Advice for a Brazilian Virgin?

karenejeffrey · March 2010

I do brazilians regularly and love the result. I've had good ones and bad ones, but my advice would be to make sure you are going to a reputable salon that does them all the time. They should put on some kind of numbing cream, plenty of talc powder, and most importantly, they should never EVER be using strip wax. Strip wax is the kind that they spread on, put the cloth strip on and then rip it off. It is significantly more painful than the wax they should be using which is a hard wax that dries hard so they are only ripping off the wax itself. I have no idea why hard wax is so much less painful than strip wax, but it is.

Also, don't psych yourself out!! Yes, it's not going to be the most fun thing you do, but the more you worry and stress about how much its going to hurt, the more its going to hurt. I find that chatting with the cosmetologist, laughing, and talking about anything that keeps my mind off the fact that my pubic hairs are being ripped out helps a lot.

You don't have to do the back-they will ask you if you want to. I didn't do it for a long time, but I didn't find that it was at all painful and I felt cleaner and completely waxed once I did it.

Good luck and stay positive!

mchudlow · March 2010

Don't be so afraid of Brazillian waxes...they're really not that bad at all. I kind of wish I had eased into them by getting just a bikini wax first, but it was ok. The worst pain was the middle area in the front (you can leave a "landing strip" if you like, but all of it gone looks sooooo much better.) If you're worried about the butt, don't be. Getting your backside waxed (although awkward) is probably the least painful part. The others are right about exfoliating...that's a great way to prevent inrown hairs. Also, if your skin is sensitive, try bikinizone. You can get it at any pharmacy.

Hope that helps! I promise that after you get one, you'll be hooked.

christie10 · March 2010

I used to have it done regularly. They hurt like you wouldn't believe but I didn't think it itched much more than if you just shaved when it grew back in. I can tell you that my fiance' really liked it too

[Deleted User] · March 2010

I've gone for Brazilians a few times and it's honestly not bad... thankfully I had an older sister who gave me tips which helped me so, so much!

Tip 1: Take a mild pain killer before going. (Advil or Tylenol)

Tip 2: Buy Bikini Zone cream. It's available at most pharmacies (even some grocery stores) and it will help reduce the itching and those little red bumps (from ingrown hairs). When you first apply it, it will really sting (generally goes away in a few seconds) which is a small price to pay because you will not itch at all!

Hope this helps! Good luck!

kellie royn · March 2010

Hey!

I work at a spa/salon where we do these all the time. My advice if you wanna hurt the least: find a place that uses Blue Wax--just ask when you call--and not the strip wax. The Blue is the most painless Brazilian you can get because it doesn't grab your skin while you're getting it done.

Also, before you put a topical cream on it, you should ask your aesthetician (that's the lady who's doing the waxing) if it's alright. Usually spas ask that you not put anything on because it can interact with the wax weird.

Pain killers are always the best route to go. And ask for Blue wax! You can probably do an internet search on Yelp to see what places in your area offer Blue Wax.

I always think the back is totally awkward but worth it. They may or may not make you get on all fours

hehe

Good luck!

Jodi L · March 2010

OK, so I was going to get a Brazilian for the first time to surprise my fiance, but now the posts have scared me. My wedding is in 9 days and unfortunately, my cycle starts the day after my wedding. So, I guess I will cancel it since many people have mentioned that the week before your cycle is the worst. I also have really sensitive skin and can't shave with a regular razor because of the rash. I actually bought a cheap electric razor (a small men's nose clipper/razor) and it is MUCH better than shaving for me - doesn't leave a rash at all. Hmmm....Maybe I should try using that for an all-over look?

schtella · March 2010

Hi, hello!

The Brazilian typically gives less after irritation than shaving. I prefer it when I can afford it (and will be doing it a few days before my wedding in August). I have had great experiences at venues that use natural waxes (i.e. Aveda salons). USE THE SOFT WAX, do not opt for a hard wax. Additionally, most salons will have a cooling, soothing agent available, so don't forget to ask for it (and be careful on where you put the tingly stuff, hee hee).

If you've done a bikini wax, a Brazilian should be a cake-walk. The most painful area is the supra-pubic area (below belly button, horizontal to hips), which is something you should be pro at by now. The other areas are really no big deal; the folds are more of a dull pain, nothing sharp like that. The back area is only pretty much two pulls and they're not bad, so do it if you have the option. Don't be afraid to ask if they do it because some estheticians may not offer it initially and you may not realize it's not done until your session is over.

