If you’re not a seasoned waxer, you could be forgiven for first thinking of movies and celebrities when the words “Hollywood wax” are mentioned. To further add to the confusion, different salons, spas and therapists often have different names for the same treatment. So how do you know that your waxing needs are not getting lost in translation?
What is a Hollywood wax?
In case you have no idea what we’re talking about, a Hollywood wax involves your “bathing suit area”. But how is it different from a bikini wax? And what, then, is a Brazilian? If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, do not fret… We are about to tell you exactly what a Hollywood wax is, what to expect and how to prepare for your own treatment.
A bikini wax only removes the hair on the edges that might stick out from underneath the sides of your underwear. Brazilians vary in the amount of hair they remove, but in general the therapist leaves a small patch of hair on the front of the pubic area, in different shapes (a lightning bolt shape is very popular!). However, a Hollywood removes every last hair in your bikini area – from the front, down the middle, and all the way to the back, leaving you entirely bare and smooth. Top tip: This is sometimes also referred to as a Full Brazilian.
What to expect from a Hollywood wax treatment?
It’s perfectly normal to want to know what you are getting yourself into. Since knowledge is power, for some it is comforting to know exactly what to expect from a treatment in order to avoid surprises and, by default embarrassing moments. The therapist will ask you to take off all your clothes (including underwear) from the waist down and to cover yourself with a towel.
Therefore, you need to be prepared that someone you don’t know will see you from angles you most likely have not seen yourself. The therapist will ask you to bend your legs, into different positions (sometimes a little uncomfortable, but nothing crazy). Sometimes you will even be asked to sit on your knees. The wax application and removal will be much like you are used to for other parts of your body – film wax or hot wax (depending on the therapist’s preference) We always recommend using our Azulene Film Wax or our Rose Hot Wax. Afterwards, the therapist will apply a post-waxing oil to further soothe the area.
To ensure your treatment is a success:
1. Pick the right therapist
Considering the paragraph you just read about the somewhat awkward positions this therapist will see you in, it really is worth it to make very sure you pick the right person for the job. It is a good idea to start your search at salons that only do waxing – naturally they would be somewhat more specialised. Even then a single therapist might be responsible for the bikini area waxes – someone even more specialised. Once you’ve identified a salon or spa you trust, test them by having your brows and then, perhaps your legs, waxed before progressing to your bikini region. Read our blog on 5 ways to spot a great wax therapist.
2. Don’t start with a Hollywood wax
If you’re new to waxing your ‘privates’, don’t start with a Hollywood wax. Ease your way into things by starting with a bikini and progressing slowly to a Brazilian and then, eventually – when you understand the magnitude of things – to a Hollywood. Also, you should prepare yourself for some discomfort when the hair in this region first starts growing back. The good news? It gets better with time. (But keep no. 4 in mind.)
3. No DIY waxing
Strictly speaking, it is possible. But, just because it is possible does not make it a good idea. There are about a million and one ways this can go wrong in the hands of someone who is not properly trained. Even the professionals don’t wax themselves. Therefore, stay away from those DIY waxing kits you were holding in your hand at the store earlier. It. Will. End. Badly.
4. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate
No one likes ingrown hairs. And no one wants them after a wax in their nether regions. Therefore, even more than with other wax treatments, it is vital to exfoliate the area before your treatment. The buffing effect removes dead skin cells, exposing fresh, clean cells underneath. This makes it easier for hair to lift away from the skin when you apply the wax. This ensures that hairs do not break off above the root, greatly reducing the risk of ingrown hairs.
5. Let it grow
This might sound counter intuitive, but it makes complete sense when you think about it. Harley Wax products can remove hair that’s only a few millimeters long. However, for the best, long lasting results, the hair should be at least 5mm in length before you wax again. So if you have been shaving the region, it would be best to stop well in advance of your treatment date. Also, book your second treatment after the hair has grown back about the same length to ensure that you don’t wax off some of the hair only for the slower-growing ones to reappear halfway to your next treatment.
Should you still be unsure of some things, we advise you to discuss them with your therapist before the treatment. And remember, there is no shame in deciding that this treatment is not for you. Do what you feel comfortable with. If you have wax-related questions or would like a referral to a salon that uses the best quality Harley Wax products, get in touch via our website.