What Is the Difference Between a Brazilian and a Bikini Wax, Anyway?

Hair removal on any area of the body can be an embarrassing topic, so we partnered with European Wax Center to discuss the difference between popular treatments.



Whether you just made the decision to stop shaving (or — eek — plucking) your bikini area or are ready to book a different type of wax treatment, it can be difficult to decide which style you want. Since not all bikini waxes are the same, we tapped European Wax Center Beauty Expert Melanie Gilliland to get the lowdown on the three most popular trends.



Brazilian
What It Is: In this treatment, a lot of the hair is removed (or all, if that's what the client wants), from the top of the bikini area all the way to the back, even in between the butt cheeks.
Expert Tip: This is perfect for a completely nude look, or you can leave a neat triangle on the front. As always, following the treatment, keep the area clean and moisturized to avoid redness. For 24-48 hours after waxing, you should avoid wearing tight workout clothes, as that can hold in bacteria.



Bikini Line
What It Is: Perhaps the most classic style, this option removes the hair that sticks out around the edges of the panty line. If you're new to waxing and just want a cleanup, you may want to try this one first.
Expert Tip: When you come in for your first wax, make sure your hair is at the right length, a quarter of an inch. Too short or too long can make it more painful. Also, just try to relax. Relaxing will make the whole experience easier on the guest. A big source of stress for a lot of guests is the nudity and positioning, but there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Waxers have seen it all, and they see it all day long.

Landing Strip
What It Is: All of the hair is removed except for one patch on top, typically left in the shape of a vertical strip.
Expert Tip: Landing strips are a personal choice, and a lot of people request them. The two most popular shapes are a rectangular strip about the size of a postage stamp or a triangle of similar size. People shouldn't ask their estheticians to create shapes such as a lightning bolt or a heart because doing so requires laying wax strips against the direction of the hair growth, breaking the hair and causing ingrowns.




More From European Wax Center: WE'LL BRING OUT THE GODDESS IN YOU Come in, relax and take advantage of our complimentary wax* for first-time guests. Make your reservation today! WOMEN: Free Bikini Line, Eyebrow or Underarm to leave you silky smooth. Upgrade to a Bikini Brazilian for $23.50.
MEN: Free Eyebrow, Ear or Nose to spruce you up. *First-time guests only. Guests must reside in state where redeemed. Not valid for all services. Additional restrictions may apply. Visit waxcenter.com for complete details.