I'm not a fan of the leg waxing, I find it too expensive for how simple it is to shave your legs. However, do wax your armpits while you're in for your Brazilian. It's easy to do at the same time, and it minimizes your honeymoon maintenaince. Let's face it, you wanting to be sipping pina coladas and relaxing with your honey, not worrying if you're too hairy.

Whew. Hope that helps.

Heart,
Hannah

schtella · March 2010

I'm sorry, I should clarify why I said don't use the hard wax. I had soft wax the first couple of times I had a Brazilian and it went well. The third time I had one, the lady first opted for the hard wax and it was disastrous. It didn't pull out most of the hair and did a really patchy job so she had to go over everything with strips anyways. While I've never done close comparison of my pubes and the next person, I can safely assume they're pretty similar, so I'm not sure why the wax didn't grab very much as my growth was the same as my other times.

You could definitely pick the hard wax. I felt like the strip wax was faster in my case, and I think an important thing is getting it done as quickly as possible (although I take a few, "Whew, ouch" breaks every few pulls). Up to you!

Breezy706 · March 2010

There is a cream called Emula that is used for getting neddles, but it has to stay on for 30 minutes to be effective.

From experience, I would suggest skipping the agony (and it is!) and shaving. I have tried both and the only diff is that you will need to shave more often. There is the same discomfort from the re-growth and in-grown hair and my hair grows so fast I would need to wax every two week!

My advice is don't waste your money!

indianacaricoa · March 2010

I lived in Brazil for a while and got the real thing. The women there have a host of rules, which I find make the whole process pretty easy and low on the discomfort. First off, exfoliate for at least a week before but NOT the day of! And don't use anything on the waxed area, including deoderant, that contains alcohol for at least 24 hours after waxing, as it can cause bumps and rash.

Waxing hurts, but it's not terrible. Make sure you go to a good salon where they know what they're doing, and come trimmed--too long, and it WILL hurt. But don't overdo it, because the wax needs enough hair to stick. Assuming the proper position helps too, because it makes the skin taut, and that improves the hair removal.

After the fact...well, I have to disagree with some of the other posters. The hair should NOT grow back itchy. At least, that's been my experience. Totally different from shaving...

criewe · March 2010

I have eczema and very sensitive skin. Brazilians have been way better for my skin than shaving. The first time hurt, but I don't really notice it anymore. Also, its not a lasting pain...it just hurts at the moment. I have found that getting a Brazilian done w/ the cloth strips hurts a lot more than the hard wax. I go to European Wax Center (its not everywhere yet) and they are very clean, very thorough, and the wax and products they use are very sensitive to your skin.

bratbug96 · March 2010

I have been an esthetician for 11 years this is really getting blown out of proportion, the bum is the least painful area, belive it or not. Lidacane (not sure if that is spelled right ) is a numbing agent that you should look for. Tend Skin is an awesome product to use after to prevent itching and ingrown hairs. I promise you after you have it done once you will want to do it again!

court970 · March 2010

I get brazilians about every other month. Personally, I don't think it's that bad. You should probably take some asprin or advil about an hour before you go in. The day after you get it, make sure you use a mild exfoliator in that area and use lotion too! And about the rear end, I would say to go ahead and do it, since it's pretty quick and easy. Your best bet is to be upfront with the salon about your concerns and they can advise you the best.

kendle27 · March 2010

I am so gald someone asked this. i am really considering getting one (i still have a while to go June/2011) and i was really nervous. i don't have any older sisters so i had no idea who to ask. we are planning a cruise for our HM and would love not having to worry about my bikini line!! thanks girls!!

joslynmc · March 2010

I am an esthetician and perform (and receive) brazilians regularly. You don't have to the back side. Do check around different spas. Ask them what kind of wax they use, it makes a world of difference...

Hard, or poetic wax is MUCH gentler. Strip wax that requires the paper to remove the wax hutrs much more.

Let the hair grow at least 3 weeks, shaving causes the hair to be corse and if too short won't be removed easily. You'll feel it more.

A good esthetician knows to apply pressure to the waxed area immediatly to relieve pain. Don't be shy, stretch your legs out to allow the easiest process.

Good luck, it's worth the ordeal!

juliebass · March 2010

I was a BV until I was 45! The first time was a killer...But hair grows back softer and definately thinner! Just like everyone says right above public bone is the worst! Unbelievable the booty is the fastest and easiest! (although you may die of embarrasment during that minute! After the first time it isnt nearly as bad. I use TenSkin and it is great for preventing bumps etc...GOOD LUCK!!

juliej1s · March 2010

I go to a salon/spa. It is a Halcyon Spa (http://www.halcyondayssalonsandspas.com/) and I think they do a great job. They have locations in several states.

