Brazilian waxing

This bikini hair removal wax treatment originated in Brazil for women who wanted to wear a bikini thong. This technique gained huge popularity in the late 1990s and is now used by both sexes worldwide. The method removes all the hairs around the genitals (front and rear). Sometimes a small 'landing strip' (for females) or small triangle of hair (for males) is retained at the front of the bikini area.

Other terms are used interchangeably with Brazil waxing such as a 'Hollywood' and a 'Sphynx'. Hollywood and Sphynx waxes are those that remove all of the hair, whereas a Brazilian is sometimes only used to refer to a partial removal, leaving a small 'landing strip'. For the purpose of this website we will use the term Brazilian wax to describe a full or partial hair removal wax application to the bikini or pubic area.

Waxing of the bikini hair line and genital areas has been common practice in many cultures around the world for centuries. The waxes used were often based on sugar and lemon; however present waxes include various oils and scents to lessen the discomfort. Waxing the genital area completely is fairly new to modern Western cultures. It was virtually unheard of to wax or even shave the pubic area before the 1960s in Western societies.

Full body waxing, including genital and buttock waxing, has been popular in the homosexual community for some time. It is also practiced by heterosexual males as well, especially in the bodybuilding and fitness community. Men will often leave a triangle-shaped patch of hair above the penis as this area can be exceptionally sensitive to irritation. The male version is sometimes referred to as the 'Boyzilian' or 'eBodyWax' (Entire Body Wax).

Like any waxing treatment, a wax is applied to the area to be treated and then a cloth is pressed into the wax. Once the wax has hardened the cloth is pulled away, removing the hair and dead skin cells with it. Because pubic hair is more course than normal hair, beeswax is often used as it grips the hairs better. Any stray hairs that are not removed by the cloth are plucked out using tweezers.

The more experienced practitioners will know how to minimise the discomfort by not over waxing 1 area and pulling the cloth in the correct direction. They will also be more sympathetic to your situation as many patients find the Brazilian wax treatment embarrassing, as they have to expose themselves to the practitioner. However, patients that overcome the embarrassment and have the treatment are typically very pleased with the final results.

For females, the ideal time to have bikini hair removal is about a week after the menstrual period. Treatment before and during a menstrual period should be avoided as the skin is at its most sensitive at this time.

Once the pubic or bikini area has been treated, many patients use a hair inhibitor cream to keep the hairs at bay. Patients typically return for further Brazilian treatments every 2 months or so.