“No matter what wax you choose, you won’t ever want to go back to your razor. When you begin waxing down there regularly, your hair will grow back thinner, finer, sparser, and you’ll see fewer bumps and ingrown hairs.”
When it comes to waxing down there, knowing the difference between a Brazilian and bikini wax can help you get the smoothest waxing experience (literally). The terms are often used interchangeably, but these waxing techniques are actually quite different.
Here’s the low-down on Brazilian vs. bikini wax — and how to choose the right waxing service for you.
What is a Bikini Wax?
A typical bikini wax is the removal of hair from just outside and around the bikini area. While there is less hair removed in a bikini wax versus a Brazilian, there are different varieties to choose from based on your personal preferences.
A bikini wax removes the hair from just outside and around the bikini area. While there is less hair removed in a bikini wax versus a Brazilian wax, the amount of hair removed during a bikini wax can vary. Options include:
- Basic bikini wax: A basic bikini wax service involves hair removal up to one hand width from the crease out onto the leg as well as two fingers on top of pubic area and a stomach strip. This creates a clean, natural shape and prevents any hairs from peeking out.
- Bikini line wax: A bikini line wax removes only the hair that can be seen when you wear a bikini or briefs — no more and no less. Hair is removed from the upper thighs and your Cerologist may also remove pubic hair from the top, so nothing pokes out along the sides or top of your underwear or bikini bottoms.
For the smoothest hair removal, our Cerologists use hard wax that shrinks as it cools to methodically remove hair from the bikini wax area in small sections, resulting in a less painful and more effective wax.
What is a Brazilian Wax?
So, what’s the difference between a Brazilian and full bikini wax? A Brazilian takes a Bikini wax a few steps further, removing the desired amount of hair from the front pubic area, labia/pubic bone, and between the buttocks.
During a Brazilian, your Cerologist uses a hard wax that’s specially formulated to remove coarse hairs from the Brazilian wax area. It’s made with key ingredients like Azulene oil to moisturize and soothe the skin and glyceryl rosinate to help wax adhere to your hair.
You can customize a Brazilian wax and remove all hair or leave a neat triangle, strip, or square in the front. Brazilian wax options include:
- Full Brazilian wax: For clients with a vagina, this wax removes any and all unwanted hair from the pubic region, backside, and buttocks. For clients with a penis, a full Brazilian wax includes the shaft, scrotum, and buttocks.
- Modified Brazilian wax: Hair is removed starting at the edge of the genitals to a palm width out onto the leg, as well as two fingers on top of the pubic area. This creates a thin strip from front to back. Buttocks typically aren’t included in a modified Brazilian wax.
How do you choose between a Brazilian vs. Bikini Wax?
Ultimately, the choice between Brazilian wax and bikini wax comes down to personal preference, your level of comfort, and how much hair you want removed.
If you typically shave the whole area and want hair removed from the buttocks, a Brazilian wax is the way to go. Have an upcoming vacay and don’t want any stray hairs poking out of your swimsuit? Try a bikini wax.
If you’re unsure, our Cerologists can advise you on which hair removal option to choose based on past wax experience or desired look. No matter what you choose, the feeling of seriously smooth skin will keep you coming back for more.
How to prepare for a waxing appointment
Whether you’re going in for a Brazilian or bikini wax, preparation is key to maintaining skin health and reducing your risk of irritation. Use these tips to prepare for your waxing appointment:
- Avoid shaving for 2–4 weeks before your appointment. It may seem like a long time, but it’s necessary to ensure that your hair is long enough to give the wax grip and achieve the smoothest results. Hair should be at least ¼–½ inch for effective waxing.
- Avoid self-tanning lotions up to 48 hours before your appointment.
- Shower and exfoliate the Brazilian wax area 2 days before your scheduled appointment. Clean, exfoliated skin gives the wax a better grip and reduces the risk of irritation.
- Drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated — this keeps skin healthy, helping it recover from waxing more quickly and minimizing the risk of redness and pain.
Wear loose-fitting clothes to your appointment to minimize friction, irritation, or ingrown hairs post-wax.
Are Brazilian waxes and bikini waxes painful?
Everyone tolerates hair removal differently, and experiencing a small amount of discomfort during a Brazilian or bikini wax is normal, but it should not feel unbearable. Tell your Cerologist if you’re experiencing any pain during your appointment.
You may take a painkiller like ibuprofen before your appointment to minimize potential discomfort.
The best way to ensure your wax stays in tip top shape until your next appointment starts with using the proper products. The products we always find ourselves reaching for after a bikini or Brazilian wax are the Fur Ingrown Concentrate and Ingrown Eliminator. Both products are perfect for keeping your skin smooth and ingrown hair free. Use daily to get rid of any pesky bumps or imperfections along your bikini line.
How often should you do a Brazilian wax or bikini wax?
We recommend waxing once every 3–4 weeks to protect skin health and allow hair to regrow. When you’re booking your next appointment, book out about a month from when you got your most recent wax. (If you don’t want to wax your bikini line as frequently, remember to stop shaving 2–4 weeks before your appointment.)
You can always talk to your Cerologist at your appointment about booking your next waxing service. They’ll know how long you should wait in between and can secure your spot so you don’t have to stress about getting an appointment before an upcoming event.
Brazilian wax and bikini wax aftercare tips
After any waxing appointment, there are a few important tips to keep your skin smooth and healthy:
- Stay out of the sun and skip the sauna, pool, tanning bed, and even the gym for at least 24 hours after your appointment to avoid itching, redness, and irritation.
- Use an aftercare product like a post-wax serum to soothe and hydrate your skin and prevent ingrown hairs around your bikini line.
- Avoid sexual activity for 24 to 48 hours after your wax to prevent irritation and infection.
No matter your hair removal style, your bikini line (and beyond)
will have noticeably healthy and smooth skin — and you’ll feel the glow all over.
More waxing tips for your smoothest skin ever
- Benefits of Waxing Year-Round
- 5 Reasons You’ll Want to Start Waxing Before Your Trip
- Everything You Need to Know Before Your Bikini (or Brazilian!) Wax
- 5 Reasons to Keep Up With Your Waxing Routine This Winter
Say goodbye to your bikini line’s 5 o’clock shadow. Find the WTC location nearest you to get started. (Psst! If you’re new to Waxing the City, you’ll get 20% off your first wax.)
