Gwyneth Paltrow has been quoted as saying her first Brazilian wax 'changed her life'. Though we can't promise you that, we can give you some insight into the fuzzy world of bikini waxes and all the variations now available. So, is being bare down there all it's cracked up to be and is the pleasure worth the pain?
Brazilian
So named after the Brazilian women who needed a barely-there bikini wax in order to sport their much-loved itsy-bitsy thongs on the beach. This wax traditionally leaves a small rectangle of hair, or 'landing strip', behind, though the latest trend is for a neat triangle instead. The Brazilian usually includes the waxing of the sensitive labia as well as between the buttocks, which is why it can feel a little more painful than a traditional bikini wax, though many people claim the pain isn't much different. It is, of course, especially popular before we jet off on holiday, as it gives the impression of nothing there, even in the smallest of bikini bottoms.
Hollywood
You can trust those Hollywood gals to take it one step further. This is an everything-off wax, leaving you totally bare down there. For the very brave only.
Playboy
Somewhere between the the Brazilian and the Hollywood… not quite bare, but not far off, with only a very narrow strip being left at the front.
Something for the weekend
You could of course get a little creative with your waxing to surprise someone special! Many salons are now offering a choice of templates to create special bikini designs, such as the 'made-to-measure heart-shaped bikini wax' available at Re-aqua salons nationwide (£13-£35, www.re-aqua.co.uk).
Brazilian waxing dos and don'ts
Don't be embarrassed – like your doctor, anyone specialising in 'extreme' bikini waxing has seen it all before (literally) and will do their best to put you at ease.
Don't book in for a wax just before or during your period, as this is when your body is at its most sensitive and the ouch factor will be at its greatest.
Do exfoliate regularly after a wax. One of the hazards of waxing is ingrown hair, which can be difficult to prevent due to the random direction of hair growth. Regular exfoliation will definitely help, and applying a tea-tree-based cream can help reduce redness and inflammation from ingrowing hairs.
Do go prepared – if it's your first wax, or you haven't been recently, you should trim your hairs to about 2cm or less (but leave enough for the wax to hold on to). Ripping out long hairs is guaranteed to give maximum pain.
Do relax – yes, easier said than done, but the more relaxed you are, the easier it will be to pull the hair out, and the less pain it will cause. Take a deep breath and then lie back and think of England.
Do give it a go – if you don't like the look it will all grow back but, like Gwyneth, it could change your life too!
