Bikini waxing

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A woman's pubic area after a partial bikini wax Pubic hair - Triangle style.jpg
A woman's pubic area after a partial bikini wax

Bikini waxing is the removal of pubic hair using a special wax, which can be hot or cold, that adheres to hairs and pulls them out when the wax is removed quickly from the skin, usually with a cloth strip. While the practice is mainly associated with women, male waxing has become a more common practice to remove men's pubic hair. [1]

Contents

A bikini line is the area of the upper leg and inner thigh in which pubic hair grows that is normally not covered by the bottom part of a swimsuit. [2] In some cultures, visible pubic hair in this region is disliked and/or considered embarrassing and so it is sometimes removed. [2] However, some people remove pubic hair that will not be exposed for aesthetics, personal grooming, hygiene, culture, religion, fashion and for sexual intercourse.

Technique

Pubic hair can be removed in a number of ways, such as waxing, shaving, sugaring, electrolysis, laser hair removal or with chemical depilatory creams. Waxing involves applying melted, usually hot, wax to the pubic hair that an individual would like to remove. The wax, which adheres to the hair as it hardens, is then covered with small strips of cloth. When the wax hardens sufficiently, the cloth is pulled off quickly, removing the hair from its roots as the wax is pulled away. Waxing can be performed on oneself privately using a home kit or by a cosmetologist at a salon or spa. [3]

Wax being applied to female pubic hair Ceretta a calo inguinale.jpg
Wax being applied to female pubic hair

If a person has never been waxed before, or has not been waxed for a long time, it may be necessary to trim the pubic hair using scissors or an electric razor prior to waxing. [4] [5] A patch test is recommended, usually on the upper thigh, to test for allergies or skin sensitivities to the ingredients in the wax. Sometimes a hair growth inhibitor is applied after waxing, which slows the regrowth of hair if applied daily for an extended period of time. [3]

It is common to apply an antiseptic cleaner and powder to the area prior to waxing. Wax is applied with a spatula in the direction of hair growth the size of a strip about 2 inches (5.1 cm) wide and 4 inches (10 cm) long. When the wax is set but still pliable, the wax strips are pulled away against the direction of hair growth while keeping the skin taut. The strip is ideally pulled off as swiftly as possible. [4]

The pubic area is one of the most sensitive areas in the body and during the procedure special attention must be paid to avoid irritation.[ citation needed ] Pain directly resulting from the procedure can be slight or severe and can continue from several seconds to several minutes. Some people experience less pain during subsequent treatments. It can be helpful to take a mild anti-inflammatory medication (such as ibuprofen) an hour or so before waxing to reduce potential pain from the waxing. [6] Products such as topical anesthetics are available to lessen the pain involved. [3] A bikini wax during pregnancy is generally more painful, due to increased sensitivity. [7] The type of wax used for bikini lines is often made from a mixture of beeswax and tall oil rather than the more common synthetic waxes used for waxing regular leg hair. Beeswax is considered stronger and more effective at removing the thicker and coarser pubic hair. [8]

Sometimes bumps or in-grown hair can result from waxing. Isolated hairs can be removed with tweezers or electrolysis. [5] Discomfort following the procedure generally lasts two to five days or less. [9] Application of egg oil for a few days post-waxing can help moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation, pain or growth of bacteria. [10] With repeated removal over time, pubic hair becomes weaker and grows more slowly, leading to easier removal with less pain and less frequent waxing. [11]

Styles

Female pubis with hair.jpg
American waxing: Hair is limited to the bikini area and, here, trimmed shorter.
Landing strip pubic hair pattern LQ.jpg
French waxing: Hair is removed entirely except a rectangular "landing strip".
Waxing.jpg
Brazilian waxing: All hair is removed.

