In the past two decades the Brazilian wax has become a staple at spas and salons throughout the United States. This is a brief history of the Brazilian wax in the United States and everything you need to know when considering your first wax appointment.
How it Began
The J. Sisters International salon in Manhattan is responsible for introducing the Brazilian wax to the United States. Seven sisters Jocely, Jonice, Joyce, Janea, Juracy, Jussara and Judseia Padilha brought the skills they learned in their family business in Vitoria (near Rio) to New York women in 1987. Within five years their Brazilian wax had gained a loyal celebrity following and national attention. The Brazilian wax became a cultural phenomenon mentioned in shows like Sex and the City and began appearing in beauty magazines. Now their salon alone performs about 200 Brazilian waxes a day, in addition to its other services. J. Sisters International has also added a men’s wing, which offers the Sunga wax, the male version of the Brazilian wax.
How to Prepare
If you normally shave your bikini area, give yourself a few weeks to get enough regrowth for a proper Brazilian waxing. You will need at least one-quarter of an inch for a clean wax. Also be aware, shaving usually causes ingrown hairs when it grows back. This is because shaving cuts the hair at its widest point and leaves a blunt end to push back through the skin. Often the hair curls in on itself, instead of pushing through the skin, causing gross red bumps that may get infected. Waxing, however, pulls the hair out at the root, so it grows back naturally with a narrow head. This alone is a good argument to promote bikini waxing – fewer ingrown hairs and smoother regrowth. If you do have some bumps, use gentle exfoliation (like light circular motions with a washcloth) to let them heal before your appointment.
Take an anti-inflammatory a few hours before your Brazilian wax appointment, like Tylenol, Advil or Alieve. Topical numbing creams are also a good idea. Most spas and salons offer them by the tube, and some, like Zena’s Day Spa in Gainesville, Ga., offer free applications one hour before your Brazilian appointment.
The day of your appointment wear loose clothing in a breathable material, like cotton. Avoid tight jeans or any materials that will irritate your skin. Stay hydrated so your skin will heal itself quickly, but avoid drinking too much right before your appointment. Nothing is more uncomfortable than suddenly having to pee in the middle of your wax appointment.
The Procedure
A good spa will have private rooms prepared with a table and towels for your Brazilian wax appointment. The attendant will leave you to undress and cover yourself with a towel. Since the Brazilian wax requires the attendant to remove all of your hair, you will probably not be given the paper thong like with many bikini waxes. If you are nervous, the attendant can work on one side at a time, leaving the rest of you covered with the towel, so you do not feel so exposed.
The Brazilian wax attendant will apply a thin layer of warm wax to your skin, cover with a cloth strip, and then pull off the strip against the grain of the hair. Most of the time, you will be required to help hold the skin taut, which also serves to give you a measure of control over the situation. You will start with your knees up, feet on the table, and may be asked to bring one knee in to your chest as the attendant works farther down. For the posterior, the attendant will ask you to lie on your stomach and, again, help hold your skin tight.
A good attendant will talk to keep you distracted, but also work very quickly. The best Brazilian waxes are done in less than 20 minutes. The pain is immediate when the hair is removed, but fades quickly. By five minutes after the last strip is removed, you will have completely forgotten the pain. The most painful areas are the strips right on top of the pubic bone.
Tipping
As with any salon or spa service, it is customary to tip your Brazilian wax specialist, especially if they do a good job. Fifteen to twenty percent, just like in food service, is acceptable for a well-done wax. However, as one who has experienced a poor Brazilian wax, a nice tip is just good karma if your specialist was quick, professional and minimized the pain. On a similar note, if you were pleased (or displeased) with your Brazilian wax, take the opportunity to write a review online. This helps others who are researching Brazilian wax spas and salons. Any feedback is usually appreciated.
The Aftermath
Everyone is different and all skin has different levels of sensitivity. For most people, bikini or Brazilian waxing is less painful and remains smoother in the long run, than shaving. But as with any hair removal process, some in-grown hairs can be expected. To minimize this, avoid extremely hot baths and showers for a few days as well as chlorinated pools. Also, skip the self-tanner and greasy lotions. Use a non-scented lotion or cream like No-Bump RX to keep the area moisturized without irritating the skin.
