FAQs
What services do you offer?
1
I offer a full range of professional waxing services in Boise, specializing in Brazilians and Manzilians. I also provide Bikini waxes, Bikini Tight waxes, and full-body hair removal for all genders. Check out the Services Page for the full menu!
How long does my hair need to be?
2
For the best results, hair should be at least the length of a grain of rice (1/4 inch). If you’ve been shaving, wait about 2–3 weeks before booking so the wax can grab the hair.
Does a Brazilian wax hurt?
3
It’s a quick rip, so there’s a sting, but it’s over in a second! I use premium soft wax designed for sensitive skin to make the process as comfortable as possible.
Can I get waxed during my period?
4
Yes! As long as you wear a clean tampon or cup, I can still do your service.
Is there a New Client discount?
5
Yes! I offer a $40 New Client Brazilian or Manzilian special to welcome you to the studio.
Can I get waxed if I’m pregnant?
6
Absolutely! You’re totally safe to get waxed up until your due date. Just a heads-up: pregnancy hormones can make you a little more sensitive, so it might feel a bit more "spicy" than usual. We’ll take it slow and keep you comfy!
What is a "Manzilian"?
7
It’s exactly like a Brazilian, just for the guys. We remove all hair from the front, underside, and between the cheeks. Smooth is for everyone!
How often should I get waxed?
8
For the smoothest results, I recommend booking every 4 to 6 weeks. This keeps your hair on a consistent growth cycle and makes the hair grow back thinner and softer over time.
Can I work out after my wax?
9
I recommend waiting at least 24 hours before hitting the gym or getting in a hot tub. Sweat and friction on freshly waxed skin can cause irritation or breakouts. Give your skin a day to chill!
Do you wax people with tattoos?
10
Yes! Waxing actually helps exfoliate the skin over your tattoos, making them look brighter. Just make sure your tattoo is fully healed (at least 4–6 weeks old) before we wax over it.
What if I have a low pain tolerance?
11
No judgment! You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever 30 minutes before your appointment. Also, make sure you’re hydrated and avoid too much caffeine right before, as it can make your skin extra jumpy.
How do I prep for my wax?
12
Prep is everything! Proper prep makes the wax more effective and significantly less painful:
Moisturize Daily: This is the big one! In the week leading up to your wax, moisturize the area every single day. Hydrated skin is supple, which allows the hair to slide out of the follicle easily. Dry skin "grips" the hair, making the wax hurt more and causing hair to break.
Exfoliate: 24–48 hours before your appointment, use a salt scrub to gently remove dead skin cells. This ensures the wax grabs the hair, not the skin.
Hydrate: Drink your water! Internal hydration shows up in your skin and makes a massive difference in your comfort level.
The Day Of: Show up with clean skin. If you used numbing cream, tell me the second you walk in so I can prep your skin to remove the oils before we start.
Dress for Success: Wear loose, comfy clothes (like baggy sweats). Your skin will thank you afterward!
I’m getting married (or have a big event)! When should I start waxing?
13
Don't wait until the week of! To be perfectly smooth for your event, you really need to start 3 to 4 months in advance.
The Why: Your hair grows in three different stages. At any given time, some hairs are growing while others are "resting" under the skin. It usually takes 3 or 4 consistent waxes to get all those hairs on the same growth cycle.
The Goal: By your 4th wax, almost every hair is being pulled from the root at the same time. This means you stay smoother for way longer, and you won't have "ninja hairs" popping up two days into your honeymoon or vacation.
The Big Event Timeline: 1. Start: 3–4 months out to sync the growth cycles. 2. The Finale: Book your final wax 3 to 4 days before the event. This gives any redness time to chill while your skin is at its absolute smoothest.
Is your studio LGBTQ+ and Gender Affirming?
14
100%. Gnarly Beauty is a safe, inclusive space for everyone. Body hair removal is for every body, regardless of gender identity or expression. I specialize in both Brazilians and Manzilians and treat every client with the same respect, professionalism, and rad energy.
