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Brazilian waxing

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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 an extreme form of bikini waxing. Most forms of Brazilian waxing leave a small line of pubic hair above the vulva. Waxes that completely remove the pubic hair are either termed 'Hollywood' 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 in which it originated.

History

The brazilian was introduced to New York by a group of sisters from Brazil: Jocely, Jonice, Joyce, Janea, Jussara, Juracy and Judseia Padilha. They founded the J. Sisters International Salon in downtown Manhattan in 1987, and started offering Brazilian Bikini Waxes. The wax originated in Brazil for women wanting to wear the then-new thong bikinis. It gained popularity through the 90's, with several celebrites, 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 sphinx style Brazilian wax and finds the experience surprisingly pleasant. Ironically, in the episode it was portrayed as a LA phenomonem whereas it was first introduced to New York.

Full body waxing, including genital waxing has been popular in the gay community for sometime. In the male version of the brazilian wax, men will often leave a triangle-shaped patch above the penis unshaved (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, a paper g-string is provided to protect the client's modesty. The procedure starts with baby powder or talc 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. Cotton strips are placed on the waxed area and then ripped off. The waxer then works their 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 tweazers to remove any stray hairs that the waxing missed. Finally, any remaining pubic hair (the so called landing strip) is trimmed with scissors.

The wax used is often natural beeswax 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 slightly 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 as if the procedure becomes less painful with every treatment.

Some advise to follow 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 the most sensitive region of the body, the pain can be more acute.

While some types of waxing may safely be done on oneself, this type cannot. 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 the same effects as the brazilian wax.

See also

External links

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