If you’re someone who doesn’t like being hairy, particularly in the pubic area, then a Brazilian wax may just be for you. While there's absolutely nothing wrong with going au natural down there, it's normal to wonder what a Brazilian wax is in case you're considering getting one.
A Brazilian wax is a type of wax hair removal technique that removes all of the hair from your pubic area, which can grow down your leg and up towards your naval. It’s a particularly popular treatment during the summer months when you’re more likely to be lounging about in your favourite flattering tummy control swimsuit, as many women want to stop their pubic hair from poking out beneath it.
If you don’t have a high pain threshold, a Brazilian wax can be pretty painful but many women think it's a much easier method of hair removal compared to hair removal creams or shaving. It's also more affordable than many laser hair removal devices. If you're keen to know more or want to ditch your hair removing razor, here’s everything you need to know about getting one, including its pros and cons and how to prepare for one.
What is a Brazilian wax?
A Brazilian wax removes all the hair from your bikini line, the vulva and around the buttocks, with the exception of leaving a ‘landing strip’. This landing strip can be any size or shape preference that you choose, with popular choices including a neat triangle or a minimal line of hair, known as the 'landing strip'. It’s different from a bikini wax, which only removes hair from the top and sides of your bikini line, and a Hollywood wax, which removes all of your pubic hair, leaving the area completely bare.
Could a Brazilian wax be for you? Read on for the pros and cons…
Pros of getting a Brazilian wax
Long-lasting results: while there are less painful ways to remove the hair from your pubic area (such as shaving and hair removal creams), waxing can keep you hair-free for up to three to four weeks.
Less hair long-term: the more often you wax, the thinner and softer your hair will grow back, keeping you smoother for longer and allowing you to push back your future appointments.
It removes dead skin cells: this makes room for new, healthy skin tissue to grow, resulting in beautiful, glowy skin. It also removes dirt from clogged pores, which can help reduce acne breakouts in this area.
Confidence boost: it can be a major confidence booster for those who are particularly self-conscious about their pubic hair, as it’s guaranteed to leave not one hair in sight.
Cons of getting a Brazilian wax
It can be painful: any procedure where the hair is being ripped out from its follicle is going to bring discomfort, especially the first time. However, we all have different pain thresholds. Those with sensitive skin could find waxing more painful. The more frequently you get it done, the less painful it should become over time.
Itchiness and rashes: just like with shaving, it’s common to get some bumps, redness and for your skin to feel itchy after its wax. However, this should clear up on its own.
Costly: while a Brazilian wax can differ in price, depending on your location, it costs more than using a razor or hair removal cream and is something you’d have to fork out for monthly. If however you're confident waxing down there and know exactly what to do, you may want to consider a home waxing kit to cut costs.
How to prep for a Brazilian wax
Just like with other hair removal procedures, there are steps you can take to ensure you get the best results from your treatment.
It’s a good idea to exfoliate the pubic area beforehand to prevent any ingrown hairs. Make sure your pubic hair isn’t too long (aim for one-quarter and three-quarters of an inch long), otherwise the wax may not be able to do its job. If it is too long, just give it a little trim with some scissors, but don’t shave.
If you’re nervous about the pain, take an Ibuprofen 30 minutes before your wax.
Wear loose clothes to your appointment too and bring a clean pair of knickers made from a non-irritant material, like cotton, to wear after.
What happens during the appointment?
When you enter the treatment room, your beautician will ask you to remove any clothing from below the waist and lie down on the bed. It's your choice if you also want to remove your pants too, depending on how much hair you're having removed and what your beautician can work around or if they can provide disposable pants. Remember, if you feel uneasy or uncomfortable at all during your appointment, speak up and leave.
Your therapist may ask you to bend one knee, leaving the other leg laid flat on the bed in a right angle to easily access one side before moving onto the other. Your beauty therapist will pop some gloves on before applying melted hot wax onto a small section of your hair using a spatula and pressing a waxing strip on the wax. While holding the skin taut, they'll pull the strip away in one sharp tug.
Once finished, a soothing balm or cream will be applied to the area to cool and calm your skin before the beauty therapist leaves the room and allows you to get dressed.
Should I get a Brazilian wax?
In some cases, a Brazilian wax may not be suitable for you if:
• You’re sunburnt: the skin will be extremely sensitive and waxing could cause it to become raw. You're better off treating your sunburn at home before booking your appointment.
• You’ve been on acne medication (such as Roaccutane): again, this acne medication makes the skin extremely sensitive and it could cause your skin to become permanently scarred. Wait until six months after taking this medication to get a wax.
How is a Brazilian wax different from other wax styles?
With so many different waxing styles available, it's normal to wonder what the actual differences are between each waxing technique and style.
Bikini wax – This involves removing only the hair you could see when wearing a bikini or swimsuit. It's a good one to start with if you've never had a pubic hair wax before.
The Hollywood wax – If you want all pubic hair removed entirely including any hair on your bum, then opt for a Hollywood wax. Put simply, all pubic hair, front and back will be removed.
French wax – A French wax is similar to a Hollywood wax where everything is removed but similar to a Brazilian wax where a rectangular strip will be left on the pubic area.
The love heart – If you're feeling adventurous, you could ask for a love heart shape to your pubic hair where your pubic hair is shaped into the top of a heart.
Brazilian wax aftercare
The skin around your pubic area is very delicate, so it's important to take care of it after you've had a wax.
Firstly, avoid direct sunlight for at least 48 hours as your skin will be very sensitive. You should also avoid wearing tight clothes or underwear after the wax and avoid anything that will make you sweat in that area, eg a fitness class or gym session.
Extreme heat from steam rooms, saunas or hot baths can also cause irritation so opt for a shower after your treatment instead of a warm bath. Similarly, bacteria from swimming pools can also cause problems, so avoid swimming on the days following your wax. Keep the skin moisturised with a gentle lotion to avoid spots and ingrown hairs.