Ballpark Estimate: Between $50 and $100 every month or two
When you slip on a bathing suit this summer, how much are you willing to bare? Some women want to be sure their intimate areas are free from unwanted hair. That’s when investing in a Brazilian wax can be well worth the time and the expense. Someone highly trained in this technique can make your skin as clean and smooth as a baby. Just keep in mind that this endeavor requires ongoing maintenance.
History of the Brazilian
Rumor has it that one of the very first celebrities daring enough to “take it all off” was actress Demi Moore back in the 1990s. She asked her waxing technician to remove all of the hair in the pubic area (including the front, back and most of the way around). But she isn’t credited for inventing this look. In fact, she was really just mirroring a new trend introduced in 1987 at the J Sisters Salon in New York City by seven Brazilian sisters. Their shocking personal grooming technique soon became very popular among many other celebrities and their followers as well. Now, most salons and spas in big cities in the United States and abroad offer Brazilian bikini waxes. But while this technique is a standard in major metropolitan areas, it can be difficult to find in small towns and rural regions.
The Brazilian Difference
While a regular bikini wax removes hair around your underwear or bathing suit line, a Brazilian is a much more extreme form of waxing that follows the premise, “less is more.” This type of waxing is desired by many females who wear thong-style undergarments and swimwear, as it removes the hair completely around this skimpy line. It’s also worth mentioning that a Brazilian can be performed on men as well, although the approach is definitely much more popular among females.
If you want to get a Brazilian bikini wax done, you’ll have to decide exactly how far you want to go with this method. Some people opt to leave a thin strip of hair (often referred to as a “landing strip”) in the front, while others choose to remove all of their hair completely. Regardless of whether you go bald or not, though, what really sets the Brazilian apart from other types of waxing is that it leaves the backside completely bare from every angle.
People who like a Brazilian bikini wax often say that they feel it’s cleaner and more hygienic than other options. As a result, many women make Brazilian waxes a regular part of their beauty ritual.
A Brazilian by Any Other Name
A Brazilian bikini wax is sometimes referred to by other names, including a full Bikini wax, the Hollywood or even the Sphinx. (The latter names are generally used when all of the hair is removed.) Regardless of what you call it, though, what you can expect from the process will generally be consistent. Most professionals will apply a mixture of beeswax and oil capable of removing the thicker, coarser hair that’s typically found in the more intimate areas. Some women find it excruciatingly painful, while others explain it as more mildly uncomfortable. In either case, you can rest assured that the more you have this waxing done, the more you will build up your tolerance. In addition, there are some topical anesthetics that can help numb the area and make it less sensitive.
Where to Go
Some women attempt to do a Brazilian wax themselves at home, but if you’re considering trying this option, remember that you’d need to be a contortionist to get the full area completely. Therefore, the final results in a do-it-yourself will probably not be up to par with your expectations. Further, trying to wax yourself from different angles can end up causing damage to your skin, too. Therefore, for the safest and most professional results, you’re always better off hiring someone skilled in this area.
Who you select for the job can make a big difference, since if the waxing isn’t done safely, there are some risks involved, including damaged skin and causing ingrown hairs that can get infected. In addition, keep in mind that technicians who are very experienced in waxing will be able to do the job quickly, which will help to keep the pain level manageable.
To find reputable spas who perform Brazilian bikini waxes in your area, you might also do a search online or use online resources such as Spa Hub, Spa Finder, and SpaWish. Spa Magazine also has a website with a searchable directory worth browsing.
What to Expect
When you go for a Brazilian bikini wax, you’ll usually be ushered to a private room with a bed and the technician will ask you to strip down. Then she will probably trim your pubic hair way down with scissors first to make it easier to wax completely. Next heated wax will be applied in small sections. Once the wax cools, the technician will pull it off, taking your hair off with it. Be prepared to be asked to move into different positions that will offer access to different parts of your lower half as needed. Some technicians will also go back and remove any strands they missed to be sure their work is perfect. Depending on the technique used and the skill the technician brings to the job, a Brazilian waxing can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes from start to finish.
What It Costs
A Brazilian bikini wax can span a wide range of prices. On the very low end of the spectrum, you can find someone willing to do it for as little as $25 at a small salon, while on the high end you can spend as much as $200 at an upscale spa with ambiance. Most people end up paying somewhere in the middle range, though. A typical Brazilian bikini wax by a skilled technician will usually cost between $50 and $100. You should also plan to give a tip equal to about 20 percent of the bill.
Keep in mind that like other types of waxing, a Brazilian needs frequent maintenance. You can expect to need the procedure repeated every four to eight weeks depending on how fast you hair grows.
So a good Brazilian wax will probably cost between $50 and $100 every month to two-months, or on an annual basis, between $300 and $1,200 to keep it up.
Safety Issues
While most of the time you won’t experience any negative effects from a Brazilian wax, there are still some risks that you are taking when you undergo this procedure. For instance, if the technician doesn’t pull on the wax correctly, it could cause damage to the hair follicle and to your skin. In fact, it’s quite possible for your skin to become stretched or even tear in extreme cases. Using low quality wax that doesn’t bind well to the skin can also cause such complications. Some women also run the risk of infection in their hair follicles, which could require treatment.
Further, people with chronic health problems including diabetes, varicose veins and even poor circulation issues may be particularly at risk for waxing complications. The same is true of people who take certain medications that can compromise the skin or immune system.
Final Note
If you find yourself feeling particularly sore or uncomfortable after you have a Brazilian wax done, some women recommend applying a special lotion called Tend Skin that is said to relive redness and soothe the accompanying irritation quickly and easily.