Bikinis The Shape of Things to Come:

There is some confusion about bikini waxes and what to ask for as far as shaping.  After all, not all spas or all technicians will perform all procedures.  Technically speaking there are four types of bikini waxes.

1. The Bikini Wax - hair is removed from outside the panty line.
2. The Brazilian Bikini Wax- leaves a vertical strip in front (landing strip), two to three fingers in width just above the vaginal area. Hair is not removed from the labia. Hair is removed from the tush. Hair may be removed from the buttock or peri-anal area.
3. The Playboy Bikini Wax - all hair is removed from the labia, all hair is removed from the tush, including the peri-anal area, and only a very narrow strip is left in the front. Named after playboy magazine because that's what you see on the models of playboy.
4. The Sphinx, Hollywood, or the Full Bikini Wax are all the same.  All Hair is totally taken off. Everywhere. Everything. Bald.

We keep running into the terms Playboy and Brazilian being used interchangeably. The bottom line is that you can get your bikini line done any way you want regardless of the name it is called.

What happens when you get a Brazilian Bikini Wax?

Expect to be waxed to the max if you visit a salon or spa for a Brazilian treatment. A disposable thong may be provided, but most likely, you'll be in the buff. First the hair is snipped with scissors so the wax can reach the follicles. Then, using a wooden stick, a technician places warm wax on the area a little bit at a time. As with regular bikini wax, cloth strips are placed over the warm wax and it is pulled away from the skin. If there are any stray hairs after waxing, the technician may also tweeze the area. The key to allowing wax to penetrate into the follicles (and provide the closest possible wax) is to relax. And many women claim the treatment is not nearly as painful as it sounds. After bikini waxing or shaving, there may be a possibility of little bumps, the beginning of a 5 o'clock shadow, and the area may itch when it starts to grow back. Getting waxed is also like getting a haircut. You need a few days to get used to it. A job for experienced pros only.

The technician who does your Brazilian should be friendly and experienced.

Most technicians have been doing these waxes for years. They should also make you feel really comfortable, considering the position you are in. I do believe that this is part of what you pay for when you go for this kind of treatment. It's their job and they should be well trained and experienced.