The Skinny on Brazilian Waxing

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What exactly is a Brazilian Wax? 

It is when a professional technician removes, by way of hot wax, most of the hair from “down there” but leaves a “landing strip” or in some places a shape like an oval, triangle, or even a heart. Yep, a heart, sounds kinda kinky! There is also something called a Hollywood Wax where ALL the hair is removed all the way through to the rear. Unfortunately, just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there. 

What happens when you get a Brazilian Wax?

Well you have to bare all in front of a stranger, which can be awkward. But know this-you don’t have ANYTHING these ladies haven’t seen before. It’s similar to the feeling you get when you go to the gyno but afterwards you have a fabulously smooth hooha that you can flaunt in a teeny bikini or in the bedroom. Your significant other will most definitely thank you. 

After you strip down you might be trimmed by your waxer. Your hair should be about 1/4 of an inch in order for the wax to grab on properly. Then you will be liberally doused with powder so that the wax doesn’t stick to the skin. She will apply the wax with a wooden stick to the area, press on that area with a strip of cloth, and then wait for it to cool a bit so that the hair and wax fuse together. After the cooling she pulls the strip of cloth in the opposite direction that the hair grows pulling it out from the root. Sound painful? It is. But the more you go the more you will get used to it. When she is done she will tweeze any strays and put a cream on the area; usually one with aloe or other soothing ingredients. 

Tips and Facts about Brazilian Waxing

-The Brazilian Wax was introduced in New York in 1987 when seven Brazilian sisters, Jocely, Jonice, Joyce, Janea, Jussara, Juracy, and Judseia Padilha (otherwise known as the “J sisters”) opened a salon. 

-If you have not gotten waxed before, maybe start with a bikini wax (just the sides), then move to a Brazilian wax, and if you are feelin’ frisky, finish off your waxing tour with a Hollywood wax.

-Make sure you are very clean before you go to your appointment and no need to use lotion in or around that area.

-Some places will offer you a sweet waxing menu (see below) where you can pick your shape of Brazilian wax. Shapes like martini glass, hearts, square, triangle, oval, etc. 

-You are more sensitive around your period so you should schedule it for a week before or after. Most places will not even do it while you are on the rag anyway...for obvious reasons. 

-If you are worried about the pain, you can pop a couple Advils or apply a topical anesthetic about 45 minutes before your appointment. 

-Things to NOT do for 48 hours: intercourse, tanning beds, saunas, steam rooms, really hot baths or showers, wearing very tight panties, scrubbing.

-You might get ingrown hairs (especially if it is your first time), to help this exfoliate the area with a salicylic acid scrub (wait 48 hours to do so) and a natural fiber washcloth. There are also some great products you can use such as Bliss or Tend

-A Brazilian Wax can last anywhere from 2-4 weeks depending on your hair growth. 

-A Brazilian Wax can cost you about $50-$100.

-When the re-growth comes in, it should be thinner and more sparse then before since you are pulling it out at the root as opposed to shaving it-bonus! 

-Remember the name of your technician (if you liked her) so that she can get to know what you like and you don’t have to keep undressing for a new stranger each time! 

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