Brazilian waxing first came to North America in the late 1980s, but didn’t gain widespread popularity until the later 1990s. The procedure removes all the hair in the pubic region, front and back. In some cases, a small strip of hair is left in the center, but total hair removal is more common. The smooth look is very popular in Brazil where thong bikinis for sun tanning are the normal.

Not all beauty salons offer this form of waxing. Brazilian requires an experienced technician. When the technician works fast, there is less pain associated with the procedure. This form of waxing is more common in major cities, such as Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia. As the procedure gains popularity, it becomes available in more areas.

The Brazilian Waxing Procedure

The technician will start by trimming your pubic hair. The hair only needs to be a quarter of an inch long to get good results. After the hair is trimmed, the technician will spread the wax across the area in the direction of hair growth. Cloth strips are then pressed onto the wax and allowed to cool. Once the wax cools, the strips are ripped off in the direction opposite of hair growth. This pulls the hair out by the root. Any stray hairs will then be plucked with a tweezer. A soothing lotion is applied after the procedure to cool the skin and soothe irritation.

Tips for Good Results

• The hair needs to be at least a quarter of an inch long before the procedure. If you shave your pubic hair, allow it to grow back in prior to your session.

• Red bumps caused by ingrown hairs may occur after your session. This can be helped by exfoliating the skin. They are less likely to occur after repeated waxing sessions.

• You will need to wait at least three weeks in between sessions for the hair to grow back. The procedure will last anywhere from four to seven weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows.

• Some salons offer this procedure for both men and women; others only offer it for women. Check with the salon before scheduling an appointment.

• The degree of pain associated with this procedure varies according to your pain threshold and the amount and texture of the hair. A fast moving technician is best for reducing pain.

Caring for Your Skin After Waxing

Proper care will help prevent ingrown hairs and extend the time needed in between sessions. Use a soothing lotion to reduce irritation after your session. Lavender is a common ingredient in these lotions. The skin in this area is very soft and can be easily irritated by the wax process. Cleaning the area regularly will prevent and help heal this irritation. Ingrown hairs are common after hair removal procedures. Exfoliate the skin regularly to help relieve and prevent ingrown hairs. You can use a commercial exfoliating product, a loofah or a wash cloth. A warm, damp washcloth held to the area helps heal ingrown hairs.