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.

Brazilian Waxing

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.

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Brazilian Waxing, continued

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 men 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!  

Judy Zifka, Esthetician

50th Avenue Salon

Portland, Oregon

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