A Brazilian wax is sometimes referred to as the ultimate bikini wax. This is because a full bikini wax involves the removal of body hair from areas that will be exposed when wearing the skimpiest of bikinis. Part of the reason this procedure is referred to as a Brazilian wax is the fact that the concept of this type of thorough removal of body hair was first practiced in the country of Brazil.
While the Brazilian wax does remove more body hair than a standard bikini wax, it is not the most extreme of all hair removal techniques. Generally, the Brazilian method will leave a small amount of body hair in the public region. Brazilian waxing includes the removal of hair from areas of the body that are likely to be exposed while wearing a bikini swimsuit. When the amount of waxing involves additional areas, the process is sometimes referred to as a Full Brazilian Wax or FWB.
The basic process for a Brazilian wax is simple. Powder is applied in an even coat to the body area that will undergo the treatment. The use of talcum or baby powder helps to provide a protective coating for the skin. Next, hot wax is poured over the area and allowed to cool and harden. One corner of the cooled wax is gently dislodged and used as a tab or handle to quickly rip the remainder of the wax from the skin. Hair follicles are encased in the cooled wax and are ripped free from the body. If any stray hair remains, the strands are removed with the aid of a pair of tweezers. Any sections of body hair that are intentionally left in place are trimmed and manicured to the specifications of the individual.
While many find the look of a Brazilian wax appealing, others object to the practice, claiming it creates an unnatural appearance to the body. Others object on the grounds that the jerking of hair from the body can increase the chance of infection, and feel the health risk is not worth the final result.