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Brazilian Bikini Waxes: Why Do We Do This Again?

GiggleSugar — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:00:00 -0800

Watching this compilation of women's faces as they get the wax strips ripped off their lady parts is much like watching a horror film. You know, when women are wandering around in the dark, as the psycho is right behind them with a machete? You want to say, "Don't do it!" but all you can do is watch. I love how one of the waxers says, "This will be absolutely painless." Ha! Riiight.

Bikini Waxing Reaction Shots

GiggleSugar — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 11:30:00 -0800

Oh, the things women will do for "beauty." The Brazilian Bikini wax, made mainstream by Sex and the City, may be the most painful non-surgical procedure outside of childbirth that women unnecessarily put themselves through. This video, much like a horror film, leads up to the moment the waxer pulls the wax off, and then shows each woman's (and one guy's) expression of pain. Enjoy!

Product Review: Completely Bare Wax Works

BellaSugar — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 13:00:07 -0700

Since it's Beach Week here at BellaSugar, I thought I'd talk about a new at-home waxing kit I tried out. It's from Completely Bare, a New York-based spa specializing in nearly painless hair removal. I confess, I scoffed at the idea of a pain-free bikini wax, but after getting a freebie coupon in a Fashion Week goody bag this past February, I decided to try it. And what do you know? Truth in advertising! I had a great, surprisingly easy (and yes, ouchless) wax.

In-spa waxing really adds up, though, so I was excited to learn about Completely Bare Wax Works ($135, on sale for $99). It's an at-home, do-it-yourself kit using the same French wax that estheticians use at the spa. Would it give the same results at home? To find out, read more

I'd been using Poetic Waxing for years, but upon unwrapping the Wax Works kit, I suspected I'd been missing out on an easier way to de-fuzz. With Poetic Waxing, I had to constantly keep re-heating the wax in a bain marie, but Wax Works comes with its own professional-style, temperature-controlled heater. That alone makes me a fan.

Using the heater is really simple: You just plug it in, turn it to the appropriate temperature, and wait for the indicator light to change color. Another thing I liked about this setup was that I could leave the room while the pink wax heated; because the heater has a lid, I didn't have to worry about my cats pouncing around and getting wax on their paws. (Sadly, yes, this is a valid concern when it comes to those frisky felines.)

While the wax heated up, I watched a how-to DVD that comes as part of the kit. It's actually really charming, with cute animations showing how to apply the wax and how to properly remove it. The kit does include detailed instructions on paper, but the DVD makes it easier to understand.

In about 15 minutes, the wax was ready. The kit comes with everything you need (spatulas, paper strips, pre- and post-waxing lotions). The directions call for baby powder, which I didn't have, but, you know, I'm a rebel. I'll wax without powder. After applying the wax and letting it cool, I yanked it off with the paper strips. While it wasn't completely painless, it wasn't bad, either. What I really appreciated was how well the wax grabbed the hair. Some waxes just grab half or three-quarters' worth of the hair, but this wax got all of it but a few strays. That means I didn't have to go over my skin over and over, which kept it from getting raw.

I had high hopes for this product, and I'm glad to report that it really delivered. Since it's on sale for $99, I think it's a worthwhile investment. After all, the wax can be used on the bikini area, eyebrows, legs and underarms-so it really is a multi-purpose product. And considering a Brazilian bikini wax is $70 at fancy spas-$84 with a tip-this kit pays for itself in just over one use. Very highly recommended! And for more suggestions on at-home waxing kits read on -although, sincerely, this one is worth every penny.

Ten Tips for a Nearly Painless Bikini Wax

BellaSugar — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 14:00:50 -0700

I think only masochists look forward to a bikini wax, and small wonder: It hurts! The thing is, it doesn't have to hurt quite so badly. I've compiled a list of ten ways you can reduce the pain of waxing. If you're new to waxing, I highly recommend going to a professional to see how it's done. After a few times, you might want to try doing it at home to save a few bucks; I really love completely bare's wax kit because it's practically pain-free. (Let me know if you'd like a how-to on at-home waxing; I'd be happy to do one!) For now, to learn how to keep pain at bay, read more

