How we handle our public hair is our business and waxing is one of the most popular forms of hair removal when it comes to our intimate areas and even facial hair removal. When it comes to two of the most popular waxing treatments, Brazilian wax Vs Hollywood wax there are a few differences.
Both leave very little hair on your pubic area, but which is better? This really comes down to the look you want to achieve (whether you want to keep some hair or go completely bare) and, of course, how good your pain threshold is and what hair removal products you choose to use.
There are pros and cons for both, so in this handy guide, we’ll help you decide which wax style is best suited to you, with help from skincare expert, Alexandra Hayes, from Simone Thomas Wellness.
What is a Brazilian Wax?
If you don’t want to say goodbye to all your pubic hair, then a Brazilian wax could be for you.
“A Brazilian wax is when all of the hair on the bikini line, vulva and around the buttocks is removed using hair removal wax with the exception of leaving a ‘landing strip’,” says Alexandra. “This landing strip can be any size or shape preference of the client — some prefer to leave quite a full and neat triangle shape of hair on the topmost area, while others like a minimal line of hair, famously known as the ‘landing strip’.”
"The benefits to leaving some hair is that if you decide one day to have a bit of extra warmth you haven’t disturbed the hair follicles at all which means it gives some flexibility in the ‘fashion’ at the time. The cons, however, are that you will have to bear all in this treatment. If a disposable G-string is on offer, it's only for your own peace of mind because, ultimately, your therapist will have to see it all and most therapists will not give the option of disposable underwear for this treatment, as it only gets in the way of creating your masterpiece."
We'd recommend visiting your local beauty salon for this kind of wax, as it's difficult to achieve with your laser hair removal device. Alternatively, if you're keen to have a go at this at home, you could try using a women's razorto achieve the look.
What is a Hollywood wax?
A Hollywood wax goes one step further than a Brazilian wax, removing every inch of hair from your pubic area and, as Alexandra says, will leave you “smooth as a silk pillowcase”.
“A Hollywood wax is a very popular waxing choice for, not only millennials but also the older generation too. The benefits to this are that you feel very clean, as we hold pheromones in hair and this is why someone who is very hairy has more of a distinct smell. No hair equals less aroma.
"The cons of this treatment is that if you have opted for a Hollywood wax for many years the hair follicles become disturbed and actually stop producing the hair and you may get some patchy regrowth, if any, in some areas. This is a benefit to many as your treatment will be less painful over time, but if you decided to go with the fashion of growing back any shape of choice, it would be a struggle and you may have to continue having all the hair removed.”
Hair removal creams designed specifically for your intimate area are a good idea when it comes to trying the Hollywood wax look at home, but you may want to visit a salon if you're nervous. If you're not a fan of hair removal creams or you can't afford a trip to the salon, there are many at home wax kits you might like to try.
Brazilian wax vs Hollywood wax: What's the difference?
As you can see from this below illustration, a Brazilian Wax (on the left) leaves a neat rectangular strip of hair, often referred to as the 'landing strip'. It's up to you how thick you have the strip, and it all depends on your own preference.
A Hollywood wax (on the right) leaves no hair at all and is the more popular choice out of the two, as many women like how clean the area feels when the vaginal area is wax free.
Both these forms of hair removal require a fair bit of upkeep as the public hair grows back rather quickly. That's why many women resort to at home methods of hair removal to keep on top of hair regrowth between appointments or when away on holiday and a trip to the salon isn't possible.
How to decide between a Brazilian and Hollywood wax
What you choose to do with your public hair and how you choose to style it is entirely up to you. Consider what makes you feel most confident and comfortable.
In terms of maintenance however, a Hollywood wax is easier to keep on top of, as you don't have to worry about accidentally removing any hair that you were supposed to leave. This style is often best for women who like to feel clean and hair free who are also in a rush.
About the expert
Alexandra Hayes, from Simone Thomas Wellness has a keen interest in health and nutrition with a wealth of experience in the world of health and beauty. She spent many years working as a Senior Therapist at Chewton Glen Hotel and Spa and Linda Meredith Skincare, specialising in a variety of different techniques including Chakra treatments, Oxygen facials, lomi lomi Hawaiian massage and wet shaves.