Brazilian Wax: Everything You Need to Know & How to Prepare

 

If you’re not familiar with the Brazilian wax, the idea can be a somewhat scary thought. But, while having the hair ripped off your most private parts has its obvious downsides, it also has plenty of upsides. Long-lasting, smooth results are the main reason why women are drawn to this style of personal grooming and often prefer it over shaving. If you want these results for yourself and are thinking about getting your first Brazilian wax, it’s best to get educated first. After all, knowing what to ask for and what to expect can guarantee you a good experience with new regular appointments instead of the “never again” horror story.

 

What is a Brazilian Wax?

Body hair is natural and beautiful but deciding to wax is also a great choice if you prefer a hairless approach. The Brazilian wax removes the pubic hair from the front of the pubic bone, around the external genitals, and the vulva and anus. Some women also choose to leave a small strip of hair, while others opt for no hair at all. There are different options available, including the use of hot and cold wax. This allows you to find an approach to waxing that best suits your preference. Waxing can be better than shaving for several reasons, including that it lasts longer. It can leave your skin smooth and will make the hair thinner over time.

 

 

Brazilian Wax vs Bikini Wax

The bikini wax is one of the most popular approaches to waxing and removes visible hair from around the edges of the pubic area. It is usually created to form a pear or rectangular shape in pubic hair. This creates a groomed yet natural finish and is ideal for women who spend a lot of time at the beach or swimming pool. This area is far less sensitive than opting for a Brazilian wax, which either waxes all of the pubic hair or leaves a small strip of hair on the front part of the vagina.

 

 

Styles of Brazilian Waxing

One of the great things about waxing is that there are plenty of options, so finding one to suit you should be a cinch. From a standard bikini wax to a full Hollywood Brazilian, the styles of waxing available are diverse and different. To decide which style is best for you, start by familiarising yourself with the options. Then, choose the amount of hair you would like to keep and select from the shapes available the one you like the most. Also, remember that like any hairstyle, you won’t have to keep this look forever and can grow it out if you change your mind.

 

Bikini Wax

For those who have never waxed before, a bikini wax can be an excellent place to start. The style, which is highly popular, uses wax to remove any hair that would be visible outside the edges of a standard bikini bottom. As such, this option leaves your hair mostly natural and just tidies the edges for a cleaner, more groomed appearance.

 

 

Extended Bikini Wax

An extended bikini wax takes the original style slightly further. While still being quite natural in appearance, the top and sides are trimmed deeper for an even neater appearance. An extended bikini wax will also often include a trim of the remaining hairs to a tidy length.

 

 

Classic Brazilian Wax

While similar to a bikini wax, a Brazilian wax removes more hair. As well as grooming the hair at the front, a Brazilian wax also includes the strands underneath and in your behind. There are also multiple styles of Brazilian waxes available including an all-off option and choices with shapes or strips left at the front.

 

 

Full-Bush Brazilian

A full-bush Brazilian is a cross between a bikini wax and a Brazilian. The process leaves the bush at the front intact while removing all the hairs from underneath and around the buttocks.

 

 

Triangle Brazilian

A triangle is a very popular shape for ladies receiving a Brazilian wax. The look is similar to that of an extended bikini wax but with the hairs of your labia and behind also removed.

 

 

French Wax | Landing Strip

A French wax is ideal for fun-loving ladies and anyone who wants to be hair-free but not completely bald. The waxing style covers all areas of the Brazilian, except the behind. It also typically leaves a vertical strip of strands on top, which is known as a landing strip.

 

Love Heart Wax

A love heart is a fun shape that many ladies enjoy choosing for their Brazilian wax. The unique appearance is also often selected as a playful option for special occasions, such as Valentine’s Day or an anniversary.

 

 

Hollywood Wax

Hollywood wax removes all the hair from the pubic region, including the bikini area, underneath, and behind. Afterwards, you are left completely hair-free and smooth.

 

 

Types of Waxing

When receiving a Brazillian wax, your technician will select a type of wax to use during the process. Whether she uses natural wax, hard wax or strip wax will affect your appointment, so it’s important to know the differences between them.

 

Natural Wax

If you have particularly sensitive skin or prefer an organic approach to beauty, a natural wax may be the best choice for you. The method, which is gentle on skin, typically uses a combination of honey and sugar with lemon juice or water. The mixture is then heated to a taffy-like consistency and applied to the hair as a wax.

 

 

Hard Wax

Hard wax is a quick-setting wax that can remove hairs without the use of strips. The hot wax is smeared directly onto the skin in patches, where it quickly cools and hardens upon contact. It is then pulled off, taking any hairs with it. This type of waxing can be less painful than strip waxing and is ideal for thick and coarse hairs.

 

 

Strip Wax

Strip waxing utilizes soft wax and is excellent for grabbing short hairs. The process involves applying the wax directly to the hairs and skin. The technician then places a strip of cloth over the wax before ripping it off in the opposite direction of the hair growth. While this method is very quick and useful for removing large areas of hair, it can be quite painful.

 

 

How to Prep for a Brazilian Wax

Before going to your Brazilian wax appointment, you want to ensure that you have washed and showered. Avoid any products such as lotion or gel which could affect hair removal and irritate your skin. You also want to ensure you have no cuts in or around the area before your wax. Your hair will need to be a quarter of an inch for the best results, this is around two weeks of growth. Any longer and the procedure can be more painful. It can be tempting to shave in between waxing appointments, but you should not do this as the wax will not lift the hair properly if they are too short. Try to relax during your appointment as this will reduce the discomfort.

 

 

Tips for the First Wax

• If you shave, allow your hair to grow out to the ideal length before your waxing appointment.
• As the first wax can be quite painful and stressful, you may want to have one glass of wine beforehand to help you relax.
• If you’re nervous about completely undressing your bottom half, consider wearing a skirt and lifting it up during the wax.
• Bring a towelette to clean up and refresh before receiving your wax.
• Try to book your wax outside of when you will have your period as your skin will be more sensitive. If it’s unavoidable, wear a tampon, and your technician should be able to work around it but be sure to clear it with them first.

 

 

Brazilian Wax Video

The Brazilian wax is an excellent choice for those who prefer to be hairless. There are always things to consider before deciding that this is the best option for you, and having all the knowledge on what to do and what not to do can make the hair removal process simpler. You should also consider the pain, and while there will be some discomfort involved it should not be an excruciating process. Still not sure? Watch the YouTube video below to see what women thought and felt about getting a Brazilian wax for the first time.