Plan to wax after your period. Your pain threshold is higher in the week after your period than beforehand. Think of it like this: If sappy commercials make you cry when you're premenstrual, having wax applied to your dainty bits certainly will.
Lose your self-consciousness. Yes, a stranger is going to see you wearing, at most, a paper thong. Don't worry about offending her or feeling embarrassed. It's nothing she hasn't seen before. The less anxious you are, the less you'll worry about pain.
Start off slowly. Your first bikini wax is not the time to try a Brazilian. If you're new to waxing, go with a basic bikini wax. You can always decide to remove more the next time around.
Exfoliate. The day before you decide to wax, exfoliate in the shower. This will remove dead skin, allowing the wax to grip shorter hairs.
Speak up. A good esthetician will work with you to make sure you're as comfortable as you can be. I always ask my esthetician to tell me when she's about to pull the wax off. So don't be shy to say something if you have a low pain tolerance-it's better to speak up than to suffer in silence.
Use hard wax. Hard wax is more gentle than soft wax, so I recommend going to a spa that uses it.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. About an hour before your appointment, take an Advil, Tylenol or other pain reliever.
Breathe. It can be tempting to hold your breath, but breathing in and out helps reduce the pain. Take a deep breath in when the wax goes on, then breathe out when your esthetician gives it a yank.
Know which parts are most sensitive. You wouldn't expect it, but having hair pulled from the lower abdomen area is more painful than it is around the vaginal opening.
Turn your head and cough. An esthetician at Bliss taught me this trick: When the wax is about to be ripped off, cough. It distracts from the pain, and trust me, it works!

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Beauty Byte: No Ban on the Brazilian

BellaSugar — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:00:08 -0700

As the warmer months approach, perhaps you're thinking of heading to the salon for a bikini wax - or maybe even a Brazilian, if you dare. And if you're living in New Jersey, you can rest assured, knowing that a possible ban on Brazilian waxing has been lifted. Last week, officials in the Garden State threatened to prohibit the risqué service due to concern about hair removal safety around the oh-so-sensitive intimate areas, particularly after two women were sent to the hospital with infections following the bare-down-there treatment. In a letter to the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, the state's director of consumer affairs, David Szuchman, noted that the procedure in fact can be safely carried out.

New Jersey officials agreed. So salon owners win, and the Brazilians will stay. What do you think about this hairy situation? As long as the proper safety precautions are taken, are you pro-Brazilian? Or do you think they're just too risky?

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How Young Is Too Young to Get Waxed?

DearSugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0700

I'm all for the Brazilian Bikini wax, but according to a recent article on MSNBC, mothers are taking their young girls as young as 8 years old into salons to get waxed. I'm sure most of you are in shock reading this, just as I am writing it, but according to Melanie Engle, a Philadelphia aesthetician, “For waxing, 12 years old is the ‘new normal.’"

As we all know, everyone develops at different ages, but even if you get your period or develop hair early, this is still a disturbing trend. Dr. Doris Pastor, a clinical associate professor of pediatrics at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, feels, “the waxing itself is not an issue; the bigger issue is whether they are encouraged to engage in risky behaviors.”

While girls sure don't want to be teased if they develop earlier than their friends, Dr. Pastor has a great point. So how young is too young to get waxed?

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The How-To Lounge: All About the Brazilian Wax

DearSugar — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 06:31:00 -0700

Many of our readers wonder out loud about the Brazilian bikini wax, so let's cover this subject thoroughly in a two-part series. The Brazilian wax has seen a lot of American converts in the past few years, but many women still don't know all the details and remain a little shy about asking the proper questions.

Click here to read more

Many different styles of Brazilian exist, so you need to be very clear with your waxer about what exactly you're getting. One style includes removing every bit of pubic hair from the top, the bottom, and everywhere in between, while another leaves a "landing strip" or a small triangle of pubic hair. There's the "Mommy Brazilian", which entails leaving your frontal pubic hair natural but removing everything from the bottom and between. Then there's the straight Brazilian, which simply involves getting a nice wax around your bikini line.

It's uncomfortable; there's no way around it. Every one's threshold for pain is different, however. From all accounts it's about a million times less painful than electrolysis. I'd say, if asked, that it's more painful than eyebrow waxing but less painful than a lip wax, but I really can barely stand having a lip wax. Hopefully, I can tell you everything you ever wanted to know but were too afraid to ask. Let's begin.

The cardinal rule for any kind of wax is knowing where you are in your cycle. There's nothing more painful than waxing right before or right after your period; your skin is extra sensitive, which increases the pain and might increase the likelihood of major irritation and bumps. Just don't do it
Before your appointment, exfoliate all the areas you plan to have waxed. I recommend buying Tend Skin to use between waxes as another preventative measure against ingrown hairs
Brazilian waxes are not for everyone, so if you're not ready to be bare down there, take it slow and start off with the "mommy Brazilian". There's nothing wrong with keeping things a little natural and comfortable. Pace yourself
Most women I know absolutely do not regret removing all the 'bits and pieces' from between and behind, and that's usually the part most beginners are nervous about exposing and waxing. It doesn't hurt like you think, and everyone seems to prefer how fresh they feel afterward
In order for your waxer to remove all the hair, they'll ask you to get in some very 'compromising' positions, so make sure you find someone you like. Ask your friends for recommendations. I bet your hairdresser knows someone really good and really professional, too
If you're uncomfortable being completely naked during your wax, you'll have the option of wearing a disposable paper thong, which you'll be asked to hold taut during the waxing. Once you get to know your waxer, none of this will feel quite so awkward

That's the first installment, ladies. Come back tomorrow to read the rest of our Brazilian wax basics!
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Let's Tackle that Hairy Question: Are Brazilian Waxes Necessary?

BellaSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:00:27 -0800

Do you really need a Brazilian wax these days? That's the question a woman posed to the Times of London, after a new beau was "shocked" by her presence of pubic hair. In her letter, she says, "I don’t think that a permanent tan and Brazilian wax should be dealbreakers in a relationship. Or am I just hopelessly outdated?"

Long story short, advice columnist Suzi Godson tells the woman to let 'er rip. "Grooming down there is now considered to be normal, on a par with manicures, blow-drying, and eyebrow waxing," she says. "There is something hugely irritating about being forced to conform to an aesthetic ideal instigated and perpetuated by the porn industry, but, like keeping one’s armpits and legs smooth, it is now expected."

Oh brother. You already know that I hate, hate, hate the whole "wax, or else you are gross and undesirable!" standpoint, but I wanted to get a professional opinion on the matter. So I turned to sex educator Debby Herbenick, Ph.D., MPH, author of Because It Feels Good. Her advice is about 10 times better than Godson's, so read more.

How To: Take Care of Your Skin After a Wax

BellaSugarUK — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:00:00 -0800

I know that most of you are divided about which method of hair removal you prefer. While shaving is undoubtedly the cheapest and most convenient way it can become annoying having to do it every other day -plus there's the problem of ingrown hairs (check out my top tips to prevent those). Personally I'm a devotee of waxing as it's just more relaxing having someone else take care of the problem.

I recently had the best wax of my life by expert therapist Dee Wilson who runs her own mini salon at Favela Shop (020 3222 0042) in Shoreditch. Dee specialises in brazilians and while I'm not brave enough to go all the way, I got the most thorough bikini wax I'd ever experienced. Plus my legs are still hairless two weeks later.

I spoke to Dee about her top tips for taking care of your skin post-wax and how to ensure that you stay super smooth for as long as possible. For her expert advice simply read more.

Exfoliate your body at least once a week. Dee suggests that you "exfoliate the area you're having waxed a few hours prior to the treatment and afterwards don't exfoliate for at least four days."
Don't use shower gel or body lotion on your waxed skin for around 24 hours. "Try and keep the bath or shower water luke warm instead of hot, as this can irritate the skin." says Dee.
"If you've had a bikini wax - especially if it's a brazilian, then cold ice or a cold compress can help the redness disappear." suggests Dee.
"Tea tree or lavender oil will soothe the skin." Dee recommends.
To avoid any redness or those irritation bumps that sometimes occur on the legs after a wax then try and expose your skin to the cold air. "Avoid the sun" says Dee "but having bare legs instead of being wrapped up in tights or jeans will help the skin to recover."
After 48 hours apply a cream that will minimise hair re-growth. I swear by Bliss Get Out of Hair! (£27) moisture milk.

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What to Expect From a Brazilian Bikini Wax

BellaSugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:00:48 -0700

After looking at these cute retro swimsuits, you might be inspired to hit the beach. If you're going to do that, you may want to trim your lady forest - or, like some women, you may want to lose your hair completely. As I've said before, there's no right or wrong way to groom your nether regions but if you're curious about Brazilian waxing, it can't hurt to try it. Well, actually, it can and will hurt - but that's why I've created this guide to your first time.

First of all, let's get our definition straight. A Brazilian wax removes all of the hair from front to back, usually (but not always) leaving a thin "landing strip" of hair a few inches below the belly button. Expect it to cost anywhere from $40 to $80. To find out how much pain to expect, read more.

Read these tips for a painless wax before you head to the spa, and at the very least, take Ibuprofen an hour before your appointment. At the spa, you'll be shown to the waxing room to change out of your pants or skirt (including underpants). For a more modest bikini wax, you'll sometimes get a paper thong; for a Brazilian, you'll more likely be naked from the waist down. If you're like me, you'll feel ridiculous standing around half-naked.

Your waxer will ask you to lie down on your back. That's a good time to ask any questions so that you're both clear on what you want to have removed. After that, she'll probably dust your hair and skin with baby powder, which keeps the wax from sticking to your skin. Most waxers will ask you to assist by holding your skin taut or moving your legs a certain way; some will even ask you to kneel down and stick your bottom out so she can remove all of the hairs there. After the waxing is done, the esthetician will probably tweeze any stray hairs.

As for the pain, I won't lie: It's intense, but it's also fairly brief. It usually hurts more to have the hair on your pubis removed than the hair near your vagina, so be prepared for that. Your hairlessness should last for up to four weeks, at which point you can go back in for another round of waxing.

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