brazilian wax

Brazilian waxing is a type of waxing involving the bikini area. This procedure involves the complete removal of hair from the buttocks and adjacent to the anus, perineum and vulva (labia majora and mons pubis). It can be thought of as a more thorough form of bikini waxing. Most forms of Brazilian waxing leave a small line of pubic hair above the vulva, commonly known as the "G-Wax" or just "Brazilian". Waxes that completely remove the pubic hair are either termed 'Full-Brazilian' or 'Sphynx' depending on the salon visited. Sometimes the term Full Bikini Wax or FBW is used.

While mainly associated with females, the practice is engaged in by males as well.

It is named for Brazil, the country with which it is most often associated.

History

Waxing of the genital areas has been prevalent in many societies around the world for centuries, in Ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt but especially in arid or desert, predominantly Muslim and Arab countries. Arab, Turkish, and Persian women as well as women from the Albanian culture and Mediterranean regions have for centuries been waxing in the genital areas. The waxes used were often sugar-based and made with lemon; however present variations include oils and scents to lessen the discomfort. The reasons for genital waxing in these regions have not necessarily been for cosmetic reasons throughout history, as it is in the case of North and South America as well as Europe, but instead these cultures mentioned above have generally practiced waxing for centuries more for reasons of personal hygiene and/or religion. As a result, in many of these cultures, body hair of any sort on women is considered socially unacceptable. However waxing the genital area completely is relatively new to western cultures, developing mostly in the 20th century. In the United States, for example, the habit of waxing or even shaving the pubic area did not become common place until the late 1990s. However, as of 2006, this habit has become popular with the recent generation of American women.

The wax originated in Brazil for women wanting to wear the then-new thong bikinis, which was not widely popular inside the United States at the time. Waxing gained in popularity through the 1990s, with several celebrities, such as Paula Yates and Gwyneth Paltrow, extolling its virtues. In 1999 it shot to international prominence with the airing of a Sex and The City episode, where one of the characters is the unsuspecting victim of a Brazilian wax and finds the experience surprisingly pleasant. Also in 1999 was the release of the film American Pie, where one of the characters prematurely ejaculates while discovering that his female partner has a completely-shaven pubic area.

Full body waxing, including genital waxing, has been popular in the gay community for some time, and is becoming popular with heterosexual males as well. In the male version of the Brazilian wax, men will sometimes leave a triangle-shaped patch above the penis untouched (since this area can be exceptionally sensitive to irritation) and will sometimes also leave the hair surrounding the anus intact (while removing that found on the buttocks).

Process

The client is asked to disrobe. Occasionally, for females, a paper g-string is provided to protect the client's modesty. The procedure starts with baby powder, talcum powder, or oil being spread liberally over the area to be waxed. This prevents the hot wax from sticking to the skin. Then, as in other forms of waxing, hot wax is spread over the area from which hair is to be removed. The wax is allowed to harden briefly, then one edge of the wax strip is pulled up and used as a 'tab' to pull off the rest of the wax, usually in the direction opposite of hair growth. The waxer then works his or her way around the body systematically removing the hair from the genital area, buttocks, and anus. This procedure removes the wax, hair, and any dead skin cells lying on the skin surface. The person performing the wax will then finish using tweezers to remove any stray hairs that the waxing missed. Finally, the remaining pubic hair (the so-called "landing strip") is either trimmed with scissors, or waxed off if the client requests it.

The wax used is often a mixture of natural beeswax and tall oil rather than the more common synthetic 'waxes' used for regular leg waxing. It is felt that beeswax is stronger, and more effective at removing the thicker, coarser pubic hairs.

The pain involved with this procedure can be slight or acute and can continue for quite some time (from several seconds to minutes). Most of those willing to endure the procedure feel that the result is worth the discomfort. Furthermore, most feel that the procedure becomes less painful with subsequent treatments. Many products are available to lessen the pain, such as topical anesthetics.

Some advise following the procedure with an application of a hair inhibitor, which will slow the regrowth of hair and may halt regrowth completely. The results can last up to two months.

The benefits are similar to those of other types of waxing, such as lack of razor burn and soft hair regrowth. The disadvantages are also similar, though since it is performed on an extremely sensitive region of the body, the pain can be more acute.

While some types of waxing may safely be done on oneself, this type should not. It is recommended that one get a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician to perform this procedure.

Due to the pain involved, and the need for a specialist to perform the waxing, home shaving kits have become popular to achieve similar effects to the Brazilian wax.

See also

• Acomoclitism, a preference for hairless genitals
• Anal bleaching
• Bikini waxing

External links

• Listing of Places that offer Brazilian waxing and discussion board
• About Hair Removal: Brazilian Waxing FAQ
• Article: The bare facts about Brazilian waxing

• The Brazilian Wax