What to Know About Getting a Hollywood Wax

The Hollywood wax is the most comprehensive form of intimate waxing. It removes all pubic hair as well as hair growing around your:

• labia
• upper thighs
• anus

It’s said the Hollywood wax earned its name because of its popularity among celebrities in Hollywood.

This waxing style is one of several choices for grooming pubic hair. Continue reading to learn how it differs from other common waxes and what to expect during the procedure.

How is this different from a Brazilian wax or bikini full wax?

The terminology for intimate waxes can be confusing, and salons sometimes use the same labels differently. With a Hollywood wax, your technician will remove all hair from your:

• pubic bone
• labia
• upper thighs
• anus

A Brazilian wax is similar but typically leaves a small strip or triangle of hair in the center of the pubic area.

Some salons use “Brazilian” and “Hollywood” interchangeably. Like the Hollywood, a Brazilian removes hair surrounding your:

• thighs
• labia
• anus

Bikini waxes are less extensive than Brazilian or Hollywood styles. A standard bikini wax removes hair outside the bikini line and sometimes trims a bit from the top of the pubic area.

The full bikini wax goes a bit deeper along the bikini line and may remove some or all pubic hair, but unlike Brazilian and Hollywood, it doesn’t clear hair around the anus.

If you’re uncertain which name fits what you want, describe the exact outcome to your waxing technician so you don’t leave the salon unhappy.

Are there any health benefits?

Whether to remove pubic hair is mainly a matter of personal choice. However, waxing may offer a few potential advantages.

Waxing can act as an exfoliant by lifting away dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.

Exfoliation can promote new skin cell growth and may improve how well moisturizers are absorbed.

Compared with shaving or using an epilator, waxing often results in fewer bumps and less irritation.

Because waxing can damage hair follicles, hair may grow back finer or sparser over time, which some people consider a benefit.

In theory, removing all pubic hair might also reduce the risk of pubic lice.

Are there any side effects or precautions?

Going to a salon that doesn’t follow hygienic procedures can increase your risk of bacterial infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

A 2014 letter to the editor reported that contaminated waxing tools during pubic hair removal have been linked to:

• genital herpes
• molluscum contagiosum
• septic shock

Minor problems are fairly common with pubic hair removal.

A 2014 study found that out of 333 women, a portion reported at least one health issue related to pubic hair removal during their lifetime. The most frequent complaints were sore skin and ingrown hairs. In uncommon cases, additional problems can include:

• genital burns from hot wax
• severe skin irritation
• contact dermatitis

Removing pubic hair may raise your risk of developing an STI

A 2017 study surveyed 7,580 people about their:

• pubic hair grooming practices
• sexual behaviors
• history of STIs

Researchers found a higher lifetime prevalence of STIs among people who groomed their pubic hair compared with those who did not.

Those classified as extreme groomers—people who remove all pubic hair more than 11 times per year—had an even greater lifetime prevalence of STIs than occasional groomers.

Is there anyone who shouldn’t get a Hollywood wax?

Waxing is safe for most individuals. However, certain medications and treatments can make skin more sensitive and waxing more uncomfortable, including:

• antibiotics
• hormone replacement therapy
• hormonal birth control
• chemotherapy or radiation
• oral acne medications
• topical retinoids

You may want to avoid waxing while menstruating because sensitivity in the pubic area can be increased.

If you choose to get waxed during your period, bring a tampon or menstrual cup to prevent any free-flowing blood.

Waxing is generally safe during pregnancy, though you might consult your doctor if you’re in the third trimester. It’s also vital to visit a reputable salon to reduce infection risk.

If you have genital piercings, your technician may ask you to remove them. If removal isn’t possible, they will attempt to work around the area.

How to prepare for a Hollywood wax

Preparations for your wax are minimal. Allow hair to grow to at least a quarter-inch so the wax can adhere properly. If hair is longer than half an inch, you may want to trim it.

Other steps that can help make your appointment smoother include:

• Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting bottoms to your appointment.
• Take a warm bath the night before.
• Gently exfoliate the pubic area a couple of days before waxing.
• Consider taking ibuprofen or another mild pain reliever about 30 minutes beforehand.

How is a Hollywood wax done?

A waxing appointment usually lasts around 30 to 40 minutes. Here’s what typically happens:

1. You’ll undress from the waist down and lie on the table.
2. Your wax technician will confirm the exact waxing style you want before starting.
3. The technician will cleanse the area and apply an oil or powder as a pre-wax treatment.
4. Wax is applied to a section of skin. Once it cools, the technician pulls the skin taut and quickly removes the wax strip. This is repeated until the hair is removed.
5. After waxing, the technician may tweeze stray hairs.
6. They’ll likely apply a serum or cream to soothe the skin and help reduce the chance of ingrown hairs.

Considering pain tolerance

If you haven’t had a Hollywood or Brazilian wax before, you’re probably wondering about pain. The simple answer is that it usually hurts to some degree.

Pain levels vary based on individual tolerance. Many people find their first waxing the most painful, with subsequent sessions becoming easier.

Some people take a pain reliever such as ibuprofen before their appointment to lessen discomfort.

Going to a salon with trained technicians and choosing hard wax rather than soft wax can also help reduce pain.

Hollywood wax aftercare

After your wax, avoid activities that could irritate the area or introduce bacteria to the freshly waxed skin.

• Don’t take a bath for roughly the first 24 hours.
• Avoid sexual activity for about the first 24 hours.
• Begin using a mild exfoliator about 2 days after waxing.
• Avoid tanning beds, saunas, intense exercise, or swimming pools for the remainder of the day.
• Try not to touch the waxed area until redness or discoloration fades.

How do you find a reputable salon?

Choosing a reputable salon is important. Poor hygiene practices increase the risk of infection and even sexually transmitted infections.

Untrained technicians can also make the experience more painful than necessary.

Before you book, read reviews to see if others have had negative experiences, and consider asking friends for salon recommendations.

If you’re looking for products to soothe or prep the bikini area, articles about beauty skin care rosehip oil for face and beauty skin care coconut oil for hair growth may offer useful tips on gentle oils and moisturizers to use post-wax.

How long does a Hollywood wax last?

After waxing, regrowth typically begins around 3 to 4 weeks, although this varies with individual hair growth rates.

People with darker hair and lighter skin might notice regrowth sooner than those whose hair color is closer to their skin tone.

Many technicians advise waiting at least 6 weeks between waxes.

Takeaway

A Hollywood wax is an intimate waxing method that removes all pubic hair and hair around your:

• anus
• labia
• upper thighs

Many people find the first waxing session the most painful. If you’re concerned about discomfort, consider taking ibuprofen or another mild pain reliever about 30 minutes before your appointment.