I got my first Brazilian ever at age Who waits until 40 to find out the answer to the question: what is a Brazilian wax like? Me—because until then, I thought getting a regular wax on any other part of my body was painful enough. Then, right before a beach vacation I booked with a friend, I did it on a whim. My plan was to request a regular bikini wax —you know, just an extra vigorous one to clean up the sides? Think of a Brazilian wax as a step beyond a bikini wax.

Before we begin, allow us to say one thing: Body hair is completely normal—don't let society or your S. Ahead, we discuss everything you need to know about this procedure—from pain level, cost, and aftercare tips:. The technician uses a special wax either hot or cold , adheres it to your skin, and rips it away in one fluid motion. When you get a bikini wax, the technician focuses more on the front and sides, aka what would be visible when wearing a swimsuit. Whereas in a Brazilian wax, everything!!!

And for me, that meant shaving my legs, armpits, and lady bits. And thanks to my northeast location with a lack of viable beach days, I was looking at the need to groom just a handful of times a year at most. This meant upping my grooming game to shaving once a day—or at least several times a week. The upkeep, the razor burn, the precision, the whole shebang was exhausting. I booked my first Brazilian wax.