A Brazilian wax is similar to the Hollywood wax, with the removal of all hair from the pubic region, using a hot wax – with the exception of a small patch of hair – either a strip, triangle or oval shape on the front.
If necessary, the hair may be trimmed first to allow the wax to penetrate the follicles more effectively. Then, using a wooden stick, a technician will put hot wax onto small areas, one at a time. Cloth strips are placed over the wax and, after it cools and hardens, it is pulled away from the skin, removing the hair from the follicles.
It depends on your pain threshold. Many customers who have had regular waxes report that they feel virtually no pain, although the first time is likely to feel slightly uncomfortable, as the hair will be thicker and tougher. Many liken it to the feeling of ripping a plaster from your skin. However, if you choose a reputable and experienced beautician, then they are more likely to do the job quickly and as painlessly as possible.
Hot wax is made up of beeswax and a resin. It is not the same as warm wax (also known as strip wax) as it is melted to a thicker consistency. Hot wax is primarily used for areas of more sensitive skin, such as the bikini area. You are advised to opt for hot wax when going for a Hollywood or Brazilian waxing at our London spa.
Hot wax is applied to the skin with a spatula, coating the hair thickly. As the wax cools and hardens, it contracts around the hair. Once dried, the wax is pulled off the skin with a fast movement.
The main advantage of using hot wax over strip wax is that it is more effective at removing shorter, coarser hairs, so you don’t have to leave it so long between waxes. However, it is not recommended for large areas, such as the legs, since you can only wax small areas at any one time.
One of the other main benefits of hot wax is that it is gentle on the skin – plus the recipient will experience less pain with hot wax.
What is strip wax?
Strip wax is sometimes called warm wax and it is one of the most popular methods of hair removal. Strip waxing removes hairs quickly and effectively. The wax, which is made of resin, paraffin wax and other skin-kind ingredients, is warmed, applied sparingly and removed immediately; unlike hot wax it is not left to dry on the skin. It is ideal for treating all areas of the body and face.
The wax is warmed and applied thinly on the skin, using a spatula. A fabric or paper strip is then pressed on the waxed area and removed very quickly, thereby minimising any discomfort.
Waxing vs shaving
Waxing removes hair from the follicle, whereas shaving cuts the hair at skin level. This means that with waxing, the hair grows back finer and softer – and the results last longer. Shaving generally only leaves skin smooth for 24 hours. Also, with waxing, you don’t get the itchy re-growth which is associated with shaving (particularly with bikini waxing).
The only drawback of waxing is that you have to wait for the hair to grow back a little before you can have it removed again. However, with the quality of hot and warm waxes nowadays, hairs as short as 1mm can sometimes be removed.
How long does waxing last? How often do I need to wax?
It varies slightly from person to person, but waxing generally lasts for four to six weeks before a further appointment is required. On average, you will begin to notice some re-growth after around 10 days. The hair will, however, grow back softer and finer than before.
Will my hair grow back thinner?
Yes. Because it is removed from the follicle, hair after waxing grows back softer and finer than before – unlike shaving or depilatory creams, which have the opposite effect.