It’s really nothing to be worried about-any kind of waxing hurts, but at least it is over quickly. And the first one is definately the worst. Once you see how much he likes it you'll think it was worth the pain. I lgot my first brazilian after losing a bet to my then boyfriend. When I met the esthetician, she said "there are two types of women who get get brazilian waxes. Those that do it because their siginificant other wants it and those that get it because they like it." I thought "sure" easy for you to say. But it turns out I am the latter.

I would schedule the appointment 3-4 days before your wedding. That way you have some time to "recover", but it hasn't started to grow back.

Make sure that you get a highly skilled and trained person to do any of your waxing, but especially this type of waxing. No need to apply anything to the area before. I think it's best if your hair is just long enough to be waxed. The longer the hair is the more it seems to hurt. Be prepared for the esthetician to pick strays off with tweezers. It really sounds worse than it is.

The more regularly you go the less it hurts. I think the worst part is the worrying of what it will feel like. So, try to relax. The more tense you are, the worse it will hurt.

Take 2 advil 30-45 minutes before your appointment. And be sure to exfoliate after, like everyone said.

You'll be fine.

Vonderohe · March 2010

I actually do this for a living. I have been waxing clients for about 10years. The thing to remember is IT IS worth it. My recommendation is to look for someone who uses hard wax. putting strips in these areas is not easy and not comfortable.

Breathe out on the pull, although easier said than done. It allows the muscle and holds the hair to relax and will actually make it less painful. No scream cream is good. Some don't notice a difference though (can't hurt to try). It has 20% benzocaine, which is the active ingredient. They do sell stuff over the counter with similiar. Look for at least that percentage. 5% won't do anything.

Also, I wouldn't recommend doing it any closer than 3 days before your HM, just in case. You should be able to judge by your previous wax experience. If you did not stay red too long the first few times you did a standard bikini than you will be fine.

As for the hair growing back. It shouldn't itch. The hair actually lays down better than if you were to shave the area. When you shave, you cut the tip of the hair off which gives it its blunt feeling and creates a coarse feel and can itch. Now if you are not exfoliating (gently) and keeping the area hydrating/moisturized (lightly -never too much moisturizer there), then it will be dry and have dead skin cell build up in which the hair can not break through. It will then be itchy and can also cause ingrown hairs.

And you never have to do the back side. Just be clear on what you want with your esthetician. But why go through the discomfort of doing all that and leave hair back there. I promise... it doesn't hurt as bad as the front, just a bit uncomfortable.

Hope this helps

kristac23 · March 2010

So I've been getting them for years now. I've also been going to the same place to get them for about 5 years now. I don't know where you're from (any of you who happen to be considering it) but I go to a day spa in West Covina, CA. It took me a while to find this place and I had a few from other locations before I found the spa. I went to salon's and have gone to nail places that say they do it too (when on vacation). I find more often than not, even if places offer them it is not something they do often, since for some reason, (a reason I can't understand cause I can't stand hair anywhere but my head) not many women opt for the full brazilian. So I'll break down for you what makes the girl who does mine so great as opposed to the other people.

1) If they use strips for the whole thing like they do a regular bikini wax you're in trouble. So make sure to ask that. Because if they use strips for the whole thing, chances are they don't do many brazilians. What they should use is a wax that is thicker (they use it on the middle section). It takes the inner part off in one pass rather than a bunch of strips and it gets the hair off better than strips do. If they use strips it will most likely take more passes.

2) Get someone who is willing to answer your questions and answer them well. You can usually tell right away if they are comfortable with the questions and if they are its probably cause they are comfortable with the process, again... that's a sign that they do brazilians regularly.

3) If waxing is foreign to you start with something other than your very important personal areas.

4) I would recommend that if you are planning this for a wedding (and have never done it before) start with the previous step. Then, go 'head and try the brazilian as the next step so you can get used to the process and so you know how to treat whatever reaction you have to it before you do it for your wedding (ie. exfoliating more/less, using bikini zone or whatever might be recommended or works for you).

5) DO THE BACK! it really is (as others who have had it done also said) the easiest part.

If you're worried about pain (I've never had a problem with pain), my fiancé says pain killers help him when he gets his back waxed. I would try the no-scream-cream that was recommended and if those don't work ask the person who is waxing you what they recommend. Like I said, if you have someone who knows what they're doing they'll have a recommendation or two.