Some people modify their pubic hair either to fit in with societal trends or simply as an expression of their own style or lifestyle, while others object to any styling or do not practice it because of cost considerations. [12] [13]

"Natural" (also known as "au natural" or "bush") refers to pubic hair that has not been removed, trimmed or styled at all. [14] "Trimmed" or "cut" refers to pubic hair that has been shortened, but not completely removed other than shaving the inner thighs. Some women trim, but keep hair on their labia, while removing the pubic hair on the mons pubis. Pubic hair may be styled into several basic styles [4] : 139  [15] [16] which are often referred to by different names. [17] Salons often use their own unique names for common types of waxing, for example referring to a Brazilian with a "landing strip" as a "Mohican" or a "Hollywood" as "Full Monty". [18] [19]

The three major types are described below:

American waxing

American waxing is the removal of only the pubic hair that would not be covered by a swimsuit. For a bikini, it would be hair at the top of the thighs and under the navel. It is also known as a "basic bikini wax", [4] [15] [16] "triangle", or "bikini line", as it involves waxing hair from the sides to form a triangle so that pubic hair cannot be seen while wearing a swimsuit. [20] Bikini bottoms or underwear are usually worn while getting an American wax. A normal American waxing job takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. [4]

French waxing

French waxing (sometimes called a landing strip or a partial Brazilian wax) leaves a vertical strip of pubic hair about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) wide and 3 inches (7.6 cm) long just above the vulva. [4] [15] [17] Hair around the anus area and labia may be removed. The landing strip wax has become popular with models wearing garments that are very narrow in the crotch region.[ citation needed ] To create the "landing strip" (a line of hair) practitioners and clients prefer either lying face up or lying face down. Sometimes hard wax is used, though strip wax works as effectively. [4]

Brazilian waxing

Brazilian waxing (or the sphinx wax [21] ) is the removal of all pubic hair from the pelvic region, labia, perineum, [22] [23] and anus, while sometimes leaving a thin strip of hair on the mons pubis. [4] [15] [16] [17] [24] It can be used by those who wear thong bikinis. [25] Brazilian waxing is also known as a full Brazilian wax, full bikini wax, or the Hollywood wax. [4] [16] [17] This style was first called the Brazilian wax by the J. Sisters salon in Manhattan, founded in 1987 by seven sisters named Padilha from Brazil. [26] [27]

Brazilian waxing is more controversial than other types of waxing. [28] [29] Like all waxing, it can be a physically painful experience during and after waxing. [22] [29] [23] [30] Some believe it is more unpleasant to receive cunnilingus from a bearded partner after getting a Brazilian wax. [29] [30] Some critics of the procedure believe that Brazilian waxing can contribute to making an adult woman look underage, claiming that this may be one reason for its popularity in the sex industry. [24] [28] [30] There is also a health risk involved if it is not done properly, as well as a risk of infection if done on a person with a weakened immune system. [31]

Health

In 2016, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a study in which it was found that out of 3,316 American women surveyed, 84% reported a history of lifetime pubic hair grooming, with 59% reporting that the primary motivations for grooming were for hygienic purposes. [32] [33]

Bikini waxing has been credited with a significant global reduction in cases of pubic lice. [34] However, the medical community has also seen a recent increase in folliculitis, or infection around the hair follicle, in women who wax or shave their bikini areas. [35]

Social attitudes

In Islam, the removal of unwanted body hair is known as an act of fitra . [36] In India, ethnologist F. Fawcett writing in 1901, had observed the removal of body hair, including pubic hair about the vulva, as a custom of women from the Hindu caste group known as Nair. [37] In Western societies, removal of female body hair (except for head hair, eyelashes and eyebrows) has traditionally been considered appropriate when it was visible. [2]

The styling of pubic hair has become more fashionable as the coverage of swimwear has decreased, following innovations such as the introduction of the bikini in 1946 and the removal of skirts from swimsuits. [2] The popularity of even briefer swimwear, such as the thong which exposes the buttocks, has led to the removal of more pubic hair.

Changes in lingerie styles also encouraged the removal of pubic hair, [4] : 139  and the nude crotch‍—‌i.e., the total removal of pubic hair, such as in a full Brazilian or the Sphinx style‍—‌became considered by many to be erotic and glamorous. A nude crotch is considered by some to be more youthful looking. [2] : 59  According to Tschachler, Devine and Draxlbauer, removal of all visible body hair has come to be seen as an important aspect of femininity. [2] : 60 

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bikini</span> Two-piece swimwear

A bikini is a two-piece swimsuit primarily worn by women that features one piece on top that covers the breasts, and a second piece on the bottom: the front covering the pelvis but usually exposing the navel, and the back generally covering the intergluteal cleft and some or all of the buttocks. The size of the top and bottom can vary, from bikinis that offer full coverage of the breasts, pelvis, and buttocks, to more revealing designs with a thong or G-string bottom that covers only the mons pubis, but exposes the buttocks, and a top that covers only the areolae. Bikini bottoms covering about half the buttocks may be described as "Brazilian-cut".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Labia majora</span> Folds of skin that contain and protect the vulvas other parts