What kind of wax do you use?
15
I use high-quality soft wax specifically formulated for sensitive skin. It’s tough on hair but gentle on you. I don’t use "cheap" bulk wax—I use the good stuff that helps prevent irritation and keeps the process fast.
Can I get waxed if I’m taking skin medication (like Accutane or Retin-A)?
16
STOP! If you are on Accutane, you cannot get waxed. You must be off it for at least 6 months before we can safely wax you. If you use Retin-A, Differin, or any strong chemical exfoliants, stop using them in the area at least 7 days before your wax. These medications thin the skin, and waxing while on them can cause "lifting" (skin tears). Let's keep your skin on your body!
What happens if I get a "reaction" after my wax?
17
A little redness or "histamine reaction" (tiny white bumps) is totally normal, especially if it's your first time or you have coarse hair. It usually chills out within 24 hours. If it lasts longer, shoot me a text! Apply a cold compress and keep the area clean—don't go picking at it!
Will my hair grow back thicker?
18
Actually, it’s the opposite! When you wax consistently, you’re damaging the hair follicle (in a good way). Over time, the hair grows back finer, softer, and sparser. If you stick to your 4–6 week schedule, you’ll notice a huge difference in how much hair actually shows up to the party.
Can I get a wax if I have a sunburn?
19
Hard no. If your skin is red, peeling, or even just "toasty" from a day at Lucky Peak, we have to wait. Waxing sun-damaged skin can cause serious lifting and permanent scarring. Let that burn heal completely, and then we’ll get you smooth.
Is it okay to shave between appointments?
20
Put the razor down! Shaving is the enemy of a good wax. It blunts the hair and resets your growth cycle, which means your next wax will be more painful and way less effective. If you shave, you’re basically starting from zero. If you have a stray hair emergency or you're tempted to shave, just text me first—but try your best to leave it alone so we can keep your progress on track and get you to that "perfectly smooth" stage.
Why do my hairs feel "prickly" a few days after my first wax?
21
This is totally normal for beginners! Because your hair grows in cycles, there were likely "baby hairs" hiding just under the skin that didn't get pulled during your appointment. Once we get you through 3 or 4 consistent waxes, those cycles will sync up, and that "prickly" feeling will disappear, leaving you smooth for weeks.
Can I get waxed if I have a "bump" or an ingrown?
22
Yes! In fact, waxing can actually help by removing the dead skin that’s trapping the hair. However, if the area is red, inflamed, or looks like an active infection, we’ll skip that tiny spot to let it heal. If you’re prone to bumps, let’s talk about a post-care salt scrub routine to keep them away.
What’s the difference between a Bikini, a Bikini Tight, and a Brazilian?
23
Bikini: Just a clean-up on the sides and top. (Nothing from the "cheeks" or underside).
Bikini Tight: We go deeper on the sides and include between the cheeks for a high-cut look.
Brazilian: Everything goes—front, underside, and between the cheeks. (You can still leave a strip or triangle up top if you want!).
How clean is the studio?
24
Cleanliness isn’t just a vibe—it’s a requirement. I practice Strict Sanitation:
No Double-Dipping: A fresh stick for every single dip into the wax. Period.
Medical Grade Disinfectant: All surfaces and tools are scrubbed with hospital-grade disinfectant between every single client.
Fresh Everything: Fresh gloves, fresh table paper, and a pristine environment every time you walk in. Your safety is my #1 priority.
Why should I skip the Coconut Oil and Sugar Scrubs?
25
I know the internet loves them, but here’s the truth:
Coconut Oil: It’s "comedogenic," meaning it has giant molecules that clog your pores. Instead of hydrating, it often sits on top of the skin and creates a "plug" that causes ingrown hairs. Stick to a professional-grade, non-clogging moisturizer.