GOOD LUCK! And GO FOR IT! And if you're in the L.A. area let me know. I'll recommend you to my spa and person.

txs24sweetheart · March 2010

How long does it typically take for the hair to grow back? I've always been too scared to get it done so I've just settled with shaving all the time, but thats just it, the hair starts growing back the next day. It would be nice to go the whole noneymoon with no worries.

ehbacon09 · March 2010

this makes me feel better about my decision--I have never gotten any kind of wax and I also have sensitive skin. I had considered getting a bikini wax but it's three weeks from my wedding and I don't want to be in pain/itchy/red/etc. I would rather be slightly fuzzy but shaved and comfortable on my wedding day than totally bald but sore and itchy and red!

mikkabonel · March 2010

I totally agree with all the above. The other I might add on is to have a trial first, if you can. This should be many months before the wedding so I don't know if it's possible and I don't know if you want it to be a surprise to your new hubby but everyone reacts differently to the wax. I know some people who have had no troubles (like me:) but others get rashes, bumps or can even bruise a little. If you can do it once way befor ethe wedding I would personally suggest that!

sunnshine01jt · March 2010

I use "Bikini Zone" after I shave. If you do get the red bumps it takes care of them overnight. Relieves the itchies instantly too if you get that with regrowth. Absolutely love this stuff. You can get it at any store

pooh8402 · March 2010

I thought no scream cream was worthless. orajel works better for me.

cjyff · March 2010

Find somewhere that has 15 min appt slots... they are usually very experienced!
The place I go takes 10 mins. its awesome... the first time sucks, but after that its not bad.

mine hurt really bad the first week and was really sensitive and red, but after the first time the pain was gone a few hours after!

I will never shave again!

sarale19 · March 2010

I am a liscensed esthetician that does intimate waxing, as well as wax myself. Since you have actually prepped yourself for a bikini wax, it really doesn't change all that much if you wax more areas. I always tell my clients, and myself, first to take a deep breath, blow out when pull the strip to remove the hair. I have been waxing for atleast 6 years. The more you wax, the less hair grows back. Wax every 3-5 weeks. Good luck.

Sara, in FL

rasaldana426 · March 2010

I've been working as an esthetician for the past 5 years at a 'high-end/trendy salon' in the suburbs of Chicago,and the top 4 waxes I do on a daily basis are Bikini, Brazilian, eyebrows and upper lip. I'm Thinking you'll be fine with taking everything off; Think of it as Graduating to the Brazilian

Grow the hair about 2-3 weeks,Take some sort of pain reliver about half hour or so prior to te service, and Do Nott do it a week before your period. And if you are tanning, wait at least 24 hrs before and after the wax. The closer you get to the labia, the more you feel it. If you have a good technician, she s/b more gentle around that area. Depending on how 'tough' you bikini area is, a brazilian usually takes Anywhere from 20-45 mins. As for finding a reputable place, it depends on where you live. Are there higher end salons, or just hole in walls?If you like the girl that's doing your bikini wax just have take more off each time she sees you

I could go on and on about this! I truly think you should go for it! (ps- Not everyone does there booty)

hayley comet · March 2010

Well .... Hello Brazilian Virgin! I am the owner of ALL ABOUT "U" Day Spa in Cambridge, On .....This is probably one of the best decisions you will ever make! And your new Husband will LOVE it!!!! It doesn't have to be a bad experience. I have a large client base for all types of waxing .... Keep in mind Go to someone that has years of experience, make sure they cleanse and use lots of powder,and the secret to a great wax is SMALL AREA!!!!! It works ....
The best wax is Satin Smooth ( Good Luck) you will be fine!

frusso · March 2010

Look girls, now you have the story of a real brazilian girl!
I will write in Portuguese, then place on the google translator...
Para mim chega a ser engraçado verem vocês assustadas com o efeito dolorido na hora da depilação, mas aqui é tão comun que usamos a seguinte frase: "...o que não fazemos para ficar mais bonitas?", claro que dói mas tudo é compensado ainda mais quando queremos mais praticidade ao ver nossa virilha e bunbum lisinho por semanas e claro quando fazemos para a gradar o marido melhor ainda, por isso insisto "todo sofrimento é valido", aconselho a não se depilarem próximos a sua menstruação pois dói muito mais! Tentem ficar relaxadas e acharem uma pessoa que chamamos aqui de "mão leve" a dor também varia de pessoa para pessoa, a que recebe e a que faz a depilação em vocês. Não esqueçam as primeiras vezes vai doer, mas se vocês só se depilarem com cera o pelo fica mais fino, diminui e dói muito menos na próxima sessão. Bjao das brasileiras "depiladinhas" aqui a todas meninas da EUA! Don't worry, be pretty!

nholtz87 · March 2010

I've used the Bikini Zone gel before and it works great!! It helps gets rid of the bumps and sooths the itching right away. You can get it at a drug store or wal-mart. The exfoliating sounds like it will work also, but if you already have bumps and itching, this helps now!

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