In primates, and specifically in humans, the labia majora, also known as the outer lips or outer labia, are two prominent longitudinal skin folds that extend downward and backward from the mons pubis to the perineum. Together with the labia minora, they form the labia of the vulva.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pubic hair</span> Body hair in the genital region

Pubic hair is terminal body hair that is found in the genital area and pubic region of adolescent and adult humans. The hair is located on and around the sex organs, and sometimes at the top of the inside of the thighs, even extending down the perineum, and to the anal region. Pubic hair is also found on the scrotum and base of the penile shaft and on the vulva. Around the pubis bone and the mons pubis that covers it, it is known as a pubic patch, which can be styled.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hair removal</span> Temporary body hair removal

Hair removal is the deliberate removal of body hair or head hair. This process is also known as epilatio or depilation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shaving</span> Removal of hair with a razor or others bladed implement

Shaving is the removal of hair, by using a razor or any other kind of bladed implement, to slice it down—to the level of the skin or otherwise. Shaving is most commonly practiced by men to remove their facial hair and by women to remove their leg and underarm hair. A man is called clean-shaven if he has had his beard entirely removed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Waxing</span> Form of semi-permanent hair removal

Waxing is the process of hair removal from the root by using a covering of a sticky substance, such as wax, to adhere to body hair, and then removing this covering and pulling out the hair from the follicle. New hair will not grow back in the previously waxed area for four to six weeks, although some people will start to see regrowth in only a week due to some of their hair being on a different human hair growth cycle. Almost any area of the body can be waxed, including eyebrows, face, pubic hair, legs, arms, back, abdomen, chest, knuckles, and feet. There are many types of waxing suitable for removing unwanted hair.

In human anatomy, and in mammals in general, the mons pubis or pubic mound is a rounded mass of fatty tissue found over the pubic symphysis of the pubic bones.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Swimsuit</span> Clothing worn for swimming

A swimsuit is an item of clothing designed to be worn by people engaging in a water-based activity or water sports, such as swimming, diving and surfing, or sun-orientated activities, such as sun bathing. Different types may be worn by men, women, and children. A swimsuit can be described by various names, some of which are used only in particular locations or for particular types of suit, including swimwear, bathing suit, bathing attire, swimming costume, bathing costume, swimming suit, swimmers, swimming togs, bathers, cossie, or swimming trunks, besides others.

Male waxing is the broad term for hair removal for men using depilatory wax. Within the beauty industry, it is common to see the more specific definitions 'male body waxing' and 'male Brazilian waxing'.

Brazilian commonly refers to:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boardshorts</span> Type of swimwear and casual wear

Boardshorts are a type of swimwear and casual wear in the form of long loose-fitting shorts that are designed to be quick-drying and are generally made from strong and smooth polyester or nylon material. Originally known as surf trunks, later as Jams, and occasionally in British English as swim shorts, boardshorts are a style of male and, more recently, female summerwear.

Sugaring, sugar waxing, or Persian waxing is a method of hair removal that has been in use since 1900 BC. Historically, sugar was confined to the regions surrounding Persia until the first millennium AD. As a result, it is speculated that honey was the first sugaring agent. Sugaring was also known as sukkar or ḥalawa in the Middle East, as ağda in Turkey, and as moum in Iran.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Labia</span> Parts of the vulva

The labia are the major externally visible structures of the vulva. In humans and other primates, there are two pairs of labia: the labia majora are large and thick folds of skin that cover the vulva's other parts, while the labia minora are the folds of skin between the outer labia that surround and protect the urethral and vaginal openings, as well as the glans clitoris.

Anal bleaching is the process of lightening the color of the skin around the anus. It is done for cosmetic purposes, to make the color of the anus more uniform with the surrounding area. Some treatments are applied in an office or salon by a cosmetic technician and others are sold as cream that can be applied at home.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Labiaplasty</span> Plastic surgery procedure for altering the labia minora

Labiaplasty is a plastic surgery procedure for creating or altering the labia minora and the labia majora, the folds of skin of the human vulva. It is a type of vulvoplasty. There are two main categories of women seeking cosmetic genital surgery: those with conditions such as intersex, and those with no underlying condition who experience physical discomfort or wish to alter the appearance of their vulvas because they believe they do not fall within a normal range.

