Here's Everything To Consider Before Booking A Brazilian Wax

There are several criteria to consider when deciding on how you want to remove unwanted hair, especially from down there. When determining how to choose the best hair removal method for your private parts, certain factors – including how the treatment lasts, the cost of each session, and, of course, how much each hair removal method hurts – will be top of mind. A Brazilian Wax is one of the most popular hair removal methods for your private parts because the pros considerably outweigh the cons for many individuals. A Brazilian wax lasts longer than methods like shaving or sugaring (with less chance of unsightly bumps or ingrown hairs). It is also more affordable than a procedure like laser hair removal (which can be very costly, painful and only works well for a specific clientele).

Expert Tip: Zensa Numbing Cream contains 5% lidocaine for maximum strength pain prevention with a natural pH formula that is safe to use on sensitive areas like the lips and the bikini area. Our vegan, steroid-free formula also contains vitamin E, which offers anti-inflammatory benefits to soothe any swelling or redness immediately after your bikini or Brazilian wax.

Here’s everything to consider before booking a Brazilian wax, how the treatment compares to other popular hair removal methods (such as shaving, sugaring and Brazilian laser hair removal) and what to expect (best ways to prepare for a Brazilian wax, etiquette practices and Brazilian wax after-care instructions).

What is a Brazilian Wax?

A Brazilian wax entails removing all of the hair from the top, front, sides and back (except for leaving a small landing strip or triangle in the front if you choose) of your private area, sides of your thigh and up towards your navel.

Brazilian waxes are a more comprehensive type of bikini wax, which removes the hair from the sides and top (the bikini line up to the belly button) – essentially hair from anywhere that would be visible if you were wearing a bikini bottom or this style of underwear.

Read more about the difference between bikini vs. Brazilian waxes with a complete guide on the different bikini wax shapes available in this blog post.

Benefits of A Brazilian Wax

• Long-Lasting Results: Waxing pulls hairs out from the root, so it takes longer to grow back compared to hair removal methods like shaving or sugaring.

• Smoother Skin: Because waxing pulls hairs out from the root, this hair removal method doesn’t leave your skin covered in razor bumps or susceptible to ingrown hairs (especially with proper preparation for your Brazilian wax). Waxing also has exfoliating benefits and removes dead skin cells for softer, smoother skin.

• Finer Hair Texture: Once you start waxing regularly, your hair will grow back thinner and softer in-between appointments. Waxing should become less painful over time, and you should be able to go longer between appointments after you’ve been waxing regularly for some time.

• Cost-Effective: Waxes last longer than hair removal methods like shaving or trimming, so you end up spending less money on services and supplies over time, and any type of wax appointment (including a full Brazilian wax) will be at least four times less expensive than a single laser hair removal appointment.

• Suitable For All Skin Types: Waxing is an inclusive hair removal option for individuals with every skin tone and hair colour (from fair complexions with blonde or red hair to dark brown or black skin tones with dark hair). While effective, laser hair removal caters to a limited clientele and is only recommended for individuals with lighter skin tones and brown or dark hair colours.

How Long Does a Brazilian Wax Last?

For most individuals, a Brazilian wax should last anywhere from 3-6 weeks before you’re due for your next appointment. Remember that your wax technician will only wax your hairs once they grow to at least ¼ inch in length. If you decide to go longer between waxing sessions, trim your hairs beforehand if they grow longer than ½-inch in length. Once you become a Brazilian waxing veteran, you may be able to work your way up towards going 5-7 weeks (or even 8 weeks, depending on your hair growth cycle) between wax appointments.

How Much Does a Brazilian Wax Cost?

Typically a full Brazilian wax will cost between $50-$90. However, the price of your Brazilian wax depends on your location, studio choice and the type of wax used.

How A Brazilian Wax Measures Up To Other Hair Removal Methods

Brazilian Wax vs. Bikini Wax

A bikini wax, as its name suggests, strips away hair from areas that would be exposed when wearing a bikini bottom or this style of underwear. It only removes hairs from the sides – down toward the thighs – and at the top of the bikini line up to the lower stomach region. A Brazilian wax takes the hair removal process quite a bit further and leaves your lady parts almost bare. It involves stripping hair away from the sides, top, front and back (through the buttocks) with the exception of leaving a landing strip or triangle on the front if desired. A Brazilian Wax sans landing strip is otherwise known as a full Brazilian wax.

Pros of A Bikini Wax:

• Less Painful and Invasive: Because bikini waxes only remove hair from the outer regions, this waxing style should hurt less to get done and not feel as awkward as a Brazilian wax.

• Great For First-Timers: Bikini waxes are the least intimate waxing style option for your private areas. They are not as painful as a Brazilian wax, which makes them a great option for first-time waxing clients.

• More Affordable Per Session: Bikini waxes typically cost between $10-20 less per session than a Brazilian wax.

Cons of A Bikini Wax:

• More Frequent Maintenance: If you’re regularly in a swimsuit, it may be ideal for you to schedule a bikini wax every 2 weeks.

• Less Coverage: Some hair growth may show through if you’re wearing certain bathing suit cuts or underwear styles.

Pros of A Brazilian Wax:

• More Coverage: Desirable for someone who wants to feel bare down there. Provides better coverage for someone who frequently wears thong underwear or likes to tie bikini bottoms higher on their hips.

• Less Frequent Maintenance: Typically you can go longer time periods between sessions (3-6 weeks), which can save you time and money.

Cons of A Brazilian Wax:

• More Painful and Invasive: This wax shape goes deeper and removes more hair in the area, so it will naturally be a little more painful and invasive.

• Not Ideal For First-time Bikini Waxes: A Brazilian wax is more likely to hurt than a bikini wax, so it is not an ideal way to try out this intimate waxing experience.

• More Costly Per Session: Brazilian waxes typically cost $10-20 more per session than bikini waxes.

Brazilian Wax vs. Hollywood Wax

A Brazilian wax typically includes leaving a little hair on the front (either in a landing strip or triangle shape). Unlike a standard Brazilian wax, a Hollywood wax leaves you completely bare on the top, sides, front and back (no landing strip). A Hollywood wax is also called a full Brazilian wax.

Brazilian Wax vs. Shaving

While a Brazilian Wax removes hair from the root, shaving only removes the top portion of your hair. Brazilian waxes last anywhere from 3-6 weeks. Shaving requires frequent maintenance and needs to be performed at least every 3 days to maintain smooth skin. Brazilian waxes can hurt (especially without the use of a product like Zensa Numbing Cream) and cause some temporary redness or irritation. However, these unpleasant side effects often subside within 24-48 hours or up to a few days. Shaving, on the other hand, can lead to perpetual razor bumps and ingrown hairs. Yet, this at-home practice should be painless (unless you don’t use shaving cream or a dull razor, which could result in cuts and burning skin).

A Brazilian wax session will cost more than a razor and some shaving products. However, depending on the quality razor and your waxing studio’s prices, it could be a toss-up as to which hair removal method is more expensive over a 6-week period (or the course of the year). Generally speaking, though, shaving will be the more affordable (albeit higher maintenance) option.

Pros of Shaving:

• Quick & Nearly Painless: Shaving can be done at home at your convenience and requires a few seconds of preparation time. The hair removal process is simple and pain-free. Shaving down there should take under 10 minutes, so it’s a great option for when you’re in a pinch.

• Accessible & Affordable: Anyone can go to the drugstore and buy a razor with shaving cream. Even with a fancy hair oil and moisturizer, the cost per shaving session should be around $10 or less.

• Minimal Preparation & After-Care: There’s no need to avoid exercising, sun exposure, caffeine, alcohol and swimming before or after shaving. You can decide to remove your unwanted hair at the drop of the hat with little after-care required (just maintain a regular exfoliation and hydration routine to keep the area soft, smooth and to minimize ingrown hairs).

Cons of Shaving:

• Regular Upkeep Required: Because shaving only removes the top layer of hair, shaving is not desirable for long-term hair removal. You will need to shave every few days to maintain a smooth, relatively-hairless look.

• Uneven Skin Tone & Texture: Between razor bumps and ingrown hairs, shaving can cause regular skin irritation or bumpy skin texture that is not ideal when trying to sit comfortably in tight jeans or can make you feel less confident while wearing a bikini.

Pros of A Brazilian Wax:

• More Coverage: Desirable for someone who wants to feel bare down there. Provides better coverage for someone who frequently wears thong underwear or likes to tie bikini bottoms higher on their hips. Smoother Skin: Waxing pulls hairs out at the root, so they’re no razor bumps. If you exfoliate before waxing, you should not have to worry about (too many) ingrown hairs. Less Frequent Maintenance: You can go considerably longer time periods between hair removal sessions (3-6 weeks vs. every 3 days), which can save you time and energy.

Cons of A Brazilian Wax:

• Can Be Painful and Invasive: A Brazilian wax can hurt. Use a product like Zensa Numbing Cream to ease the pain – especially for your first time getting a bikini, Brazilian wax or a similar wax style. Waxing involves someone inspecting your private parts. So, even if it’s purely professional, this experience can understandably feel fairly intimate and uncomfortable (at least during the first appointment or two).

• More Expensive: Brazilian waxes typically cost around $50-90 per session.

Brazilian Wax vs. Sugaring

Unlike a standard Brazilian wax, a Brazilian sugar wax involves removing the same amount of unwanted hair with a paste made of sugar, lemon juice, glycerin and water. Sugaring has become a popular hair removal method because the treatment provides long-lasting results (4-6 weeks) while being relatively pain-free and an optimal choice for sensitive skin (including individuals with eczema, psoriasis or acne-prone skin). When choosing a Brazilian sugaring wax, your hair length can be shorter (⅛-inch in length) than with a traditional Brazilian wax (¼-½-inch in length). Sugaring also doesn’t require you to abstain from shaving for extended periods of time (even if it’s recommended, you only need to stop shaving 3-4 days before your treatment), so you can enjoy smoother skin in-between sessions.

Pros of Sugaring:

• Long-Lasting Results with Less Pain: Results from sugaring last as long as waxing while offering a less painful hair removal experience.

• Great For Sensitive Skin: Because sugaring involves all-natural, allergen-friendly ingredients, it’s less harsh on the skin and is a great hair removal option for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema.

• Less Redness & Irritation: Sugaring is more gentle on the skin, less sticky and does not need to be warmed up for proper use, so it causes less damage to your skin barrier function (resulting in less redness or irritation).

• Shorter Hair Length Requirements: There’s only a ⅛-inch hair length requirement for sugaring. Waxing requires your hair to be at least ¼-inch in length.

Cons of Sugaring:

• Not Recommended For Thicker Hair: If you have finer hair, sugaring might be a preferable hair removal method to waxing. However, this technique is not suited for thick or coarse hair types. Unlike waxing, sugaring does not pull out hair from the root – which is essential for smooth skin if you have a coarse or thick hair texture.

• Less Widely Available: Waxing is still the norm, so in certain areas, it might be difficult to find a studio or experts who specialize in sugaring.

Pros of A Brazilian Wax:

• Best For Coarse, Thick Hair: Waxing is suitable for all hair types, including those with coarse and thick hair textures.

• Easily Accessible: It should be simple to find a waxing studio that offers Brazilian waxes in nearly all (if not every) town or city.

Cons of A Brazilian Wax:

• More Painful: Brazilian waxes are known to hurt more than sugaring.

• Can Irritate Sensitive Skin: Wax can be sticky, hot and contains some ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin. The process of waxing itself can be harsh on the skin barrier – which leads to skin redness and inflammation.

