Let’s talk waxing: the courage, the commitment and the glow-up (both physical and mental) that follows
A Hollywood, Brazilian Manzilian, even) is not for the faint of heart. Beyond the quick sting and nervous giggles, waxing is a whole process; one that starts long before you step into the salon and continues well after you’ve left.
From choosing the right type of waxing for your comfort level, to properly prepping your skin so the experience is as smooth as the results you’re chasing, there’s a bit of strategy involved. Add in managing pain, avoiding skin irritation and keeping those post-wax bumps at bay, and suddenly it’s clear: this isn’t just a beauty appointment, it’s a ritual.
Who would’ve thought that a beauty flex as old as Ancient Egypt would still be relevant today? Back then body-hair removal signalled status and ideals of beauty among the elite. Fast- forward centuries, where science, wars, revolutions and industrialization introduced new ways of thinking – including in beauty and aesthetics.
@neko.wax a little history on waxing and ancient egypt! 🤗🐱🌸 #waxing #brazilianwaxspecialist #killeen #harkerheights #egypt ♬ Egito – hanz & cardial
Today, removing body hair by waxing remains an integral part of many self-care routines. And it’s remained a popular method because it results in finer, softer regrowth (unlike hard stubble from shaving).
Hollywood or Brazilian?
Bikini waxing rose to prominence during the disco era of the 1970s, when hemlines climbed and bikinis shrank. Styles like the Hollywood wax entered the mainstream through fashion and entertainment in the 1980s, and in 1987, New York’s J. Sisters salon put the Brazilian wax on the global map – forever reshaping intimate grooming trends.
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Choosing between Hollywood and Brazilian can feel like deciding between a mini dress and a slip dress: both revealing but with different vibes. The Hollywood removes all hair, offering a clean slate that leaves nothing to the imagination. The Brazilian removes most hair except for a small strip or triangle. The bikini wax, as the name implies, removes hair only from areas that are likely to be exposed when wearing bikini bottoms.
A Manzilian (yes, it’s a thing] is the full removal of hair from the pubic area, including the front, underneath and everything in between. Some men opt for a ‘landing strip’ or light trim, but the Manzilian is for those who want a completely smooth finish.
Hair, hair everywhere!
Body hair was something I was hyper-aware of from a young age, yet it wasn’t a topic that was discussed at home. I learnt about waxing through magazines and TV, where my obsession with aesthetics and beauty first took root.
If you can relate to having thick, dark hair everywhere, you’ll know how daunting that can feel during adolescence.
Years later, I’m still locked in a drawn-out battle with body hair. The radical feminist in me declares, “Who cares? Down with patriarchal standards of beauty!” while another voice counters: “I’m just a girl who wants to feel good about herself.”
Now, I give myself grace to treat myself with self-care that offers the confidence I lacked all those years ago.
First timer
Honestly, deciding to go for my first Brazilian wax was equal parts curiosity and societal pressure. I imagined how liberating it would feel to be fully confident in my skin, especially during summer. After days of procrastination, I booked an appointment with a recommended beauty therapist, my stomach filled with butterflies.
Turns out, the anticipation was worse than the reality. While lying fully exposed and vulnerable, I didn’t feel as scared as I thought I’d be. Instead, I felt brave. The first few pulls had me clenching my fists with watery eyes, but by the third strip, I found myself laughing with the therapist while we yapped on throughout the session. By the end, I walked out feeling lighter, smoother and more confident.
It’s true that something as superficial as body hair can have the power to deeply impact one’s self-esteem. I guess that’s what the pursuit of beauty and aesthetics comes down to: buying into products and treatments that make you feel better in your own skin.
My first experience taught me that while the sting is fleeting, the confidence is worth it. In choosing this for myself, I realised empowerment doesn’t always look like resistance; sometimes, it looks like care. It certainly wasn’t painless or all that pleasant, but it was empowering.
Need To Know
If you’re preparing for your debut on the waxing table, there are a few things to consider. First, timing is everything. Book your session a few days before you need to show off your smooth skin to allow any redness or sensitivity to subside. Also, hormones affect your pain threshold, so booking a waxing at least five days after your period can help.
Secondly, know that it is an intimate process and that nerves are normal. It will make all the difference to book with a recommended and trusted beautician who can kindly ease your nerves. And remember, they’ve seen it all.
Thirdly, don’t freak out about the pain. It is shocking but temporary, like ripping off a plaster. Depending on your level of pain tolerance, you might consider taking a painkiller beforehand, but for most it’s okay to go without.
Whether curious about a Brazilian, tempted to try a Hollywood, just want a bikini shaping or perfectly content staying au naturel, the power lies in choosing what makes you feel most comfortable. Long-lasting, low-frequency hair removal may be the goal, but the real takeaway is that beauty rituals are deeply personal. For me, it was less about the hair (or lack thereof) and more about saying yes to a small act of bravery.
Prep Like a Pro
Before
- Hair length should be about 6mm, long enough for wax to grip but short enough to minimise tugging. The longer the hair, the more painful it will be.
- Exfoliate 48 to 24 hours before waxing, using a gentle scrub or exfoliating glove.
- Do not apply lotion or oil on the day.
- Avoid sun exposure, alcohol and caffeine before your session to reduce sensitivity.
After
- Skip tight clothing, hot baths, sweaty workouts, saunas, sex, fragranced creams and deodorant for 24 hours.
- Use a tissue oil or gel containing aloe or chamomile to calm irritation and prevent friction from clothing.
- Continue to moisturize and gently exfoliate in the weeks after to prevent ingrown hairs.
- Stick to a regular schedule of waxing (every 4–6 weeks). It gets easier over time.
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Products available online at Bash.com:
- Neutrogena Deep Moisture Hypoallergenic Body Lotion R114.99
- Colours Limited Calming Body Butter R59.95
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- Colours Limited Nourishing Body Scrub R64.95
Words: Claudia Da Silva
Photos: Gallo/Getty Images, Pexels, supplied.
Prices correct at time of print and may change.
