A Brazilian wax means removing all pubic hair. If you’re concerned about discomfort, consider booking at a salon that uses hard wax, since hard waxes generally cause less pain than soft waxes.
What is a Brazilian wax?
A Brazilian wax removes hair from the front of the pubic area, around the external genitalia, between the upper thighs, and around the anus.
Depending on what you prefer, you can opt to remove every hair in the region or leave a small patch of hair at the front.
How does this differ from a bikini line wax or a full bikini wax?
A basic bikini line wax usually tidies hair in areas where it might peek out of a swimsuit: along the sides of the bikini or underwear line and between the belly button and pubic bone.
Full bikini waxes include the areas covered by a bikini line wax plus hair removal on the front of the pubic bone. You can choose to leave a strip, triangle, or square of hair.
The Brazilian goes further by removing all pubic hair — from the front of the pubic bone down to the perineum and the anal area.
How to prepare before your appointment
Check in with yourself prior to your appointment to make sure you’re ready. You should:
- Have hair at least ¼ inch long — roughly the size of a grain of rice. If it’s over ½ inch, trim slightly so the wax can grab better.
- Gently exfoliate with a buffing mitt or washcloth a couple of days before to lower the chance of ingrown hairs.
- Avoid tanning for at least 24 hours before your appointment, since tanned skin can be more sensitive.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine on the day of the appointment, as both can make pores tighten and increase discomfort.
- Wear breathable cotton underwear or loose bottoms to the appointment for comfort.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever about 30 minutes beforehand if you want to reduce pain.
Arrive at least 10 minutes early so you can check in and use the restroom if needed.
What happens during the appointment?
Your first visit will typically last about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much hair you have and how much you plan to remove.
Here’s what usually takes place:
- The technician will ask you to undress from the waist down and lie on the table.
- They’ll confirm your preferences before starting — whether you want a bikini line, full bikini, full Brazilian, or any hair left behind.
- The technician will cleanse the area to provide a clean surface for the wax to adhere to.
- They’ll apply a pre-wax product, often an oil or powder, to protect the skin.
- Then comes the waxing. Depending on the wax type, the technician will remove hair with paper or cloth strips, using smaller strips around the anus and larger ones on the front of the pubic bone.
- Any missed hairs will be removed with tweezers.
- Finally, they’ll soothe the area with a serum or cream to calm irritation and help prevent ingrown hairs.
When paying, remember to tip at least 20 percent — that’s standard at most salons.
How painful is it?
It isn’t entirely painless. How much it hurts depends on your personal pain tolerance.
The initial appointment usually feels the most uncomfortable, so keep that in mind. Subsequent sessions often feel considerably easier.
Generally, hard waxes are less painful than soft waxes.
If pain is a concern, look for salons that use hard wax.
Aftercare following a Brazilian wax
Right after your appointment, treat the area with a little extra care:
- If you notice tenderness, redness, or discoloration, apply hydrocortisone cream or use a cool compress.
- Avoid sexual activity for at least 24 hours so microtears can heal before any genital-to-genital contact.
- Skip strenuous exercise and avoid soaking in water for at least 24 hours. Showers are fine, but baths may irritate.
- Don’t tan for at least 24 hours after waxing; the exfoliated area is more vulnerable to sun damage.
Resist shaving or removing any stubble that appears — doing so can raise the risk of ingrown hairs before your next wax.
Benefits of a Brazilian wax
Besides a smoother bikini area, waxing acts as a form of deep exfoliation.
Per the American Academy of Dermatology Association, physical exfoliation strips away dead skin cells from the surface, which can support collagen production and improve how topical products work.
Waxing is also one of the gentler hair-removal methods for the skin.
When performed correctly, waxing is less likely to cause a rash, bumps, or irritation than using an epilator or shaving.
Waxing removes hair from the root.
When hair regrows, it often appears finer, softer, and sparser than before.
Over time, you’ll likely have less hair to manage and the remaining hair will be easier to maintain.
