What is the difference between, High Leg, Hollywood and a Brazilian Wax?

 

 

So, lets talk about bikini waxing.

My oh my, its changed a lot since I first started out in the 80’s. Then, it was anything that popped out of your pants ( and pants were pants then too!). Then Jane Fonda Workouts hit the scene. I can still remember how mortified we were as young 20 year olds when someone asked if we would “go in a bit”….I mean, would you dare!

If only we knew then what we know now. Roll on 30 years and “The Bikini Wax” has a section of its own on the price list. But whats it all about, there seems to be confusion on what they all are. So, let me try to explain what those styles are and what you can expect during your treatment.

Remember, every salon has their own definition of names so please do check with your therapist first.

(Video cover from Amazon.com )

Standard Bikini Wax

A great way to start for a waxing newbie. This is where all the course hair from the crease of the leg downwards is removed. If there is any hair on the inner thighs, this will also be removed.

High Leg Bikini Wax

This is where the pants would be brought inwards from the crease of the leg and hair can also be removed from the top of the pubic triangle. Ideal for anyone who has high cut underwear or swimwear. Great for a clean up or a more defined triangle on the pubic bone.

Brazilian Wax

This is where a small triangle is left on the pubic bone, tapering down over the outer labia. All other surrounding hair is removed, including the bottom. I have also seen this called a G-StringWax.

Hollywood Wax

This is where all the hair is removed.

What happens during a bikini wax

Now you have chosen how you would like your lady garden to look. Make sure you choose a reputable salon where the therapist is experienced and hygiene standards are high.

I often cringe when I have my waxing done that the therapist does not give me a consultation. A full consultation should be given to asses if you are suitable for the treatment. For example, some medications for acne can thin the skin and could cause the skin to tear or if you have had a recent operations or laser resurfacing etc.

Its totally natural to feel embarrassed but dont forget, your therapist does this for a living. She will not notice if you have nanna knickers on or a sexy thong, or if your toe nails are painted or not!

You may be offered a pair of disposable pants to wear or be given a courtesy towel to lay over you so that you dont feel as exposed. On the second treatment you will probably feel comfortable enough not to bother! If you have a pair of pants that are a similar shape to what you want, take them with you and a clean pair of plain cotton pants for afterwards.

Firstly, your therapist should wash their hands or wear gloves. She will then cleanse the area that is to be treated followed by a powder or a pre-wax oil. I prefer to use a light jasmine oil as it aids the effectiveness of the wax and conditions the skin.

Hot wax should always be used for bikini waxing. Hot wax shrink wraps around the coarse hair and does not adhere to the skin as strip wax does. The skin will be stretched with one hand of the therapist and then the wax will be applied in small strips with a wooden disposable spatula. Your therapist should use a clean spatula every time she takes wax from the pot so that she does not contaminate the pot…..very important ! Sometimes not all the hair comes out first time. If you have shaved for a long time the hair can be very brittle and snap or the hair may be growing in different directions. If a large area of hair remains, the therapist may choose to go over again with another section of wax or choose to tweeze the odd random hairs.

Once the hair has been removed a post wax oil or cream will be applied to soften and soothe the skin. The treatment

 

usually takes approximately 30 minutes depending on hair growth.

It is very important that you take note of the after care advice that you are given.

Tah dahhh, your bikini wax is complete. You can now relax and forget about hairgrowth for 4-6 weeks. If you have regular Bikini waxing , you will notice that the hair becomes finer after 4 or 5 treatments and will grow back slower over time.

Hopefully I have made it all a bit clearer and you can go and choose the style of your lady garden with confidence.