Brazilian Waxing: Brilliant or Barbaric?

Spring is here and summer is on its way. And that means that women are flocking to salons in search of a solution for those horribly embarrassing hairs that are always threatening to escape your bikini line. A surprising number of women are turning to a solution popularized on "Sex & the City," known as Brazilian waxing.

If you’re familiar with what Brazilian waxing entails, you understand what "surprising numbers" means. If you’re not familiar with the term, you probably want to read on before you make your reservation ...

What’s the Big Deal?
Quite plainly, a Brazilian wax is a salon hair-removal treatment (trust me, you don’t want to try this at home) where warm wax is used to remove unsightly pubic hair from your nethermost regions – front and back! Typically, with a Brazilian wax, you’ll be left with a small strip of hair (sometimes referred to as a "landing strip"). So, if you’re looking to go completely bare, you might want to clarify that in the beginning. This version of the wax is often known as the "Hollywood" or "Sphynx" Wax.

If you’re curious as to why anyone would pay someone to cover their most private parts with warm wax and then rip it off, read on about the advantages and disadvantages of having a Brazilian wax.

There Are Advantages?
Across time and distance, I can still hear a lot of women shrieking, "There are advantages?" And actually, there are – depending on who you ask. Some of the most commonly cited advantages are listed below (and don’t be surprised if you see the polar opposite statements on the other side of the fence).

• No more embarrassing escaped hairs
• It’s not as painful as you’d expect (okay, okay, quit snickering)
• No more razor burn or bumps
• You lover will most likely find the new look sexy and arousing
• You can have a wax done for as little as $25.00
• The pain is said to lessen with each waxing, and
• Many women report an overall improvement in confidence, especially regarding cleanliness and odor control.

Drum Roll, Please...The Disadvantages
It goes without saying that a Brazilian wax is going to come with some inherent disadvantages. And the most obvious is the pain. Have you ever had your eyebrows waxed? If so, imagine the procedure done on an area about ten times larger and infinitely more sensitive.

And there’s another kind of discomfort that some find a bit more traumatic than physical pain. Chances are, you’ll have to quite literally let it all hang out. And for the best end result, you may wind up finding yourself in some rather odd poses. Needless to say, the whole experience may leave you feeling silly and self-conscious, if not a little traumatized. Plus there are other, more minor drawbacks to consider...

• Some people may still experience bumps or irritation
• Since you have to wait 10-14 days in between waxings, you’ll still have to suffer through stubble.
• It can also be hard to find a salon that offer Brazilian waxes in smaller, less urban areas, and
• You might have to spend as much as $100.00 (possibly more) to have it done!

Think It’s Brilliant?
If you’re appalled at the thought of this procedure, your next move is clear – you mentally file Brazilian waxing away in your brain as a great way to get back at someone you really dislike. But what should you do if you’re still not scared? Your best bet is to do your homework (you’re off to a great start); then, start looking around for a good salon. Here are a few other things to think about:

• The credentials and experience of the person who’ll perform the procedure.
• Whether you’re really ready to go bare below. You might want to take it slow. Start with a standard bikini wax, then a Brazilian, and then maybe warm up to the Sphynx.
• Don’t try to trim or shave before waxing to "pretty up." In order to work, your hair must be longer than ¼". Let them take care of it – it’s part of what you’re paying for!
• To get the most out of a waxing, find a quality hair growth inhibiting lotion. You’ll be able to go much longer between sessions!

So, what do you think - brilliant, or barbaric?

About the Author

Blake Kritzberg is editor at BeautyProductsUSA. Stop by for emerging anti-aging wrinkle creams, and fine products such as Claus Porto soap.