- In a traditional Brazilian wax, all of the pubic hair is removed. Brazilian hair removal is done to keep the bikini area looking neat, or for comfort and a clean, sexy appearance. All of the hair in the front as well as hair around the anus and perineum is removed from both men and women. On women, this includes the hair around the labia and on men, hair on the penis and testicles is also taken off. In many Brazilian waxes, a small patch of hair can be left on the front, either a neatly trimmed rectangle or a shape such as a heart or lightning bolt.
- If you go to a professional for Brazilian hair removal, make sure that the esthetician is licensed and practices standard hygiene procedures. In most salons, professional Brazilian hair removal is done with hot wax. Wax is preferred because hair is removed at the root and takes up to six weeks to grow back. The esthetician spreads hot wax on a small area of hair and then spreads a piece of muslin over the wax. The wax adheres to both the hair and the cloth as it cools. The esthetician then rips the muslin off, bringing the wax and hair with it. The procedure can be painful, though it generally becomes easier with subsequent waxings.
- Brazilian hair removal with a laser is more expensive, but the results are permanent. In laser hair removal, the esthetician runs a laser over the area. When she activates the laser, the light hits the hair follicles and kills the hairs so they do not grow back. The laser procedure must be repeated several times because hair grows in cycles so it's not possible to destroy it all at once. The procedure takes longer than waxing, but it is generally less painful.
- After having your pubic hair removed, the sensitive skin can be red and swollen or feel bruised and tender. This usually lasts less than a day, but you can apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to soothe your skin. Taking a dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen before getting waxed can make it less painful during and after. Avoid tanning or exercising right after a wax because sweat can get into the opened pores and cause an infection. You can help prevent ingrown hairs by gently exfoliating the area with a washcloth when you bathe to clear dead skin from the hair follicles.
