What Is a Brazilian Wax? Process, Preparation & Cost

A Brazilian wax is sometimes referred to as the ultimate bikini wax. This is because a full bikini wax involves the removal of body hair from areas that will be exposed when wearing the skimpiest of bikinis. Part of the reason this procedure is referred to as a Brazilian wax is the fact that the concept of this type of thorough removal of body hair was first practiced in the country of Brazil.

While the Brazilian wax does remove more body hair than a standard bikini wax, it is not the most extreme of all hair removal techniques. Generally, the Brazilian method will leave a small amount of body hair in the public region. Brazilian waxing includes the removal of hair from areas of the body that are likely to be exposed while wearing a bikini swimsuit. When the amount of waxing involves additional areas, the process is sometimes referred to as a Full Brazilian Wax or FWB.

The basic process for a Brazilian wax is simple. Powder is applied in an even coat to the body area that will undergo the treatment. The use of talcum or baby powder helps to provide a protective coating for the skin. Next, hot wax is poured over the area and allowed to cool and harden. One corner of the cooled wax is gently dislodged and used as a tab or handle to quickly rip the remainder of the wax from the skin. Hair follicles are encased in the cooled wax and are ripped free from the body. If any stray hair remains, the strands are removed with the aid of a pair of tweezers. Any sections of body hair that are intentionally left in place are trimmed and manicured to the specifications of the individual.

While many find the look of a Brazilian wax appealing, others object to the practice, claiming it creates an unnatural appearance to the body. Others object on the grounds that the jerking of hair from the body can increase the chance of infection, and feel the health risk is not worth the final result.

How Long Does a Brazilian Wax Last

Typically, your Brazilian wax will last for about four weeks, which is usually the maximum amount of time recommended between waxes based on average hair growth. As long as you do not shave between appointments, you can expect the time to remain at four to five weeks after attending regular sessions. However, there are before and aftercare tips that can help prolong the look of your wax.

How Much Is a Brazilian Wax

Depending on the area of hair you are removing, the price will likely fluctuate between $50 and $100. Prices differ based on several different factors. Before booking your appointment, be sure that you know the cost and whether or not a tip is included in the price. Remember, a 20% tip is the baseline standard for primary service-oriented professions and increases with satisfaction and expertise. Some factors that could affect the price range of your Brazilian wax session are:

Before treatment
After treatment
Area of hair waxed
Location of the waxing salon
Price of waxing goods
Expertise of specialist
Urgency of appointment
Range of services

How To Prepare for a Brazilian Wax

Some people say that preparing for a Brazilian wax is a mind game more than anything else. That might be true, but there are also concrete preparations that you need to take before you get waxed.

Before the Appointment

Before your appointment, be sure to let your hair grow to at least the length of a grain of rice. This length is necessary for the wax to adhere to the hair and the cloth for removal. If you are preparing for your first Brazilian, it is recommended that you do not shave for at least two weeks before your appointment to make the experience more manageable and less unpleasant for you. As you ready for your appointment, wear cotton underwear to be the most comfortable you can be after your wax. Do NOT:

Tan for at least 48 hours
Consume alcohol
Forget to report your meds to staff
Drink caffeine
Use excess creams
Use numbing ointments

At the Appointment

When you plan for your appointment, arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of time. This way, you can report any changes or concerns to the front desk staff, and they can prepare your private room. When you get to your room, you will undress entirely from the waist down, which is necessary for the proper application of Brazilian wax. Do your best to relax. While a Brazilian wax is not the most comfortable process you may experience, the results are well worth the trouble. Many people report that new waxing products on the market are making Brazilians better than ever before.

During the Appointment

A specialist will apply the Brazilian wax treatment. First, they will clean the area you have identified to be waxed, whether Brazilian or full Brazilian, and any other specifications you have communicated. Many salons apply a series of oils to your skin to help soothe and reduce irritation after the waxing process. Then, a warm wax will be applied with either a brush or a paste spatula. A strip of cloth is then applied to the wax before it hardens. When the wax cools, the strip of material is pulled along with the wax and your hair for removal. After removing the designated hair, the specialist will apply the after products to help soothe your skin.

How To Do Aftercare for a Brazilian Wax

There are many products that people swear by to help prolong the length of time between scheduling their sessions. Many of the products are soothing oils and hair minimizing serums. Some people recommend that you wear cotton underwear for a full 48 hours following your wax. Others stand by saltwater and almond oil baths for one week following their Brazilian wax session. Specialists generally recommend the following:

Wait four weeks between waxes
Wait 48 hours before direct sunlight exposure
Wait 48 before any sexual activity
Do not shave between waxes

The Benefits of a Brazilian Wax

A Brazilian wax is more than just a hair removal option for people who want to wear petite bikinis. In fact, some people get Brazilians that never go out into the sun at all. The benefits of a Brazilian include: