Your friends get them, your sister raves about hers, and yet you haven’t taken the plunge yet. We’re talking about the Brazilian wax, made popular in the 1990s and still going strong today. Whatever questions you have about this treatment, we recommend you ask us – the professionals at Lazur La Vie Laser Centre and Day Spa in Nyack, NY. We believe beautiful skin is a way of life and are ready to help you pursue that path for yourself.
What Is a Full Brazilian Wax?
Let’s start by explaining a bikini wax, which removes the hair on either side and at the top of where your bikini fits. A Brazilian goes one step further and removes all hair from your labia, including above the clitoral fold where the skin begins dividing and the inner labia reside. This technique also removes hair between the buttocks because, yes, we all have hair there.
In short, the Brazilian removes all hair from your intimate parts. You can, however, choose to leave a thin strip, triangle, or other shape in the front. When you leave a little hair, some people call this a Brazilian wax; going completely bare gives way to the term “full Brazilian wax.” The difference is minimal, however, and you need only let your technician know which you prefer; he or she will be happy to leave a small design if that’s what you choose.
How the Brazilian Is Done
You might be surprised to learn this treatment is much like what you’ve probably experienced on your legs, arms, or brows. A layer of wax is applied to the area and then gently but effectively peeled off, taking your hair with it. One unique component at our office is the use of blue wax; this particular variety is extremely flexible, does not easily break or crack upon removal, and effectively removes hairs at the root.
When blue wax hardens, it’s easier to peel away than traditional wax. A precise number of polymers gives this treatment its unique composition and helps safeguard against the irritation and ingrown hairs other waxes can cause. Blue wax is especially gentle on sensitive skin because it adheres to the hair, not delicate skin tissues. Last but not least, this wax heats at a lower temperature to provide an overall more comfortable experience for you.
The Brazilian’s Rise to Stardom
Contrary to popular belief, this waxing treatment did not originate in New York. It was instead the brainchild of a Brazilian woman named Janea, who created and perfected the technique for herself. In Brazil, feeling comfortable with one’s body is a prerequisite for the tropical climate; women wear sleeveless shirts, tight shorts, and bikinis with complete confidence. Janea quickly realized a hair-free body not only looked great but felt good as well.
No Looking Back
This enterprising woman eventually moved north and opened a beauty salon in Manhattan with one of her six sisters – a salon that throughout the 90s catered to Hollywood stars, socialites, and models. One fine day, Janea persuaded a 28-year-old regular to try the Brazilian.
That first session lasted no more than six minutes, and word about the treatment spread almost as quickly. It soon earned write-ups in beauty magazines, spots on talk shows, and a discussion on an entire Sex and the City episode. Although that tony salon is now closed, the Brazilian remains as popular – and mainstream – as a pedicure.
All the Details You Need
Plenty of people, however, are only now scheduling their first Brazilian treatments. We understand that exposing your private parts to a waxologist can seem a little daunting, but we want to assure you we’re professionals. We’ve seen bodies of all shapes and sizes and hair situations that are just as unique. It’s not our job to judge, which we never do. Instead, we’re here to give you a quality treatment that removes unwanted hair for the silkiest skin possible.
We’ll direct you through the entire treatment, asking you to hold skin a certain way or position your body in just the right angle so we can target all your hair. These directives may at times sound strange, such as when we ask you to pull apart your derriere cheeks, but they help us place the wax where it needs to go. And you’ll know exactly what’s happening in real-time so treatment doesn’t take you by surprise.
What to Expect
Your session will start with a cleanse of your bikini area, which we perform with a wipe. Now is a good time to mention you should shower before treatment. Some women try to sneak in a gym session prior to their Brazilian, but this is never a good idea. It’s a courtesy to us to arrive clean and fresh, and you’ll feel more comfortable. In a pinch, wet wipes can also be used.
After cleansing, we’ll apply wax section by section. Then, pressing against your skin to keep it flat, we peel away the wax and bring your hair with it. You’re free to leave once we’re finished, although we do recommend your wear loose, comfortable clothes – think cotton underwear and breathable pants. Tight garments can rub against fresh skin and create friction.
Prepping for Your Session
The most important thing you can do before your session is allow hair to grow. It needs to be a quarter of an inch to properly adhere to the wax, which equates to about 10 to 14 days of growth. Even if it feels wrong, resist the urge to shave. You’ll also need to skip the shaving between sessions so, again, hair can be correctly removed.
The condition of your skin is nearly as critical as the length of your hair. Exfoliating the night before your session will soften tissues and make for easier hair removal. It also gently removes dead skin cells to give us greater access to hair follicles. Easy dry brushing or a gentle exfoliating scrub will do the trick. But don’t exfoliate or apply lotions the day of your appointment; both can prevent the wax from adhering.
What Not to Do
Although tempting, you shouldn’t arrive for your session after mimosas or other cocktails with your girlfriends. Putting stimulants into your system can cause the skin to be extra sensitive. Instead of reaching for alcohol or coffee before your appointment, we recommend you drink plenty of water. This will hydrate your body and skin and, as a bonus, water is great for the complexion.
Also don’t clamp up. If you have any questions, ask us. We want you to come back, so we’re going to do everything in our power to provide you with a pleasant experience. Keep in mind this is your body and your session, and you’re in control of both. Our technicians work quickly because we know your first Brazilian wax can be nerve-wracking. So, prepare to take a deep breath and relax – you’re in great hands.
Post-Treatment Care
Once home and after the skin has rested, you’re ready to apply some post-treatment care. Exfoliating is at the top of our recommendations, but you must wait 72 hours after treatment and only use gentle products. Exfoliating prevents ingrown hairs and is a simple way to keep skin soft and bump-free.
As long as we’re talking about what not to do, you need to avoid exercise and any other vigorous activity for about 24 hours. Sweat can irritate freshly exposed skin, and waiting a day is a small sacrifice for gloriously smooth and healthy skin.
A Few More Tips
Newly waxed skin is vulnerable to infection, so stay out of water for about 48 hours. Baths, pools, and lakes are all off the table because they’re standing bodies of water, meaning you expose your skin to bacteria as soon as you enter them. Showers, however, are fine during this time.
You’ll probably want to feel your silky smooth skin, but keeping hands to yourself is a better idea. Give skin at least a day before you run your fingers down there. Again, this is because of bacteria. And finally, skip the tanning beds and saunas for about 24 hours to keep the newly sensitized region cool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many ladies ask if a Brazilian can be done during menstruation. The answer is yes, you can, but we don’t recommend you do. First, you’ll probably feel more self-conscious. Second, the menstrual cycle is known to heighten sensitivity to discomfort, which directly impacts your waxing experience. If timing is everything, you should schedule your wax around “that time of the month.”
How Long Will Results Last?
Every person grows hair at a different rate, but on average, your skin will stay smooth for three to six weeks. Here’s where we need to make an important point: as you continue to wax, hair will grow back thinner and slower. This is not myth but a fact, and you can count on seeing it for yourself.
Can Hair Be Too Long for Treatment?
If your hair is longer than a quarter of an inch, you risk feeling discomfort as the wax works harder when pulling. The best way around this is to trim any hair you feel is overly long, but don’t trim too much. The opposite of too long is hair that’s too short, which prevents it from pulling with wax. This will set you on a path of multiple growth cycles, and that takes time to overcome.
Is Waxing Better Than Shaving?
The Brazilian is so much better than trying to remove hair down there with a hand-held razor. The latter puts you at risk for dangerous and uncomfortable nicks and cuts.
Waxing is also a sure-bet; you’ll get all the hairs in one fell-swoop without trying to contort into the right angle while standing in your shower or bathroom. And, of course, a Brazilian will last much longer than shaving, giving you supple skin for weeks instead of mere days or even hours.
When Should I Get My First Brazilian?
Any time is the right time to try this treatment. The one recommendation we make is not to schedule your first Brazilian a day or two before your wedding or big vacation. You want time for your skin to feel completely back to normal, so it’s better to schedule your treatment about two weeks before any upcoming events.
Remove the Hair Down There
Removing hair from your intimate areas isn’t easy when you go it alone. A Brazilian eliminates the guesswork and gives you the silkiest skin imaginable. Results are long-lasting, your session passes quickly, and we’re here to answer questions and keep you comfortable. Schedule your appointment today by calling Lazur La Vie Laser Centre and Day Spa in Nyack, NY.