Sugar Scrubs: Sugar is a "humectant" (it grabs water), but the grains are often jagged and irregular, which can cause micro-tears in the skin. Salt Scrubs are much more effective for sloughing off the dead skin that traps hair, and salt is naturally anti-bacterial!
Soft Wax vs. Hard Wax vs. Sugaring... What's the deal?
26
There's a lot of noise out there, but here’s why Soft Wax is my weapon of choice:
Soft Wax: It grips the hair and provides a gentle exfoliation of the skin, leaving you feeling much smoother for longer. It’s faster and more precise for those detailed Brazilian shapes.
Hard Wax: It only grips the hair, which sounds nice, but it often requires multiple passes over the same spot to get every hair, which can actually cause more irritation.
Sugaring: It’s often slower and can be tuggy on the skin. I choose high-quality soft wax because it’s the most efficient way to get you totally bare with the least amount of "table time."
Why do I get Razor Burn, and will waxing fix it?
27
Razor burn is literally your skin begging for mercy. When you shave, you drag a dulling blade across your skin, creating micro-tears and scraping the surface, which causes that angry, itchy, red rash. Waxing pulls the hair cleanly from the root and gently exfoliates the dead skin away. No blades, no micro-tears, no razor burn.
For Manzilians: What if my body has a "natural reaction" during the wax?
28
Let’s normalize the real talk! The body has involuntary nerve reactions to touch, friction, and temperature changes. If things "wake up" during your Manzilian, it is purely biological, incredibly common, and nothing to be embarrassed about. I am a trained professional; we just ignore it, keep the service moving, and get you smooth. No awkwardness, period.
What is the ultimate goal at Gnarly Beauty?
29
My ultimate goal is simple: to completely normalize self-care and body maintenance for everyone.
I firmly believe that self-care doesn’t have a gender. There should be absolutely zero taboo, weirdness, or judgment around the beauty and waxing industry. Whether you are a busy mom needing a reset, a powerlifter dealing with razor burn, or someone just looking to treat yourself, my mission is to provide a radically inclusive space where you feel 100% comfortable, safe, and unapologetically confident in your own skin.
Beyond the waxing table, Gnarly Beauty is built on a foundation of "Community Over Competition." I am deeply passionate about the Garden City and Boise communities, and my goal is to bring out-of-the-box local businesses together to hype each other up and grow as a collective.
I'm not just building a waxing studio—I'm building a local movement dedicated to empowering you to put yourself first. ⚡️🤍
Why do people actually get waxed? (Is it just for looks?)
30
Honestly, the #1 reason people get waxed is for hygiene. Hair traps sweat, moisture, and bacteria, which can lead to odor and breakouts. When you wax, you are pulling the hair from the root and exfoliating the skin, leaving you feeling incredibly fresh and deeply clean for weeks. Aside from the massive hygiene upgrade, it permanently ditches razor burn, stops painful chafing, and saves you so much time in the shower. It’s about feeling fresh, letting your skin breathe, and that unmatched feeling of smooth skin!
How can you do this for a living?" (I get asked this a lot!)
31
Honestly? I freaking love it. To me, bodies are just bodies—it's all just skin and hair. I don't see it as "awkward" or weird. I focus on the science of the skin, the technique of the wax, and the instant gratification of a flawless result. But the real reason I do this? I love taking someone from a place of vulnerability and anxiety to total comfort and confidence in under 30 minutes. The trust my clients put in me is everything, and I wouldn't trade it for any other job.
What if I’m coming straight from work and didn't have time to shower?
32
Please do not stress about this! I know you have a life, and I do not expect you to hop on my table fresh out of the shower. I provide individually wrapped, pH-balanced cleansing wipes right in the room. You’ll have a few minutes of privacy to undress, freshen up with a wipe, and get comfortable before we start. It happens all the time, and I promise, I do not care. Use a wipe, take a breath, and let's get you smooth!