Summer’s here—and with it comes bikini season. Before heading to the beach, you may be considering a trip to the wax studio. If you’re wondering, “What is a Brazilian wax?” then you’ve come to the right place.
Whether you want to clean things up before putting on your swimsuit or just prefer a hair-free look and feel, the pubic hair removal method is as popular as it is daunting. Silky smooth, razor bump-free skin “down there” sounds ideal, but it can also feel uncomfortable during the appointment, especially for first-timers.
Before we get any further, let’s be clear about one thing: Hair removal (or not) is a completely personal choice. Whether you want to get a Brazilian wax, Brazilian sugar, bikini wax, bikini trim, laser hair removal, or leave your pubic hair all natural, it’s up to you and what you are comfortable with. Everyone has it, and there are plenty of options, including at-home laser hair removal devices, bikini trimmers, and more. That being said, here’s our in-depth guide to all your FAQs about Brazilian waxes—including if it hurts, if it’s awkward (spoiler alert: it’s not!), how to prep beforehand, the benefits, how long the results will last, and so much more—straight from hair removal experts.
What is a Brazilian wax?
The popular hair removal method removes hair from the pubic area, “including the front, back, and the entire area in between,” says Deidra Green, European Wax Center's vice president of field performance. “Some people choose to leave a small strip [often referred to as a landing strip] or triangle in front, while others opt for a completely bare look.” How much hair you want to leave or remove is entirely your choice, though a full Brazilian will remove all the hair in the pubic region.
When it comes to the benefits of waxing, it has a leg-up over more short-term removal methods like shaving or trimming. “Waxing removes hair from the root, so it takes longer to grow back (we recommend three to four weeks for best waxing results),” says Green. “When hair does grow back, it’s finer regrowth, coming back softer and thinner.”
As with many hair removal methods, it also delivers some added skin benefits. “Waxing exfoliates dead skin cells, leaving skin smoother,” adds Green. “And there is less irritation over time. Compared to shaving, which can cause razor bumps or cuts, waxing may result in less irritation after regular treatments.”
When it comes to getting a Brazilian, most people will opt for either traditional waxing or sugar waxing, also known as sugaring. “Brazilian sugaring is a natural hair-removal method using just sugar, lemon, and water applied at body temperature and removed in the direction of hair growth to minimize irritation,” says Courtney Claghorn, founder of Sugared + Bronzed. Just like a Brazilian wax, it entails full hair removal in the bikini area (front to back). “But clients can always customize how much they’d like to leave or take off,” she adds.
Wax for estheticians is usually made with ingredients like rosin, beeswax, resins, and other additives, while sugar wax (or sugar paste) is made with the three natural ingredients, which means it can be more gentle on even sensitive skin. Again, the choice between regular wax and sugar wax is up to you, but if you’re looking to make the switch to sugaring, here are some benefits to take note of: “Unlike wax, which is applied hot and removed against the direction of hair growth, sugaring is applied at body temperature and removed in the same direction as hair growth,” says Claghorn. “This helps minimize discomfort, reduce breakage, and significantly lower the risk of ingrown hairs.”
If you’re concerned about cleanliness, sugaring may be for you: “It’s also a more hygienic process with each ball of sugar paste being used for one client only and discarded after a single use—no sticks, no strips, and absolutely no double-dipping,” Claghorn adds.
Regardless of which you choose, you can expect hairless, soft, and smooth skin after your wax treatment.
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What should you expect during a Brazilian wax?
If you haven’t gotten a Brazilian before, here’s exactly what it includes and what to expect when you arrive for your waxing session.
When coming in for a Brazilian, “You’ll start by undressing from the waist down and lying on a treatment table,” says Green. Though your experience will differ depending on which company and studio you visit, the process should be as comfortable as possible. Here’s what to expect if you visit a European Wax Center: “Your EWC wax specialist will start with a skin consultation to determine the amount of hair being removed,” says Green. “From there, we cleanse the area with pre-wax cleanser and then protect the skin with a pre-wax oil. Warm hard wax is applied, then removed quickly to remove hair from the root. The wax specialist may ask you to move or adjust your position to access all areas.”
