Waxing — Brazilian

A Brazilian wax removes all the hair from the intimate area, front to back, optionally leaving a small strip or triangle at the front if you prefer.

It's more thorough than a bikini wax and covers the whole area, including between the buttocks. Your therapist will talk through exactly what you want before beginning and will position you as needed, keeping you covered except for the section being worked on.

Yes, it stings — particularly the first time. It's also over quickly, and most people find it considerably easier at subsequent appointments as the hair grows back finer and the skin adjusts.

The treatment is handled professionally, discreetly and without fuss.

Please tell us about any medication before your appointment — retinoids, prescription acne treatments such as isotretinoin, and some antibiotics make skin fragile and waxing unsafe. The same applies to recent laser treatments, peels or sunburn on the area.

• Consultation about exactly how much you want removed
• Check for contraindications
• Skin cleansed and prepared
• Wax applied and removed across the full intimate area, front to back
• Stray hairs tweezed for a clean finish
• Soothing product applied, plus aftercare advice

Allow about 40 minutes. Your therapist confirms exactly what you want — fully bare, or with a strip or triangle left — then cleanses the area.

Wax is applied and removed in small sections, with repositioning as needed to reach the whole area. The sharpest moments are brief and each section takes seconds. You can ask for a pause at any point.

Strays are tweezed and soothing product applied. Redness and small bumps are normal for several hours.

Anyone wanting the intimate area completely hair-free. If it's your first intimate wax, a bikini wax is a gentler introduction — though plenty of people start here. Not suitable if you're using prescription acne medication, on broken skin, with an active infection, or during pregnancy without checking with your doctor first.

For the first 24 to 48 hours avoid heat and friction: no hot baths or showers, no sauna or steam room, no gym or swimming, and no direct sun or sunbeds. Wear loose cotton clothing and keep the area clean and untouched — freshly waxed skin has open follicles and is easy to irritate.

From 48 hours, exfoliate gently two or three times a week. This is the most effective way to prevent ingrown hairs. Moisturise daily.

Wear loose cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing for 48 hours. Skip scented products, bath oils and exfoliating on the area for the first 48 hours, then exfoliate gently to prevent ingrowns.

If you're prone to ingrown hairs, ask your therapist about a suitable product — it makes a real difference.

• Let hair grow to about a quarter of an inch — roughly two weeks
• Don't shave between appointments; it disrupts the growth cycle
• Exfoliate gently from 48 hours afterwards to prevent ingrown hairs
• Avoid heat, sweat and sun for 24 to 48 hours
• Wear loose cotton clothing to your appointment
• Book every three to four weeks to keep hair on the same cycle
• Shower before your appointment; it's more comfortable for you
• Take a painkiller an hour before if you're sensitive, and avoid caffeine
• Avoid booking during your period if you'd rather not — skin is more sensitive then
• Wear loose cotton underwear afterwards
• The first Brazilian is the hardest; it gets significantly easier
• You can ask your therapist to pause at any point
• Trim to about a quarter of an inch if the hair is very long