Brazillian Waxing and You: A First Timers, Old Timers, and Anytimers Guide to Brazillians

A word of warning to anyone sensitive to the topic. This post may be quite frank in some places.

So, Let's talk about our genitals shall we? Brazillian waxing, and it's counterpart, the Manzillian, is the process of removing hair from the genital area as a waxing service. To begin with I'd like to go over the standard styles of waxing available within the industry (A note to our male readers, as this service is usually a female service I will be describing techniques etc. using female examples.)

Bikini Waxing Services: 

Bikini Wax - Removes hair outside of the normal underwear line, usually limited to creases of leg and top of pubic hair line. 

Full or Modified Bikini Wax: Removes hair from underwear line and usually a half inch or inch into what would normally be covered by underwear. Usually leaving a triangle or wide strip of trimmed hair in the front.

French Bikini Wax: Takes all hair from front except a small strip and continues down until just before the back.

Brazillian Bikini Wax: Removes all hair from both front and back unless client chooses to leave a small amount or "landing strip" in the front. Some clients also opt for designs such as a heart etc. But that is something to discuss with your esthetician as not all perform design services.

Hollywood Bikini Wax: Removes all hair from front and back.

What to Expect With Your First Brazillian Wax:

So you've decided to go for your first brazillian wax, good for you! But what to do before your appointment? How long should the hair be? Is there anything you can do for pain reduction?

Your hair growth should be no less than 1/4 inch long and no more than an inch long. Too short and all the hair will not be removed, too long and you'll find it much more painful (as well as there may be additional charges if your esthetician has to spend time trimming.)

I usually recommend to my first timers to take a few ibuprofen a half hour before their appointment, this helps to not only reduce pain levels, but also any swelling which may occur after the service. Another thing I recommend is to exfoliate the day before and be sure to moisturize the day before or no more than 6 hours before the appointment to be sure all debris is removed from the follicles, and that the skin is supple. Dry skin can cause complications as well as increase any discomfort from the service.

In most spas you will have to fill out a consultation form on your first visit advising your esthetician to any allergies or medications you may be on. Keep in mind as well that if you are menstruating some spas may not be able to provide the service, as well as sensitivity levels may increase, making the service more painful.

You will be led to a room and asked to remove your pants and underwear while the esthetician waits outside. Most spas offer a cleansing wipe and a towel to cover up with. Once you are ready the esthetician will enter and the service will begin.

Every esthetician has their own preferred technique but most will have you help by holding portions of the skin in different directions for ease of removal. Type of wax used my also vary between Honey wax, Cream wax, or Hard wax. Each has it's own benefits and many estheticians use a combo during brazillian waxing for the best result.

Well, I Survived It, Now What?

Once your service has been completed your esthetician should go over aftercare with you. Any showers for the next 24 hours should be lukewarm, avoiding hot water which may irritate the hair follicles. Make sure to rinse well if performing any strenuous exercise in the next 24 hours, or if you plan to engage in sexual activity. 

Another good idea is to exfoliate 3-4 days after your service. This will help to remove any debris from your pores that could cause new hair growth to become "ingrown." There are also several post waxing cleansers, creams, and lotions on the market that can aid in reduction of ingrown hair. Most spas will keep a brand in stock for their waxing clients.

And there you have it, the Brazillian Wax.

Please feel free to post any comments or questions below, or e-mail us at skynbeautybar@gmail.com.

An Introduction

Hello,

My name is Cassandra and I am an esthetician at SKYN Salon and Spa in Edmonton, Alberta. We provide full Salon and Spa services to a broad clientele and have a little bit of something for everyone.

I hope we will be able to provide insight into the industry, tips and tricks, and aid in educating both our current clientele, future clientele, and others around the world.

Please feel free to leave us comments, we thrive on feedback and always look forward to hearing from people.

Thank you, and enjoy yourself!