The waxer will also discuss your skin-care needs and help create an aftercare regimen. “When complete, the wax specialist will apply EWC’s Ingrown Hair Serum to treat and prevent ingrown hairs, bumps, and breakouts. You then get dressed, and your wax specialist will show you the products recommended for your skin,” says Green. And that’s it!
If you’re heading to a sugaring studio like Sugared + Bronzed for your Brazilian, it’ll be pretty similar. “Our highly trained Sugaristas use our all-natural Sugared + Bronzed Sugar Paste, applied and removed in small, precise sections for smooth, long-lasting results,” says Claghorn.
And you won’t believe how quick the sugaring and waxing process is: “The full treatment usually takes about 20 minutes, and for first-timers, we walk you through each step to ensure you feel informed and at ease,” Claghorn adds. After that, you won’t need to return for about a month. “For first-time clients, results from sugaring typically last about three to four weeks,” she explains. “With consistent appointments, results often extend to last about five to six weeks, as hair begins to grow back finer, softer, and more slowly over time.”
How painful is a Brazilian wax?
Let’s not sugarcoat things here: Like laser hair removal, your waxing experience will not be completely pain-free, especially the first time. “However, many people find that it gets easier with consistency,” says Green. “Remember: Your third wax is your best wax!” Why is this? Over time, hair removal from the root causes the hair to grow back sparser and thinner, so it becomes less and less painful.
There are plenty of ways to minimize discomfort in these sensitive areas, though. “We recommend that guests exfoliate the area being waxed gently the day before to remove dead skin and help prevent ingrown hairs,” says Green. “Moisturize the area to help soften the skin and hair follicles the day of waxing. And most importantly, stick to a regular schedule—waxing every three to four weeks helps reduce pain over time.” You may also want to consider “avoiding caffeine or alcohol the day of your treatment, as they can heighten sensitivity,” says Claghorn.
If you’re concerned about your pain tolerance, some of our Glamour editors have found that sugaring is less painful than waxing, especially because of the cooler temperature of sugar wax and that it’s removed in the same direction the hair grows, but it’s all personal preference. You can try both and see what you like better.
Is it awkward getting a Brazilian wax?
Absolutely not. Though it’s totally normal to feel nervous or awkward, especially if it’s your first Brazilian wax, remember that these waxing specialists are total pros, and they see bodies and body hair all day long. “Most guests say the awkwardness fades quickly once the process begins,” adds Green.
How do you prepare for a Brazilian wax?
Good news: The preparation is quick and easy, though it’s still super important. First up: “Be sure your hair is at least ¼ inch long (about the length of a grain of rice),” says Green. Prep begins 24 hours in advance of your appointment, and all you have to do is exfoliate the area that’ll be waxed to help prevent ingrown hairs, advises Green. Then, on the day of, “shower beforehand, moisturize the area being waxed, and wear loose, comfortable clothing to your reservation.” That’s all—couldn’t be simpler.
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What should you do after a Brazilian wax?
Aftercare is just as important as the prep. If you want the best, longest-lasting results possible (and minimal side effects!), taking care of your skin after waxing is essential. “For the 24 to 48 hours following an appointment, we recommend avoiding hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, exercise or activities that cause heavy sweating, tanning (beds or sunlight), and sex,” says Green. The waxed area may feel sensitive, so make sure to wear the same loose-fitting clothing you wore to your waxing appointment after as well.
Applying an ingrown hair serum after your wax will also help “treat and prevent ingrown hairs, bumps, and breakouts,” says Green. “Also, gently exfoliate the skin two to three times a week.” This will help maintain clear and healthy skin between appointments. If you deal with dark spots, discoloration, or scarring post-wax or post-sugar, using gentle products with brightening ingredients will help even skin tone and keep skin smooth, calm, and radiant between visits, Claghorn explains.
Catharine Malzahn is the contributing associate beauty editor at Glamour.