Brazilian Wax vs. Laser Hair Removal

Brazilian waxes are designed to be ongoing and part of a long-term hair removal routine. On the other hand, Brazilian laser hair removal is performed with the desire for a permanent result that leaves your skin virtually hairless after around 6-8 sessions (depending on your hair texture). Laser hair removal utilizes an advanced laser pulse technology to target the melanin stored in unwanted hair. Once the laser is absorbed by the hair, it passes the follicles to destroy the hair at the root. Sessions for laser hair removal treatment are quicker than most other hair removal methods, leave you with no ingrown hairs and are designed for all skin types (including sensitive skin).

Pros of Laser Hair Removal:

• Permanent Hair Removal: If the treatment works as desired, Brazilian laser hair removal will leave your lady parts almost completely bare after 6-8 sessions.

• Short Session Times: Each laser appointment lasts around 10-15 minutes, which takes less time than sessions for all other long-term hair removal methods.

• No Ingrown Hairs: Because laser treatments don’t involve mechanically ripping out unwanted hair, they’re less likely to cause irritation or lead to ingrown hairs.

Cons of Laser Hair Removal:

• It’s Pricey: Brazilian laser hair removal treatments cost between $150-300 per session. This option is the most expensive among common hair removal methods, so you need to have some cash saved up to complete the entire process.

• Lacks Inclusivity: Laser hair removal is made for a limited clientele. You need to have fair skin and dark hair for the treatments to be effective. So, this hair removal method is not an option for individuals with blonde and red hair or darker complexions.

• Not Foolproof: There’s always a chance that your hair can continue growing back (even if it's sparse or has a thinner texture), so it might feel like a waste of money if you’re one of the clients who still need to shave or wax after completing these expensive sessions.

Pros of A Brazilian Wax:

• More Affordable: The cost of a Brazilian wax is two to three times less expensive than the average Brazilian laser hair removal session.

• Works For Everyone: Unless you have particularly sensitive skin, Brazilian waxes will work well for all hair textures or colours and skin tones.

• Predictable Results: You know the results you’re getting when you go to an appointment for Brazilian wax - unlike with laser hair removal where there are some factors left up to chance.

Cons of A Brazilian Wax:

• Requires Regular Upkeep: Brazilian wax appointments will never get rid of your hair permanently. To maintain smooth and bare skin, you’ll need to schedule a session every 3-6 weeks.

• Ingrown Hairs & Irritation: Brazilian waxes can come with some unpleasant (or even painful) side effects like ingrown hairs, skin redness and irritation without the proper preparation or after-care.

How to Prepare for a Brazilian Wax

It’s best to give your skin 2-4 weeks to fully prepare for a Brazilian wax. Refrain from shaving your bikini area for 2-3 weeks before your Brazilian wax appointment. This time frame gives the hair enough time to grow out to an acceptable length (¼-inch to ½-inch) and allows any skin irritation to calm down before wax comes in contact with your skin (which can potentially damage your skin barrier function if you do not keep your skin nourished and well-hydrated).

Plan ahead. Make sure not to schedule your waxing session within 5 days before your period or during menstruation. This scheduling tip allows you to avoid unnecessary pain (your skin is more sensitive around the time of your cycle – especially around your bikini area).

Exfoliate your bikini area 1-2 days before your Brazilian wax. It is important to exfoliate your skin before waxing because it gets rid of dead skin cells and any dirt or oil trapped in the skin. If you don’t exfoliate before a Brazilian wax, the wax will stick to your skin instead of your unwanted hair. Exfoliating beforehand will also help your waxing experience be less painful and can prevent unwanted side effects like ingrown hairs, redness and skin irritation after waxing. Don’t wait to exfoliate until you’re within 24 hours of your Brazilian wax. Exfoliating too close to your waxing session will leave your skin too sensitive and more vulnerable to potential infection.

Shower as close to your Brazilian wax appointment time as possible. Realistically, you will probably need to shower the night before or the morning of your Brazilian wax appointment. Don’t come straight from the gym or any activity that involves intense exercise and sweating. Your wax technician should have cleansing cloths available for you to use to wash up immediately before applying the wax.

