Brazilian waxing is a type of waxing involving the bikini area. This procedure involves the complete removal of hair adjacent to the anus, perineum and vagina (labia majora and mons pubis). It can be thought of as an extreme form of bikini waxing. Some forms of Brazilian waxing leave a small line of pubic hair above the vulva; most do not.

It is named for Brazil, the country in which it originated. It was first used for women wanting to wear the then-new thong bikinis.

Process

Like other forms of waxing, the area to be removed of hair is spread with hot wax. Cotton strips are placed on the waxed area and then ripped off. This procedure removes the wax, hair and any dead skin cells lying on the skin surface.

The pain involved with this procedure can be quite acute and can continue for quite some time (from several seconds to minutes). Most willing to endure the procedure feel the result is worth the discomfort.

Some advise to follow the procedure with an application of a hair inhibitor. The hair will take longer to grow back and some hair may stop growing back altogether.

The benefits are similar to those of other types of waxing, such as: lack of razor burn and soft hair regrowth. The disadvantages are also similar, though since it is performed on the most sensitive region of the body, the pain can be more acute.

While some types of waxing may safely be done on oneself, this type is not. It is recommended one get a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician to perform this procedure.

External Link

  • An online FAQ discussing different types of waxing, including Brazilian waxing