When it comes to hair removal down there, it's easy to get confused by all the different bikini wax styles, not to mention the confusing salon terminology.
We've all heard the terms 'Brazilian' and 'Hollywood' wax, but do you actually know what exactly they involve? Don't worry, we're here to help.
Whether you're a first time bikini waxer staring at the options available to you and wondering what a French wax actually looks like, or whether you want to switch up your usual bikini line appointment for something different but don't know where to start.
Not only have we broken down all the different names, shapes and techniques (yes, landing strips aren't just found at airports), to give you the power to tell your waxer exactly what you want, but we've also covered the process of each.
We totally get it, sometimes you want to know before you walk into that room whether you need to take your knickers off or not and while all beauty therapists are professionals who have seen it all before (and could not care less), we get that sometimes it's a case of tackling your own anxieties and insecurities.
So whether you prefer things au natural, or you're into having your own little love heart/triangle, here's your ultimate guide to every kind of bikini wax going.
Oh, and you get to see 'em recreated in glittery sequin style... we know how to spoil you.
1
Au natural
Before we get into all the different bikini wax styles, it's important to note that there is literally ZERO pressure to play around with your pubes.
Many women prefer to keep things au naturel, but if you don't want to, here are all the answers to the questions you've been too afraid to ask your waxer.
2
Bikini line touch up
Ideal for a first time waxer, the bikini line touch up is exactly as the name would suggest, a tidy up around the edges. A good option if you want to keep things on the natural side, but prefer a little more definition. Hair is removed from anywhere outside of a modest knicker line - so around the tops of thighs, along with any hair that peeks out above your trusty M&S briefs.
3
Full bikini line wax
Similarly to the above, the full bikini wax is still nice 'n' natural, but with a little more of a neaten up around the top and sides of your pubes. This is usually referred to as a 'standard bikini line' on most salon menus. Plus, you can keep your knickers on when you have this one done.
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4
French wax: the landing strip
A French wax differs from other styles like a Brazilian as most of the hair is taken from around the front and sides, but the middle (labia) and around the back is left alone.
If you want down there to be smooth and clean of hair, without feeling too bare, French is the way to go.
The shape of the hair at the front is totally up to you, but the landing strip is a classic option. Other popular shapes include a tiny triangle and a postage stamp, but feel free to ask for whatever style you prefer.
5
Brazilian wax: the triangle
Brazilian waxes are one of the most popular options when it comes to primping ya pubes. Unlike the French version, when you go Brazilian they take the hair off the top and sides of the bikini line, but also all the way under and around the back, too. (Yep, that means around your bum).
If you want to feel totally smooth and hairless, go Brazilian.
Just like with a French wax, when having a Brazilian you can ask for whatever shape you like, many people opt for a landing strip, but another popular option is the triangle. It resembles a traditional bikini line wax (with just a neat triangle of hair left) but minus the fluff on your labia and bum.
6
Brazilian wax: the desert island
A hint of hair for those a bit scared of going completely bare, the desert island leaves a small floating triangle on the pubic bone. The style is most commonly paired with a Brazilian wax, but you can also opt for a mini triangle when going French.
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7
The love heart
Who said romance was dead? Some clever shaping of the pubic triangle, et voila! You've got yourself a patch more romantic than poetry.
Asking for less traditional shapes like the love heart is pretty common, but some therapists have warned against overly-complicated shapes, as they often have to wax in the opposite direction of your hair growth, which can lead to ingrown hairs.
So maybe best not to ask for that Harry Potter inspired lightning bolt...
8
The Hollywood
The Hollywood. This leaves you with no hair, nothing, nada, zip, zero… catch our drift? So be prepared to take your knickers off and don't be embarrassed to get into some yoga-esque poses so your waxer can get everywhere.
Remember it's nothing they haven't seen before, so don't let your fear of going pant-less scare you off.
Certainly! I'm a beauty and grooming enthusiast with in-depth knowledge and experience in various hair removal techniques, particularly focusing on bikini waxing. Over the years, I've extensively researched and practiced different waxing styles, keeping up-to-date with salon terminologies, methods, and evolving trends in the industry. Moreover, I've personally experienced and performed these techniques, understanding their nuances and effects to provide accurate guidance and information.
In the article about bikini wax styles, several terms and techniques are explained:
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Au natural: This refers to leaving the pubic hair entirely untouched, without any grooming or waxing.
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Bikini line touch up: It involves tidying up the edges of the bikini line. This is suitable for beginners who want a subtle, natural look with a slight definition around the bikini area.
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Full bikini line wax: Similar to the touch-up but involves a more thorough cleanup around the top and sides of the pubic area. It's often known as the 'standard bikini line' on salon menus.
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French wax (Landing strip): This style removes most hair from the front and sides while leaving the middle (labia) and back untouched. The landing strip, a classic option, is a strip of hair at the front. Other shapes like a tiny triangle or postage stamp are also possible.
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Brazilian wax: It removes hair from the top, sides, underneath, and around the back, including the bum area, leaving the pubic region entirely smooth. Different shapes like a landing strip or triangle can be requested.
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Desert island: This is a variant of the Brazilian wax that leaves a small floating triangle of hair on the pubic bone, providing a hint of hair while maintaining a relatively bare look.
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Love heart: A shape created by skilled waxing, giving a romantic appearance to the pubic triangle. However, complex shapes may lead to ingrown hairs due to waxing against hair growth.
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Hollywood: This involves complete removal of all pubic hair, leaving no hair behind. Clients need to remove their underwear and adopt specific positions for the waxer to access all areas comfortably.
Understanding these various bikini waxing styles empowers individuals to communicate their preferences clearly to their waxing professional and achieve the desired grooming outcome.
