If you’re not familiar with a Brazilian wax, the idea can be somewhat a 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.
Styles of 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.
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 utilises 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.
Waxing Tips
Before getting a wax, you will need to prepare yourself. As such, it’s best to do a bit of research about the process and learn the best tips for achieving a good waxing experience.
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.
How Long Does the Hair Have to be to Wax?
If you currently shave but are wanting to get a wax, it’s important to let the strands grow out a little first. The ideal length is about a quarter inch or between 0.5 and 1cm. If your hair is much longer than this, consider trimming it before your wax or shaving two to three weeks beforehand. Alternatively, some salons will trim the hairs for you, but you may need to book and extended appointment.
How Bad Does Waxing Hurt?
Although waxing can be quite painful, most women find it bearable and believe that the results outweigh the discomfort. Typically, your first wax will be the worst as the hairs will be at their most coarse and dense. Also, note that the area will be somewhat sensitive for the rest of the day and that you should avoid working out or going to the beach directly afterwards.
How Long is the Treatment?
When it comes to waxing, everyone’s treatment time will vary slightly depending on their hair and the method of removal. In general, most salons will book appoints that last around 30 minutes for intimate waxing but the time can often range between 15 minutes for a bikini wax and 45 for a Hollywood Brazilian. Your very first wax will typically be your longest with treatment lengths becoming shorter as the hairs begin to grow back less coarse and thick.
How Long Does a Bikini Wax Last?
Bikini and Brazilian waxes tend to last around four to six weeks. This will, of course, vary between individuals and can change over time. While you may need more frequent appointments when you first begin getting waxed, the length between them may extend as hair growth decreases.
