Body Hair From Around The World

illustraction of nine different women in bikinis

The grooming habits of American women are well known today. Like most things’ appearance-related, they are media-driven. The removal (and trimming) of pubic hair in the US appears to be tied to the invention of the bikini in the ’60s.

Different countries prefer specific hair removal methods to others. These might include waxing, shaving, depilatory creams, laser hair removal, or threading. What are the personal grooming habits of women around the world? We’re here to tell you!

The UK: The UK is most like the USA in preferring waxing and laser hair removal. Shaving is another popular method simply because it is more accessible, convenient, and costs less.

Japan: Women in Japan have preferred to shave only their legs and underarms, leaving the bikini and pubic area untouched. It is also quite common to remove facial hair and peach fuzz for a smooth, glass-like appearance.

Australia: Australian women are known for being beach babes, and what those beach babes do not want is unwanted hair. Removing their leg, underarm, and facial hair as well as hair in their bikini region with laser hair removal or waxing is not uncommon. Australians are so into hair-free, smooth skin that those that do not remove their hair are considered outliers.

India: Predominantly it is the women of upper classes that now remove their unwanted leg, underarm, and pubic hair in India with their chosen removal method being primarily depilatory creams. However, laser hair removal is quickly becoming more popular as laser technology develops for use on darker skin tones. With laser hair technology, it is becoming more popular to remove hair from the chin, upper lip, underarms, cheeks, and bikini area.

Brazil: You likely assume that the term “Brazilian wax” comes from Brazil, but that is not true. It is American and is not very popular in Brazil. The most popular grooming style among Brazilian women is to leave a “landing strip” of hair.

Germany: It is common for women to shave their legs, underarms, and the bikini region in Germany. Much like in the US, it is extremely popular to be smooth and hair-free. Laser hair removal is the most popular hair removal method because it is most effective, efficient, and permanent.

China: Hair removal in China has not been a significant beauty ritual, up until recently. Chinese women didn’t bother to remove their leg or armpit hair, as hair was just part of your body and nothing to be ashamed about. Body hair is considered completely natural. Hair removal methods (for those mostly in big cities) use depilatory creams or shaving.

As you can see, women throughout most of the world remove at least some of their body hair. While the parts to be plucked may change according to trends, if time tells us anything, it is that women will continue to want to keep at least some portion of their bodies hairless.

What Are The Differences Between a Brazilian Wax and a Bikini Wax?

jar of wax with wooden applicators and flowers

Bikini Waxes Vs. Brazilian Waxes

Simply shaving your pubic hair can leave the hair longer than you’d like – not to mention the high possibility of razor burn. Waxing is a much smoother alternative, and results last for weeks!

So, what’s the difference between a bikini wax and a Brazilian? A bikini wax is typically where the hair along the bikini line is removed (that way you can’t see any hair when you’re in your swimsuit). For the most part, this is a fairly quick process and is a common choice. A Brazilian wax removes all the hair in your pubic region, often only leaving a strip of hair in the front or nothing at all. This includes the full bikini wax, plus removing all the hair on the front, back, sides, and middle of your private parts. For those that like the feel of being completely hair-free, Brazilian waxes are a great option. Most of the time, you can leave your underwear on during a standard bikini wax, but for a Brazilian, you’ll be sans panties.

Are Brazilian Waxes Better Than Bikini Waxes?

Regardless of the option you choose, waxes help to remove the full follicle of hair to keep it from growing back for longer periods of time. There is no “better” option between a bikini wax or a brazilian, it all depends on your wants and paint tolerance! A Brazilian/bikini wax is not the most pleasant thing to experience compared to the discomfort of bikini waxes, although it does get less painful the more often you get it done, and your results are more noticeable. It’s important to use an experienced professional to get these waxes done, as this area can be very sensitive.

Why Do People Get Brazilian Waxes?

Some reasons for having a Brazilian wax include cleanliness, convenience and, of course, sexiness. When you sit at the beach or pool in your bathing suit, you feel so good, so comfortable because you don’t have to worry about hair peeking out.

Book online or call us at (417) 886-1131 to schedule a waxing appointment.

What To Expect After a Brazilian Wax

woman on a beach putting suncreen on and smiling

If you’ve never had a Brazilian wax, you may be tentative because you don’t know what to expect afterward. Or maybe you’d like some suggestions to make the aftermath a bit easier. While most women experience only mild redness or irritation, there are some other problems that may occur.

The bikini area skin is naturally very sensitive. Waxing is putting a very hot material on this already sensitive spot and abrasively removing hair from the root. So for newbies and veterans alike, here are some ways you can help minimize the negative after-effects.

Things to Avoid After a Brazilian Wax to Reduce Irritation

Sun

First, stay out of the sun after the waxing. The area is extremely sensitive to sun exposure, often leading to hyperpigmentation or the darkening of the skin pigment. After the first 24 hours, make sure the area is protected by sunscreen. Sun protection designed for babies or specifically for the face is ideal.

Heat Moisture

Next, avoid excess heat moisture to the area for the first 48 hours. What this means is staying away from saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools, or hot tubs that can irritate the vulnerable skin. A hot shower is fine, what we’re talking about here is something that is trapping hot water or heavy moisture against the skin for an extended period of time.

Heavy Exercise

Related to the heat moisture, sweat can irritate the freshly waxed skin and should be avoided for the first 24 hours. Likewise, any repetitive exercise that would cause rubbing of the area against either clothing or itself can result in irritation and possibly broken skin that may lead to infection. Gotta throw sex into this category as well. Avoid positions that involve rubbing, or convince your partner to take a 24-hour break. (maybe have it done on a Sunday so he’s too busy watching football!)

Tight Clothing

As mentioned above, if the skin is sensitive, allow the area to be free of tight clothing or materials so there is no irritation from the fibers or your own movements.

Exfoliating Scrubs or Cleansers

Ouch! The skin already has been exfoliated to the max with the wax, so give it a day or two to cool down before you use any exfoliating scrubs or cleansers.

Brazilian Wax Discomfort Remedies

You tried those hints but you still have problems? Try the following.

Irritation

Baby powder lightly tapped on will soothe irritated skin. Don’t use baby oil as it could clog the pores. Likewise moisturizing creams. However, avoid baby powder if you have any actual broken skin. You don’t want anything getting into an open wound.

Pain

Waxing is never without pain, but if yours isn’t subsiding, try pain relievers like ibuprofen. For immediate results, and while in the comfort of your own home, try sitting in a cool bath or using ice cubes in a washcloth on the area. Pat dry with a soft cloth.

Rash or Broken Skin

Accidents can happen, leading to broken skin with a little bit of blood, or a rash may develop. Keep the area clean and use Polysporin once a day for 3 days. Do not use Neosporin, it contains neomycin that can be harsh or cause allergic reactions. The rash shouldn’t last more than a week and you should see normal healing.

Ingrown Hairs

A good esthetician will hunt down and remove any ingrown hairs at the time of treatment, but some may result afterward. After your 24-hour hiatus from exfoliating, resume exfoliating the area to ensure oils and skin don’t build up and result in future ingrown hairs. You can also use acne wash pads. A quick pass of the bikini area with acne medicated pads will help prevent ingrown hairs!

Don’t try this at home!

Your best bet for a positive bikini waxing experience is to see a licensed esthetician. Not only does their training ensure you experience the least amount of pain, but you’ll be in a clean, safe environment where the procedure is done right.

A bikini wax is a great way to remove unwanted hair and give you a clean, smooth look.