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Pros, cons and how to prep to go hair-free
They say bald is beautiful. If you agree, a Brazilian wax might be the hair-removal trick you’re looking for.
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A Brazilian wax removes all or most pubic hair. What should you know before you go bare? Dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, explains what to expect.
Real talk: Most people are hairy. Often, pubic hair can grow down your thigh a bit, where it can peek out from a bathing suit or underwear. Sometimes it grows upward in a line toward your belly button.
A bikini wax removes hair along the edge of your bikini line, along your thigh and below your navel. A Brazilian wax takes things further.
This waxing method removes all pubic hair — above, behind and around every corner. Depending on where you go, your waxer may use different types of wax (both hot and cold). But all the waxes work by sticking to hairs so they can be pulled out by the root.
Is a Brazilian wax right for you? Here are the pros and cons.
There’s nothing unhealthy or unsanitary about going au naturel (read: hairy). But if you prefer a more groomed look, waxing has some benefits, notes Dr. Khetarpal.
No pain, no gain. Waxing does have some risks:
If you want to try a Brazilian wax, these tips can help you prep for the best results.
Skip waxing if you:
“Hair removal does have a risk of infection or injury if it’s not done correctly. Read reviews and ask for recommendations to find a trustworthy salon,” says Dr. Khetarpal. Most waxers in the U.S. need to have a license to perform the procedure.
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And waxers should wear gloves and never “double-dip.” In other words, they should use a new stick each time they scoop wax from the pot, rather than re-dipping the same stick they used to apply the wax to your skin.
To get the best results, you can take some simple steps to prepare before your appointment:
After hair removal, your skin might be a little tender. Wear loose, comfortable clothes to avoid discomfort. “Applying a cool compress can help ease the pain and reduce redness,” Dr. Khetarpal says.
Consider washing with a mild cleanser to soothe the skin and remove any residual wax, too. You might also want to skip soaking in the bath or having sex for a day or so until your skin has gotten over the shock.
A Brazilian wax may not be the most relaxing salon treatment you can get. But if you’re curious about going hair-free, it might be the fastest route to smooth city.
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