Ways To Prevent Pain During Your Brazilian Wax

Avoid dehydrating beverages, like alcohol and caffeine, within 24 hours of your appointment. These substances are blood thinners and will increase skin sensitivity. Drink plenty of water the day before and the day of your Brazilian wax session. Staying hydrated will help optimize your skin barrier function and support your skin’s resiliency.

Using a topical anaesthetic, like Zensa Numbing Cream, can significantly reduce the pain or discomfort from a Brazilian wax. Apply Zensa Numbing Cream 30-40 minutes before your appointment to give the lidocaine’s numbing sensation enough time to activate.

What To Expect During A Brazilian Wax Appointment

Communicate with your waxing technician to discuss your Brazilian wax preferences (opting for a landing strip, triangle or going completely bare) and do your best to relax. Remember: The waxing studio is a judgment-free zone with highly-skilled professionals who groom individuals’ private parts routinely, so there’s no reason to feel embarrassed or self-conscious.

Once you’re settled in, the waxing technician will clean off the area with a cleansing wipe before applying the wax. Oil will be applied as a protective barrier to prevent the wax from sticking to the skin. Your waxing technician will then apply the wax (usually a hard wax for Brazilian waxes). It should take around 5 minutes for the wax to harden before pulling it off in strips to remove the unwanted hair. The wax should be applied in small sections and removed immediately once they start to cool off. This process is repeated until the entire area is left bare.

After the waxing process is complete, your technician will complete your treatment with a nourishing serum to calm any redness, irritation and prevent bumps, breakouts or ingrown hairs.

Brazilian Wax Etiquette

• Don’t apply any moisturizer, creams or self-tanner right before your wax Always show up with the appropriate hair length for waxing (¼-inch to ½-inch)

• Don’t schedule your Brazilian Wax around or during your period (many technicians prefer you to book your session after your menstrual cycle has ended)

• Show up clean and showered (it’s okay if you can’t rinse off after work,but wash yourself off with a cleansing cloth right before your waxing)

• Always tip your waxing technician between 15-20% of your service cost

Brazilian Wax After-Care

It is very common, especially among those with sensitive skin, to have small red bumps around the bikini area right after your wax due to skin inflammation from swelling hair follicles. If your skin still hurts or feels sensitive a few hours after waxing, you can apply more Zensa Numbing Cream – which is safe to reapply on broken skin.

Usually, these small red bumps disappear in a couple of days and should be gone within a week. However, you can use simple methods like applying a cold compress or aloe vera gel to ease any swelling or itching. Exfoliating before your wax is essential to prevent ingrown hairs during the after-care stages.

During these first few days, your skin will be more sensitive than usual while it recovers. Keeping the area cool and clean is vital to promote healing and help your skin stay smooth. You’ll also want to avoid exposing your bikini area to the sun for at least 24-48 hours after your Brazilian wax. So, plan your beach days accordingly.

Wait a few hours to shower after your Brazilian wax. Avoid using any products near the area that contain chemicals or fragrances. Moisturizing the skin frequently is essential for healing. The more hydrated your skin, the less likely you are to develop ingrown hairs. While showering, rub a soothing oil (such as grapeseed, jojoba or tea tree oil) into wet skin for maximum hydration.

Apply lotion or a hydrating cream, like Zensa Healing Cream, after getting out of the shower and as needed throughout the day for the next few days after your wax. Wait three days until you exfoliate the bikini area. Give your open pores time to tighten and allow the redness to go down. Exfoliating too soon will be too harsh for your already vulnerable skin and can weaken the moisture barrier. Opt for a less abrasive exfoliant like a sugar scrub (you can make a homemade version with brown sugar and olive oil) for calmer skin. Always apply lotion or a nourishing product like Zensa Healing Cream after exfoliating.

Posted November 8, 2022
By Elisa Lewittes