The Brazilian

Bikini Wax

Ever considered removing all your hair from down there? Here's the lowdown on the infamous Brazilian, why you should consider it and what to expect.

What's A Brazilian? A Brazilian bikini wax is a hair removal process that removes hair from the entire pubic region, including the labia and the area that reaches into the buttocks. You can either opt to leave a small strip of hair, or remove it entirely.

Why A Brazilian? Brazilian waxes are becoming more and more popular, and as the summer weather approaches, you might be considering it as well. Honeymooning or just headed for that tropical paradise and want to focus on the important things in life? Maybe you're just tired of the rigors of daily shaving or suffer from frequent ingrown hairs. Many women request a Brazilian because it gives a clean, close wax and the freedom from daily shaving. Besides its aesthetic appeal, waxing is better than shaving because it doesn't grow back as thickly, nor does it itch or poke thru your undies. Many women consider it hygienic because it doesn't absorb sweat. The main reason - wear the most revealing bikini or lingerie without embarrassment.

The Process Brazilian Process? First the hair is snipped with scissors so the wax can reach the follicles. Then, using a wooden stick, a technician places warm wax on the area a little bit at a time. As with a regular bikini wax, cloth strips are placed over the warm wax and, after it hardens, pulled away from the skin. The hair is removed and the procedure continues. Stray hairs may also be tweezed and a post-wax cream applied to the newly waxed area to sooth any irritation. You are usually asked to remove your clothes from the waist down. Some women aren't comfortable with this so you can keep them on if you prefer. The fact is, underwear needs to be moved all the way over to do the job correctly, so you'll end up pretty exposed anyway.

The Brazilian Bikini Wax usually requires your active participation positioning you body so the esthetician can remove your hair. A self brewed mixture of Aloe Vera and Calamine Lotion can be applied at home to the sore hairless areas to soothe itching.

Are There Any Health Risks? Humans may have needed some protection down there due to climate at one time, but there's really no reason to have hair down there. Clothing provides ample protection, and doctors say there's absolutely no harm in getting a Brazilian. Depending on the individual, some women may experience an allergic reaction to the wax which can be treated with antibiotic cream. It's also a good idea to exfoliate the area when you can, so that you don't get any ingrown hairs. If you experience some bleeding or soreness afterwards, apply some baby oil for a few days to soothe the area.

Avoid washing your pubic area with hot water for a few days afterwards. Things that Brazilian waxing virgins need to know first: Not a "yellow page" referral task. The best way to find out about a good waxer is word of mouth or if you already have an esthetician, inquire if she performs this service. A lot of waxers still refuse to do this type of waxing, as it is highly personal.

Your Brazilian waxer will know you at least as intimately as your gynecologist. You will be asked to strip down to nothing and spread your legs into all kind of very embarrassing positions. Your best defense is to appear as though you think it's as normal as your waxer does.

Do not expect a picnic, though many women say it is less painful then they imagined. It does hurt and there's no way around this! The best practitioners are the quickest, most effective ones. A Brazilian bikini (no legs, no underarms, just the bikini) should take about a half hour.

Don't attempt waxing the three days prior to, and the first three days of your menstrual cycle. You skin is much more sensitive at that time, and waxing then can be much more painful. Some people like to take an anti-histamine before waxing to prevent bumps or irritation. Also, some waxers swear by a pre-treatment Advil or two. Consult with your physician if you have any questions.

Do not under any circumstances wax if 1) you are sunburned 2)you are taking or have recently taken Accutane or used Retin-A. Both of the above medications are keratolytics and increase the rate at which you skin exfoliates. If you take a chance and wax, you may remove skin as well as hair! Don't do it!