You’ve probably heard of Brazilian wax as it's become the go-to hair removal method for many women, and according to recent statistics, it’s been growing in popularity since 2001. According to data from Google Trends, searches for the term “Brazilian wax” have increased by over 250% in the last two years alone. That said, there are plenty of other options if you’re looking for something different. So what exactly is a Hollywood wax? And how is it different from your conventional Brazilian?
Where did the Hollywood wax get its name?
The term “Hollywood wax” is a registered trademark of the Hollywood Wax Center, Inc. The term is somewhat of a misnomer. The first time it was used, the term was applied to the process of removing pubic hair with hot wax. The person who coined this phrase did so because he thought it would be more appealing to customers if they could get their pubic area waxed as celebrities do in Hollywood. However, this trend has spread over time beyond just one type of waxing.
What’s the difference between a Brazilian wax and a Hollywood?
A regular bikini wax is just what it sounds like: a waxing of the bikini area. Brazilian and Hollywood waxing are two different types of intimate waxing. Both are designed to remove hair from the pubic area, but they differ in how much hair is removed and how they go about it.
A Brazilian wax is a complete removal of pubic hair, removing all the hair from the front of your body to your behind.
A Hollywood wax is partial pubic hair removal, meaning it only removes the front part of your labia (the “lips” surrounding the vagina), but not everything in between. It removes the hair from above and below the bikini line and leaves a small strip of hair extending from front to back called a “landing strip.”
The difference between these two types of waxing procedures is significant: A Brazilian takes off more hair than a Hollywood because no hairs are left in between. However, both can be quite painful depending on how sensitive you are to pain and how well you take care of yourself after having one done.
What are the benefits of Hollywood waxing?
Hollywood waxing is an excellent choice for those who want to remove all of their pubic hair. It’s also suitable for women with sensitive skin who can’t handle the pain of Brazilian waxing. The sole drawback is that it can be pretty painful, particularly if you’re not used to this procedure.
Hollywood waxing has a lot of other benefits. The main ones are:
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Hollywood waxing can prevent infections because it removes the possibility of ingrown hairs (which are caused when hair grows back into its follicle instead of growing straight).
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Hollywood waxing has a longer-lasting effect than shaving. Shaving removes the hair, but it only takes a few days to grow back and if you don’t shave regularly, your desired look won't last. On the other hand, Hollywood waxing can last up to six weeks, depending on how often you get waxed.
Waxing services are available at many spas and salons.
Waxing is an investment in your time and money, so you want to ensure you get the most from your appointment. One way to have a great experience is by planning and asking questions before visiting the spa. Check their website or call ahead so that you know what kind of wax they use (and if they use hard or soft wax) and how much time they estimate for each treatment beforehand.
How do I prep before getting a Hollywood wax?
Before you get a Hollywood wax, make sure to:
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Shower and exfoliate. It’s essential to cleanse your skin before hair removal thoroughly. This will ensure that all the dead skin cells and body oils are gone, and you won’t feel irritated after your appointment.
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Taking a bath or shower the night before, preferably with a loofah or exfoliating sponge, will help remove dead skin cells and make your skin smoother for waxing.
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A warm shower or bath can help open up the pores in your skin and soften the hair follicles, making them more receptive to hot wax treatments and making it easier for the wax technician to remove the unwanted hair.
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Shave or trim your pubic hair to ensure that it is short and thin. This makes the waxing process easier for both you and your technician. You can perform this at home with a razor and shaving cream or gel, or you can visit a reputable salon and have them do it for you. If you choose to shave your hair, it’s also important not to use too much pressure to avoid ingrown hairs—you want the skin on your privates as smooth as possible before getting waxed.
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Wear cotton underwear and loose bottoms on the day of your waxing appointment.
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Take a pain reliever like ibuprofen 30 minutes before your appointment to help ease any discomfort.
What should I expect once the waxing is done?
Once the waxing is done, you should know a few things. First, your skin may be red and sensitive after the waxing procedure. This is normal and will go away within a couple of days. You can use over-the-counter products like aloe or witch hazel to help soothe itchy skin.
Secondly—and this is something that’s often misunderstood by people who haven’t had their first Hollywood waxes yet—you shouldn’t expect new hair growth for about ten days after your initial treatment. Finally, if you notice any ingrown hairs during this period (as many people do), don’t worry; they’ll fade away within two weeks!
Is the pain really that bad?
No, the pain is not unbearable. You can get a numbing cream applied to your skin, this may make the process slightly less uncomfortable.
The pain associated with waxing is usually acute and goes away shortly after the wax strip has been removed. You may, however, feel slight discomfort around your genital area for the next few hours.
What are some skincare tips after a Hollywood wax?
You should take care of your skin after a Hollywood wax just as you would after any other waxing session.
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Wash your skin with warm water and mild soap to remove any residue from the wax.
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Apply an aloe gel (or some soothing cream or lotion) to soothe redness or any irritation or burning sensations that may still be present.
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Wear loose-fitting pants or boxer briefs while your skin is healing.
If you have sensitive skin, avoid the sun for a few days after your appointment. If you notice any bumps on your skin, they may be ingrown hairs—try applying an exfoliating pad to them before showering to prevent this from happening again.
The takeaway
The Hollywood wax can be a great way to achieve a certain look with your body, especially if it helps you feel more confident. However, this type of wax is not just for women; men are also free to have this type of hair removal. It's just a matter of personal preference!
Keep these tips in mind when deciding which type of waxing is right for you.
Read more about hair removal with these articles on Welzo: best hair removal for women, electrolysis hair removal or methods of facial hair removal.
