Even if you've become proficient in every DIY bikini line hair removal technique out there (yup, we've tried the at-home wax and every bikini trimmer in existence, too), sometimes it's better to leave things up to the pros. Whether you’re considering a wax for the first time, or even if you’re just interested in trying out some new ~styles~, it can be hard to know exactly which type of bikini wax to request.
Meet the experts: Shay Sadrolashrafi is a lead esthetician for wakse; Kiana Doe is the salon development manager at Lunchbox Wax, Jeanette Haylock, the education manager for GoToBrazils Waxing Center.
While most salons have menus, the instructions may not be quite as detailed as you’d like… and let’s face it: asking for more details can feel downright uncomfortable if you're a newbie. And it's hard to know what kind of "style" to ask for. It's not like you can just bring a pic of your favorite celebrity as an example like you do for a haircut...
First off, keep in mind that you shouldn’t feel awkward asking questions. Remember that the person doing your wax has seen it all before (literally), and they probably appreciate questions more than leaving you disappointed with your wax afterward.
That said, if you’re looking to walk into your local salon with the confidence of someone who knows their way around the block, we’ve got you covered. We spoke with Shay Sadrolashrafi, a lead esthetician for wakse, as well as Kiana Doe, the salon development manager at Lunchbox Wax and Jeanette Haylock, the education manager for GoToBrazils Waxing Center. Read on for the ten most common types of bikini wax you can get for the next time you're thinking about going bare.
1. Classic Bikini Wax
If you’re interested in targeting exclusively the areas that are visible from a bathing suit, the classic bikini wax is your best bet. This removes hair up to a four finger width from the bikini line, as well as the width of two fingers on top of the bikini area, Sadrolashrafi explained. She calls this “a great option for first-timers.”
2. Mini Brazilian
“A mini Brazilian involves completely removing the hair from the front, leaving it totally bare,” Haylock says. When getting a mini Brazilian, you can expect to lay on your back with your legs bent, feet together, as if you’re in butterfly. From there, it’s all steady breathing and anticipating wax strips until the job is complete.
3. Full Brazilian
If you’re pretty familiar with the term that’s probably because, according to Sadrolashrafi, this is definitely the most commonly requested option. “It covers everything in the front, including the bikini line and labia, all the way to the butt strip,” explains Sadrolashrafi.
4. Sphinx Wax or Hollywood Wax
With all of these terms popping up, it can be hard to keep up, but don’t worry. Basically, these terms both mean the same thing. “A Sphinx Wax or Hollywood wax is also known as the Brazilian or bikini wax, which is the complete hair removal of both the front and backside of the bikini area,” Sadrolashrafi explains.
5. French Wax
According to Doe, this is also sometimes referred to as a “French bikini,” and she says it’s a great option “for the person that doesn't want a peek-a-boo situation with their pubic hair.”
This wax leaves some hair on top and on the labia, Doe says. "This is not your standard bikini wax, and goes slightly inside where your swimsuit would cover," she adds. This wax can also include the butt strip if you so choose, says Sadrolashrafi.
6. Brazilian South
Full Brazilian? Check. And, while you’re at it, might as well throw in your legs, too. Yup, you can officially get a one-and-done treatment so that, not only will you not have to risk razor bumps on your bits, but you can skip out on nicking your shins in the shower, too.
7. Butt Strip
Such a lovely name, I know, but, in all actuality, it’s exactly what it sounds like—a wax strip or two targeted at hair growth around your butt area, and that's about it.
8. Full Buttocks
Hair happens. And if you're not feeling the stuff that pops up on your cheeks, simply request a full buttocks for a completely hairless situation.
9. Brazilian Total Body
Instead of stopping with a lower-half wax, this option lets you extend the hairless love all the way up to your neck. Arms, chest, back, stomach, bits, butt, legs, feet—it all will go.
And, there you have it—way more bikini waxes than you probably ever knew existed. Only question now is: Which will you choose?
Illustrations by Amanda Becker
Rebecca Ravee Norris is a freelance writer with a decade's worth of lifestyle media experience. Based out of the Washington metropolitan area, she covers everything from beauty and wellness to style and celebrity news. She is a graduate of George Mason University and has a B.A. in Media: Production, Consumption, and Critique, along with a minor in Electronic Journalism. When she's not writing, she can be found with her beloved Jack-Chi, Cash, working through reps at the gym, dreaming up her next home decor project, testing a new recipe, getting lost in the pages of a book, or catching up on her favorite shows.
Brittany Loggins is a New York-based journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Cut and Architectural Digest.
