What Is a Hollywood Wax? Unlike a Brazilian wax (which leaves behind a strip of hair), a Hollywood wax is when all of the hair is removed—from the front to the middle and the backside, leaving you entirely bare.
Ultimately, the choice between Brazilian and Hollywood waxing rests on personal preference. Some people prefer to leave a strip of hair (Brazilian) while others prefer complete hair removal (Hollywood). Just remember that there is a bigger difference between a bikini wax and a Brazilian or Hollywood wax.
Things become more simple with a Brazilian wax because it simply means that all hair is removed from the inner lips of the vagina as well as the back end—aka in-between your butt cheeks. Some women will prefer to leave some hair in the form of a triangle, landing strip or fun shape.
A Hollywood wax is where all pubic hair is removed from the whole intimate area, including the labia, perineum and anus, as well as from the mons pubis.
Brazilian - This goes further in than a bikini and leaves a strip/line from the top and all the down and it is not waxed underneath. Hollywood - This is all hair removed from front and back. Playboy - This is all hair removed from the front and back like a Hollywood, but we leave a strip/triangle at the very top.
What is Brazilian Wax Positioning? To begin the Brazilian wax, you will most often lay flat on your back with your knees bent and legs open and out, like a butterfly position. This will allow all of the front to be waxed and the bikini line creases.
Up to 1/2 inch should be fine. If your hair is any longer you may feel some discomfort when the wax is applied. It will also make it trickier for your therapist to get the job done. Trim excess hair down beforehand or shave and wait a couple of weeks for it to grow back before returning to the salon.
In fact, lots of therapists require you to keep your underwear on for G-string waxes and remove it only for Hollywood and Brazilian waxes where all (or almost all) your hair is waxed off.
Brazilian wax remove all hair from and around the pubic area, right from the front to the back. It will cover the inner side of the bum as well as the butt crack.
It's understandable that there will be a little embarrassment, especially for a first-timer as you may feel slightly uncomfortable being so exposed. Rest assured, our therapists have seen it all and, like a doctor or nurse, it's their job.
Don'ts For Brazilian Wax
Apply lotion right before the waxing treatment. Trim hair too short (hair length should be 1/4-inch). Let the hair grow too long, causing an increase in the pain. Take alcohol (and other stimulants such as caffeine) prior to waxing, stimulants tighten the pores.
Hard wax and strip waxes are less harsh on the skin. These methods are formulated to grip hair (not skin, ouch!) so even your most sensitive areas will see fewer ingrown hairs. “It's created specifically for sensitive areas, as hair comes out easier, which reduces the pain and prolongs smooth, hairless results.
What Is a French Bikini Wax? Basically, it's similar to a Brazilian in that most of the hair is taken from around the front and sides, but the middle (labia) and around your backside is left alone.
"Waxing opens your pores and makes the area more sensitive than usual," says Faris. Wearing too-tight pants afterward can cause a rash, so dress in your baggiest pants and go commando if you feel comfortable doing so.
Each person is different, which means that it will take longer for some clients to regulate their hair regrowth cycle. In the meantime, it's normal to get mild stubble or new hairs growing days after a wax, but leaving these hairs alone until the next wax appointment is always the best choice.
Hollywood waxing can be painful, especially if it is done incorrectly. Intimate waxing like the Hollywood or Brazillian wax can be a bit more painful than other types of waxing, since all of the hair is being removed from a sensitive area. It can also be more expensive than other types of waxing.
Use a light application of barrier creams such as Aquaphor mixed with a little pure aloe vera and cortisone cream underneath your bikini area. Apply a cool compress to the area and if necessary take an Advil or Motrin. Keep tight clothing off of the skin and do not use soaps.
Because your hair doesn't go through the stages of the growth cycle all at the exact same time, the hair will grow back at different rates. After a wax, the hairs that were in the resting phase will begin growing back, and that's why you'll see hair regrowth in a matter of weeks but not as thick as before.
Hairs can stop showing up after 8 months of treatment in areas where it grows naturally finer, as well as with people with fine hair. It's just as common, however, for people to go through years of wax sessions before the hair stops growing for good.
If your hair is longer, waxing will be more painful. If it's shorter, the wax won't have enough to grab onto, so it may not come off at all or could lead to pesky ingrown hairs. If you're not sure about the length, lean on the longer side and request that the studio trims it down for you.
Hair also grows back much thinner, thus making it easier to remove and less painful when waxed. Shaving just one time in between will negate all that is gained from waxing and can further irritate follicles which can cause ingrown hair. So, no, we don't advise shaving in between.