Body grooming is the act of maintaining a clean appearance. It is typically associated with hair.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bikini variants</span> Swimsuits based on or influenced by the bikini

Many stylistic variations of the bikini have been created. A regular bikini is a two-piece swimsuit that together covers the wearer's crotch, buttocks, and breasts. Some bikini designs cover larger portions of the wearer's body while other designs provide minimal coverage. Topless variants are still sometimes considered bikinis, although they are technically not a two-piece swimsuit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vulva</span> External genitalia of the female mammal

In mammals, the vulva comprises mostly external, visible structures of the female genitalia leading away from the interior parts of the female reproductive tract, starting at the vaginal opening. For humans, it includes the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibule, urinary meatus, vaginal introitus, hymen, and openings of the vestibular glands. The folds of the outer and inner labia provide a double layer of protection for the vagina. Pelvic floor muscles support the structures of the vulva. Other muscles of the urogenital triangle also give support.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Irritant folliculitis</span> Medical condition

Irritant folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicle. It characteristically presents with small red bumps in the skin at sites of occlusion, pressure, friction, or hair removal; typically around the beard area in males, pubic area and lower legs of females, or generally the inner thighs and bottom. An associated itch may or may not be present. Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a type of irritant folliculitis in the beard area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vajazzle</span> Genital decoration using crystal ornaments

A vajazzle, also occasionally spelled vagazzle and sometimes nicknamed glitter pubes, is a form of genital decoration. The word is a portmanteau of vajayjay  and bedazzle. The process of creating a vajazzle is known as vajazzling. It involves the application of crystal ornaments onto the shaved mons pubis of a woman.

References

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  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Tschachler, Heinz; Devine, Maureen; Draxlbauer, Michael (2003), The EmBodyment of American Culture, Berlin-Hamburg-Münster: LIT Verlag, pp. 61–62, ISBN   978-3-8258-6762-1
  3. 1 2 3 Staff writers (2005), "Get a Perfect Bikini Line", Cosmopolitan, vol. 238, no. 5, pp. 248–251, published online March 10, 2009, archived from the original on March 19, 2021, retrieved August 26, 2016
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  7. ↑ Linda Murray, Leah Hennen & Jim Scott, The Babycenter Essential Guide to Pregnancy and Birth, page 576, Rodale, 2005, ISBN   1-59486-211-7
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  12. ↑ Turner, Beverley (November 15, 2013). "Pubic hair is back". Telegraph.co.uk. The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on January 11, 2022. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
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  15. 1 2 3 4 "Different Types of Bikini Wax and Application Techniques". Essortment. Archived from the original on February 18, 2011. Retrieved May 9, 2013.
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  19. ↑ Latour, Stephanie (2002). Erotic Review's Bedside Companion: An ABC of Delightful Depravity. Anova Books. p. 25. ISBN   978-1-84411-002-5 . Retrieved May 9, 2013. Salons offer a choice of waxing styles for women, including the widely renowned Brazilian or Mohican for those concerned not to reveal a single stray pube in the inciest, winciest beachwear, while The Hollywood denotes the full monty.
  20. ↑ Grey, Maggie (June 30, 2012). "Basic Pubic Hairstyles". The Landing Strip. Archived from the original on October 17, 2014. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  21. ↑ Weigle, Elizabeth Anne. The American trend of female pubic hair removal. Diss. uga, 2009.
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  26. ↑ Ashley Fetters (December 13, 2011). "The New Full-Frontal: Has Pubic Hair in America Gone Extinct?". Archived from the original on December 15, 2011. Retrieved December 15, 2011.
  27. ↑ Venema, Vibeke (December 31, 2016). "The women who invented the Brazilian wax". BBC News. Archived from the original on January 5, 2019. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
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  29. 1 2 3 Joannides, Paul (2006). Guide to Getting It On. Waldport, Oregon, US: Goofy Foot Press. pp. 233–246, 528–531. ISBN   978-1-885535-69-6.
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  37. ↑ F. Fawcett (2004) [1901]. Nâyars of Malabar. Asian Educational Services. p. 195. ISBN   978-81-206-0171-0 . Retrieved June 23, 2011.
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