require a strip to remove.

• The technique: After every pull, Nataliya applies pressure to the skin, which helps dull the pain. Favin said it “looked sort of like she was karate-chopping me.”

• Keep things moving: Favin really liked how fast the appointment went. To accommodate Favin’s status as a first-timer with a low tolerance for pain, Nataliya started with a regular bikini wax. Then, as she moved to more intimate areas, she started working from side to side. That way, even if Favin tapped out, the results would be symmetrical.

• Practice self-soothing: Deep breaths during the treatment will help keep you calm, but if you’re really worried about the pain, take an ibuprofen or have a glass of wine beforehand to help yourself relax.

How to prepare for a Brazilian wax

Other than working up the courage to get your first Brazilian wax, there isn’t really much for you to do. The only words of wisdom from waxing professionals is to let your hair grow. Because wax sticks to long hairs better than stubble, the rule of thumb is that hair needs to be a quarter of an inch long, which equates to about two weeks’ worth of growth.

Also, avoid psyching yourself out over the intimacy of the situation. Remember that your waxer is a professional who’s seen her fair share of undercarriages. And, depending on your preferences, she can be ruthlessly efficient to get you in and out as quickly as possible, or she can become something of a confidante, like a hairstylist. If you still have questions, we asked a waxing pro about all the delicate details so you wouldn’t have to.

What does a Brazilian wax feel like afterward?

According to Favin, the aftermath of the Brazilian was the best part. Nataliya tweezed a few stray hairs and dusted her with powder before sending her back out into the world. There was no lingering pain, and she described wearing pants as “more of an experience than usual.” One day later, she was even more convinced that she’d go back for another round.