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Want to know about Brazilian waxes?

The term "Brazilian wax" has so many meanings any more that it's hard to know what someone is really talking about when they say it.  Brazilian waxing used to refer only to women's services, but now many men enjoy it as well.  Most everything I say about women's waxing can be translated for men.

A complete brochure on men's waxing can be viewed by clicking here.  Men's Waxing Brochure

So let's get some of the terminology identified.

If there is one thing everyone seems to agree on it is that Brazilian waxing refers to taking the hair off the genital area. This is what sets a Brazilian apart from a bikini wax.  A bikini wax basically takes away all of the hair from outside the elastic line of your underwear.

Taking off your underwear is usually not necessary for a bikini wax because it is not necessary to expose the entire area. (That being said, don't wear your fancy underwear to your waxing appointment.  You don't want to ruin them if wax gets on them.)

Taking off your underwear is mandatory for getting a Brazilian because what we want to wax is underneath your underwear.  It may seem awkward at first, but it passes quickly once the work gets started.  Ask for a towel to start with if you are feeling too exposed.  It will eventually have to come off, but it is an easier way to get started sometimes.

Originally a Brazilian wax meant to take away all of the pubic hair except for a thin rectangle of hair on the abdomen.  The "landing strip." Then getting a Brazilian wax started to mean taking away all of the hair.  Then it went back to meaning some of the hair was left behind but it could be in many different shapes.

Your first lesson is that when you ask for a Brazilian wax you better be specific about what you want!  If you assume that a Brazilian will leave a "landing strip" behind and then your waxer takes it all off, you may be disappointed.  It will grow back, but it takes time.

A full Brazilian is taking all of the hair away.  From stem to stearn.  If you haven't had it done I want to assure you that with the proper technique it is not much worse than a traditional bikini wax.  Many people say the most tender area is up on the abdomen anyway.

A modified Brazilian is taking all the hair off the labia and "back door" but leaving some hair in front.  The shape of the remaining hair is up to you, but it will be clean and tidy whatever shape you choose.  Some people are more comfortable with their frontal view if some of the hair remains.  It also allows us to avoid waxing the most delicate area of all, and that can be a bonus.  This is becoming the most popular choice.

The most common shapes for the remaining pubic hair are a rectangle or a delta.  The size is usually determined by your hair growth area and body shape.  Hearts are fairly easy to carve into the remaining hair and that can be fun.  Lightning bolts and other designs can sometimes be done by expert waxers.  Expect to pay a bit more for this service because it takes more time.

When men get a Brazilian wax they choose how much or how little hair remains.  There are no "right" or "wrong" choices. What is usually the most important is that all the hair from the penis and testicles is removed along with anything around the "back door."  Sometimes they also choose to have their butt cheeks cleaned up, and there is usually a small extra charge for this.  It is very much a personal preference and I do what the client wants done.

The male client is responsible for helping to position his parts so the skin is as tight as possible. This is definitely a hands-on experience for men. We always want the skin as tight as possible.

Both women and men will be asked to raise their legs in certain positions to keep the skin stretched as tightly as possible.  During this process I will be chatting with you and doing my best to make you forget that you are in the most awkward position you can imagine.  Part of the service I am offering to you is making you feel comfortable throughout.

The beauty of a Brazilian wax is how clean you feel down there.  It is shocking, but nice.  As the hair grows back it is very soft and much less dense.  There is no stubble, ever.  If you wax on a regular basis, which is usually about every 4 to 6 weeks, there will be less and less hair to remove and the process becomes quite easy.  This is one area where you can just about guarantee that repeated waxing will result in less dense hair growth.

There are a lot of reasons why people decide to get a Brazilian wax done.  It usually isn't about doing it for another person.  It usually is because they want it for themselves.  I would never recommend that you get yourself waxed down there just to make someone else happy.  But if it makes YOU happy, then I'm all for it!  

Waxing MenuTo learn more about men's waxing, click here for a PDF brochure.

Quality products really do make a difference in waxing. 

I use the highest quality waxes available because I have seen the difference that it makes in protecting your skin. Because of my experience, I know which products will work best and I keep several different types of wax ready to use.  

For delicate skin I can choose between three different types of hard wax to ensure the best results.  Very few waxers have as many choices as I provide.

For your protection, a fresh applicator stick is used each time wax is removed from the pot.  This prevents any possible contamination of the wax.

All surfaces and tools are sanitized and clean for your protection. 

The Basics of Waxing

I take waxing VERY seriously.  I've been doing it for a long time and the more I do it the better I get.  Your first tip is to look for someone like me who does a lot of waxing.  You want the best you can find. 

Not all waxes are the same, and some are downright dangerous.  Every horror story you may have ever heard about someone getting their skin ripped off while getting waxed is due to sticky inferior waxes.  Quality really matters when it comes to your delicate skin.  

I prefer a hard wax to remove hair in the most delicate areas of the face, underarms, and groin.  This type of wax goes on thick and dries very quickly.  When the wax hardens it is removed with a quick tug.  No cloth strip is used. 


Hard wax does not stick to the skin but shrinks around the hair to grab it.  This makes it very gentle on the skin.  Using anything other than a hard wax on your private parts should be a crime.    

For large areas like arms, legs and backs I use a high quality cream wax that is water soluble.  This type of wax removes tough hair and still is gentle on the skin. I prefer a wax that is water soluble so that any residue can be easily removed before you put your clothes back on.  If you've ever stuck to your jeans after a wax you'll know what I mean.

Prepare yourself

Freshen Up

Eat before you come

Don't Trim Your Hair!

Even if you think your hair is so long it can be braided, resist the temptation to trim your hair before the appointment.  Let me make that call.  There is nothing worse than having someone show up and their hair is too short for the wax to grab onto.  The longer your hair is the better the removal process will be.

Get Comfortable

Communicate

Remember to Breathe!

I'm convinced that the most painful wax pull you will ever experience is the one that happens while you are holding your breath in nervous anticipation.  Breathe!  

A simple technique that I employ really makes a difference.  Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale the wax strip is pulled.  The body simply cannot be tense while you are exhaling.  The difference is remarkable.  Try it.  It works for all kinds of painful experiences.  Don't hold your breath.  Just breathe!

After Your Appointment

Post-Waxing Irritation

It is normal to have a bit of redness after waxing.  Using quality waxes helps to minimize this, but the heat causes a certain amount of redness on its own.  This should disappear within a matter of hours. Applying a warm washcloth to the area or applying Lavender essential oil will help relieve any irritation.

For this reason, do NOT get waxed on the same day you are attending a big event.  Getting your brows done two hours before your awards dinner is not a good idea.   Getting a Brazilian wax on the same day you plan a hot tub date might not be that good of an idea either.

Be sure to tell your waxer about any post-waxing irritation that concerns you.

Keep it Clean

The hair follicles remain open for up to 12 hours after waxing.  That's plenty of time for surface bacteria to get lodged in there if the skin isn't kept clean.

• Don't apply deodorant for the rest of the day after underarm waxing.

• Don't apply any heavy moisturizers or oils to the skin for the next couple of days.  Keep the pores clean and open.

• Don't go tanning the same day as getting waxed.  Your skin will burn more easily on the day you get waxed.

• Don't get waxed if you already have a sunburn.  Really.  Trust me.

Welcome to my clients in Bend!  click on this link to see the Cottage Facials web site.