My First Brazilian
I feared my first Brazilian wax would end with an apology for accidentally kicking the therapist in the face. My girlfriends assured me that getting a Brazilian bikini wax would be a painful, humiliating experience. They were wrong—I chose a skilled professional and the wax was a breeze.
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Brazilian Wax Basics
Unlike a traditional bikini wax or French bikini wax, a Brazilian wax leaves little to no pubic hair in the front, back, or anywhere else. This look allows you to wear a Brazilian-style bikini, high-cut or low-rise bottoms, or a skimpy thong without revealing any fuzz. There are no rules for Brazilians, you can take it all off, request the ever popular “landing strip”, or get a geometric shape.
The Brazilian Waxing Procedure
How Long Does the Waxing Take?
The Brazilian waxing procedure is actually very simple and takes 15-30 minutes. The therapist leaves the room as you undress from the waist down and refresh yourself with a moistened feminine wipe. This removes any oils or dirt, giving her a clean canvas to work with. After returning, she covers the area with a talcum powder to absorb moisture that could interfere with the wax application or removal. If you haven’t already, tell your waxer what kind of look you want.
Tip: If you have never had a bikini wax, you might not want to make a full Brazilian your first. Try a traditional bikini wax, see how it feels and looks and then consider going for the more extreme Brazilian. You can always take more off, but once it's gone, it’s gone… until it grows back.
Brazilian Waxing Step by Step
Hair removal begins from the hips inward. Using a disposable wooden applicator, the therapist applies wax to the skin. After a few seconds, she presses a cloth onto the wax and quickly removes it and the unwanted hair. To lesson the pain, breathe in as the strip is laid over the wax and breathe out quickly as it is pulled away, it hurts less. My therapist helped me coordinate my breathing with her waxing. To remove the hair closest to the navel, she may ask you to hold your skin taught to reduce the sting. Stay still and don’t flinch—it's difficult to wax a moving target.
Next comes the tricky part: waxing your (ahem) nether regions. While lying on your back with both knees bent, the therapist will ask you to raise one leg at a time and place it to the side. This allows her to get to work down there, and a few deep exhales later, it's over. The therapist may then remove any stray hairs with tweezers. Afterwards, a soothing lotion is applied to moisturize the area and stop bumps, redness, and ingrown hairs. The good news is that each time you get waxed it will hurt less.
The Results of a Brazilian Wax
A newly waxed bikini area feels shockingly smooth and will be more sensitive than before--not always a bad thing. To maintain the look, schedule a return visit every two to three weeks.
Lastly, I want to stress—do not go for a bargain wax. Do you really want someone doing a mere $20 of work down there? Ask around for recommendations and make sure that the spa you choose meets your requirements for sanitation and has experienced, licensed staff. You want your Brazilian to look good and feel good—and with the right waxer, it will.
By Julie Elaine Brown, M.A., Nov 05, 2008
But actually...not so much a breeze for everyone. I like to take 2-3 motrins an hour before hand and this seems to work for me, plus numbing cream as needed.
By Julie Elaine Brown, M.A., Nov 28, 2008
this article is showing up in our top articles for the analytics! ok who is looking at it? LOL
This is going to be a favorite article with the boys, I can tell
By Mari Gold, Dec 08, 2008
Having never had a Brazilian, I found your description entertaining and informattive. Sounds like an extreme "regular" bikini. Funny how some waxers make the experience almost pain-free and others--well, it's as though they were ripping it off hair by hair.
By Wendi Karam, Dec 09, 2008
My friends swear by it, but for me, just not worth the pain - not to mention the red bumps and burn afterwards. (and I have been to a few different upscale places and it is STILL torture) Oh AND the growth in between sessions, not cute. I'll stick to the old fashioned razor. Like the article though, a little risque'.
By Laci Chiodo, Apr 22, 2009
Love the article. It's funny, revealing, and informative. The Brazilian wax has always been a bit of a mystery to me. I have never tried it, mostly out if extreme fear, but your article makes me feel better. I might just give it a try.
By Heather C, Apr 25, 2009
Brazilian's are the best. I deem them a special reward for myself when I have done particularly well financially that week/month. They are addicting, the pain lasts for 15 minutes but you feel clean and fresh for two weeks afterward. I think everyone should get them, but know that once you start you will not want to go back! Are they intimidating-yes. Is my Brazilian waxer different then my eyebrow and lip girl-yes. I don't do the small talk thing there, she is a little too up-in-my-business for me to talk about the weather, but a professional staff and a spa like location make you feel comfortable for the real deal. I agree with Jacquetta, whatever you do, do not take the cheap route, no one wants a mistake happening down there!
By Carolyn Schlicher, May 05, 2009
Jacquetta, I've read the article and reviews--I like looking for your stuff because I enjoy your style. Thanks for the review.
I guess something that makes me breathe in and out with the waxing and taking a Motrin 2-3 hours before and topical anesthesia as needed reminds me of...well, labor and delivery. Then to get it 2 weeks after? And to pay for pain?
More power to you guys...
By Holly C, May 06, 2009
No, just no... ha ha ha. I'll stick with my method! :D But this was fun - and, I think it would help anyone in need of or considering it to go for it. I think people are just curious as to what actually occurs- This was a good introduction!
By cnyspagirl, May 11, 2009
Bold topic, great information. As always, no one says it quite like IR.
By Stephanie M, May 12, 2009
I'm always amused when I explain the Brazilian process to newbies. I've been getting waxed for ages - it's a necessity, not a luxury! - but can vaguely remember how nerve-wracking the first experience was. I highly recommend Svetlana at Avalon Salon in NYC. She rocks!
By Stacy Larsen, May 20, 2009
I have been squeamishly avoiding going all the way, but that is one persuasive article Jacquetta! People in Portland swear by WaxOn.
By Karyn Polewaczyk, May 24, 2009
The trick with a Brazilian wax (or any wax 'down there') is 1. as Jacquetta pointed out, don't skimp - at least not financially - and 2. go to a salon that uses hard wax, not strips. Hard wax is kept at a lower temperature than traditional wax, and left on for about a minute before it hardens. The hardened wax is then stripped off in lieu of a traditional paper strip, and is infinitely less painful than the traditional paper method, too. For me, waxing is the only way to go - ironically, my skin is so sensitive that shaving more than once a month leaves me with razor burn that rivals a Proactive "before" photo. Plus, who doesn't have fun tipping back on wine before your private parts are exposed to a stranger wielding smoldering hot lava while listening to a soundtrack of cheesy spa Muzak?
By Janet G, Jun 12, 2009
My friend went and got one and she screamed so loud that the woman told her she should never get one again.
I have another friend who got half done and then quit, even though she had to walk around on nude beaches in Brazil!
Another friend goes to a place where they give you wine first!
I have a feeling childbirth is going to be extra not fun for these friends. :)
By Drew Overholser, Sep 27, 2009
You all are amazing. I truly appreciate the woman that'll do the Brazilian!
By Allison J, Feb 19, 2010
It's really not too bad. Worth a little pain for the time it saves.