Risks of a Brazilian wax
Like any hair removal technique, waxing carries possible side effects.
Redness, discoloration, or bumps right after waxing are common and typically fade within 24 hours.
You can use lotions or serums designed for the pubic area to help the healing process and reduce ingrown hairs.
If you’re unused to pubic hair removal, mild itchiness may occur.
Don’t scratch! Scratching can worsen irritation or create microtears in the skin, which you want to avoid.
Instead, soothe the area with topical hydrocortisone or aloe vera gel.
A 2016 survey indicated that removing pubic hair might be linked to higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), though more research is necessary to be certain.
Less commonly, waxing can create small skin breaks, which could increase susceptibility to STIs that spread via skin-to-skin contact.
Frequently asked questions
about a Brazilian but unsure if it’s right for you? Here are some common considerations based on different situations.
Is getting a Brazilian wax awkward?
Estheticians who perform Brazilian waxing are professionals and have seen it all. They aren’t judging your body, so try not to worry.
If you’re nervous, tell your technician it’s your first time — they’ll likely help you feel more comfortable.
How long will the results last?
That depends on how quickly your hair grows and its color.
Typically, results last about 3 to 4 weeks. Once hair reaches roughly ¼ inch, you can return for another wax.
Avoid shaving in the meantime to prevent more itching, irritation, or ingrown hairs.
If you wax regularly on a monthly basis, the process usually becomes easier and less painful over time.
If you skip appointments, you’ll interrupt the hair growth cycle and may have to start over, which could make the next session more uncomfortable.
How much does a Brazilian cost?
On average, a Brazilian wax costs around $50 to $100 USD, depending on your salon and location. Remember to add a 20 percent tip. Upscale salons may charge more.
Can you get waxed while on your period?
If you’re menstruating you might prefer to reschedule, since the pubic area can be more sensitive and cramping may increase.
If you choose to proceed, wear a tampon or menstrual cup; most technicians won’t wax if you’re using a pad or actively bleeding.
Can you get waxed while pregnant?
Check with your doctor if you’re in the final trimester. Otherwise, waxing is usually fine. Keep in mind hormonal shifts can change your pain tolerance.
Can you get waxed with genital piercings or tattoos?
For genital piercings, your technician will likely ask you to remove jewelry. If removal isn’t possible, they’ll work around it, though you may have a few stray hairs near the piercing.
Waxing can help exfoliate around a tattoo and may make the ink appear more vivid.
Who shouldn’t get a wax?
Talk to your doctor if you have sensitive skin or are taking certain medications.
Examples include:
- antibiotics
- hormone replacement therapy
- hormonal birth control
- oral acne medications like Accutane
- topical retinoids such as Retin-A
These medications and products can thin or sensitize the skin via chemical exfoliation, which may lead to painful overexfoliation with waxing.
Radiation and chemotherapy can also increase skin sensitivity and dryness, so waxing may be uncomfortable in those cases.
How do you find a trustworthy salon?
Do your homework. Search local salons and read reviews to find well-rated places.
Ensure the salon doesn’t reuse applicators or skip wearing gloves.
Reputable salons often have you fill out a client form or do a brief consultation to learn about your health history beforehand.
Also ask friends for recommendations — word of mouth can be very helpful.
How can you reduce ingrown hairs and bumps?
Ingrown hairs can be a nuisance. To minimize them, gently exfoliate a few days before your appointment.
Avoid harsh physical or chemical exfoliants; a simple washcloth is usually enough for gentle exfoliation.
If you get an ingrown hair, don’t pick at it — that can worsen irritation and cause scarring.
Use bikini-safe products like fur Ingrown Concentrate or Anthony Ingrown Hair Treatment to calm, heal, and repair the skin around trapped hairs.
The bottom line
A Brazilian wax may be uncomfortable for some, but it might suit your lifestyle and grooming preferences.
Most importantly, you’re under no obligation to continue if you don’t like it.
Consult a doctor if needed, do your research, and try different hair-removal options until you find what works best for you.
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