Men and women both have unwanted hair. The burning desire for a clean look has popularized waxing in different parts of the world. These days, an increasing number of women are venturing into bikini waxing as part of their beauty regimen. Although hair removal of the pubic region has become a fad nowadays, this trend is actually thousands of years old.

Technically speaking, there are four types of bikini waxes. The first is the traditional bikini wax that removes hair from outside the panty line. Second, there is the Brazilian bikini wax that leaves a line of hair above the vagina. Also, the hair on the lips is not removed during this waxing. Third in line is the Playboy Bikini Wax named after the sultry ‘Playboy’ magazine. Similar to the Brazilian bikini wax, the vertical fringe in the front is also left here, but all the hair on the lips and butt is removed. Finally, there is the complete bikini waxing that consists of removing hair from every millimeter of skin in the area. According to the professional advice, it is always better to resort to the usual waxing of the groin first and then, little by little, move on to the rest.

The regular bikini waxing process involves the application of warm wax to the area around the bikini line. A strip of fabric is pressed on top, and then immediately torn against the direction of hair growth. A Brazilian waxing session focuses on the genital area and involves the removal of hair from the areas around the vagina, perineum, and anus. However, a ‘landing strip’ is left, which is a two to three finger width vertical stripe in front. The procedure may require the therapist to trim the pubic hair to about a quarter of an inch in length before beginning the waxing. Then the entire genital area is covered with talcum powder. Next, hot oil is applied and the hair is removed by removing the cloth, previously pressed on the oil. As in the case of bikini wax, the hair is pulled against the direction of growth. Some beauty therapists use a slightly different approach. Instead of using a strip of cloth, they just use the hot wax, which as it cools; retractable wraps the hairs and pulls them from the root. After waxing, any loose hair is removed with a pair of tweezers. When all the hair is removed, a soothing lotion is applied to the area.

The main advantage of a bikini wax is the feeling of liberation it offers women. It makes it possible to wear skimpy bikinis and revealing lingerie without any qualms. Not forgetting, the clean, smooth and shiny look adds a “feel good syndrome” to one’s personality. Second, many men find the silky bald look more sensual, helping to achieve a more erotic and satisfying sex life.

Top of the list of downsides is the embarrassment factor. The procedure may involve certain awkward positions, especially the Brazilian bikini wax. However, you have to remember that just like a doctor, it is also a routine job for a beauty therapist. Pain is the next aspect that worries many. The method is definitely painful as the hair is removed from the root and the area is extremely sensitive to pain. However, the pain is not as strong as expected and decreases with each progressive session.

Despite the negatives, many find the positives of bikini wax more appealing. Everyone longs to look fresh and sexy. Pain or embarrassment seems like a small price to pay for a clean, bald, sexy look!