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''''Bikini waxing''' is the [[Hair removal|epilation]] of [[pubic hair]] in and around the [[pubic region]] by the use of [[Waxing|wax]]. While the practice is mainly associated with women, [[Male genital waxing|men at times also remove pubic hair]].<ref>Barker, Olivia [http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2005-08-23-waxing_x.htm/ The male resistance to waxing is melting away] in ''[[USA Today]]'', August 23, 2005.</ref> With certain styles of women's swimwear, pubic hair may become visible around the crotch area of a swimsuit. Visible pubic hair is widely culturally disapproved of and considered to be embarrassing, and so is at times removed.<ref name="Embod1">Heinz Tschachler, Maureen Devine, Michael Draxlbauer; ''The EmBodyment of American Culture''; pp 61–62; LIT Verlag, Berlin-Hamburg-Münster; 2003; ISBN 3-8258-6762-5.</ref> However, some people also remove pubic hair that is not exposed, for aesthetic, personal hygiene, cultural, fashion or other reasons. ==History== In Middle Eastern societies, removal of the female body hair has been considered proper hygiene, necessitated by local customs, for many centuries.<ref>Kutty, Ahmad (13/Sep/2005) [http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1126012472670 Islamic Ruling on Waxing Unwanted Hair] Retrieved March 29, 2006</ref> In [[Islam]], this is known as an act of ''[[Fitrah]]''. According to ethnologist F. Fawcett, writing in 1901, he had observed the removal of body hair, including pubic hair about the [[vulva]], as a custom of women from the [[Hindu]] [[Nair]] caste.<ref>{{cite book |author=F. Fawcett |title=Nâyars of Malabar |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=eF-pMrcqw5UC&pg=PA195 |accessdate=23 June 2011|year=2004 |origyear=1901 |publisher=Asian Educational Services |isbn=978-81-206-0171-0 |page=195}}</ref> In [[Western world|Western]] societies, removal of female body hair (except for head hair, eyelashes and eyebrows) has traditionally been considered appropriate when it was visible. Visible pubic hair continues to be widely culturally disapproved and considered to be [[Embarrassment|embarrassing]], and so is at times removed.<ref name=Embod1 /> Pubic hair can be removed in a number of ways, including [[waxing]], [[shaving]], [[Sugaring (epilation)|sugaring]] or using [[Chemical depilatory|chemical depilatory cream]]s. Hair that is not removed may be trimmed. In relation to pubic hair, with the reduction in the size of swimsuits, especially since the coming into fashion and popularity of the [[bikini]] after 1946, the styling of pubic hair has also come into vogue.<ref name=Embod1/> The '''bikini line''' delineates the part of a woman's pubic area which would normally be covered by the bottom part of a swimsuit. In the context of waxing, it is generally understood to describe any pubic hair visible beyond the boundaries of a swimsuit.<ref name="Embod1"/> Epilation is usually also performed on the upper leg.<ref name="milady">Helen Bickmore; ''Milady's Hair Removal Techniques: A Comprehensive Manual''; Thomson Delmar Learning; 2003; ISBN 1-4018-1555-3</ref>{{Rp|page=139}} The practice to remove even more pubic hair continued with the popularity or fashion of even briefer swimwear, such as the [[Thong (clothing)|thong]], which exposed the buttocks. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Changes in lingerie styles also encouraged the removal of pubic hair,<ref name=milady/>{{Rp|page=139}} and the nude ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) 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 [[Glamour (presentation)|glamorous]]. A nude crotch is considered by some to be more youthful looking.<ref name=Embod1 />{{Rp|59}} According to Tschachler, Devine and Draxlbauer, removal of all visible body hair has come to be seen as an important aspect of femininity.<ref name=Embod1 />{{Rp|60}} ==Technique== [[File:Ceretta a calo inguinale.jpg|thumb|upright|Wax is applied to female genitals]] Warm wax is applied to hair and covered with small strips of cloth. When the wax hardens sufficiently, the cloth is pulled off quickly to remove hair up from the roots. Some discomfort is associated with the procedure. Generally, discomfort lasts less than five days.<ref>Hilda Hutcherson, ''Pleasure'', page 190, Perigee, 2006, ISBN 0-399-53286-2</ref> A person can wax themselves using a home kit. A bikini wax during pregnancy is generally more painful, due to increased sensitivity.<ref>Linda Murray, Leah Hennen & Jim Scott, ''The Babycenter Essential Guide to Pregnancy and Birth'', page 576, Rodale, 2005, ISBN 1-59486-211-7</ref> The wax used is often a mixture of natural [[beeswax]] and [[tall oil]] rather than the more common [[Wax#Synthetic waxes|synthetic waxes]] used for regular leg waxing.<ref>Susan Cressy & Margaret Rennie, ''Beauty Therapy Fact File'', page 293, Heinemann, 2004, ISBN 0-435-45142-1</ref> It is felt that beeswax is stronger, and more effective at removing the thicker, coarser pubic hairs. Many products are available to lessen the pain involved, such as topical anesthetics. Sometimes a hair inhibitor is applied, which slows the regrowth of hair and may halt regrowth completely. The results can last up to two months.<ref>Ian Denchasy, ''Art of Oral Sex: Bring Your Partner to New Heights of Pleasure'', page 30, Quiver, 2007, ISBN 1-59233-290-0</ref> ==Types== Pubic hair may be styled into several basic styles<ref name=milady/>{{Rp|page=139}}<ref name=essort>{{cite web |url=http://www.essortment.com/different-types-bikini-wax-application-techniques-59434.html |title=Different Types of Bikini Wax and Application Techniques |publisher=Essortment |accessdate=May 9, 2013}}</ref><ref name=BrBi>{{cite web |url=http://www.brazilian-bikinis.org/brazilianbikiniwax.html |title=Brazilian bikini wax |publisher=Brazilian Bikinis |accessdate=May 9, 2013}}</ref> which may have differing names.<ref name=SalE>{{cite book | author = Salinger, Eve | year = 2005 | title = The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pleasing Your Woman | publisher = Alpha Books/Penguin Group | location = New York | page = 196 | isbn = 1-59257-464-5 |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=9YISte-SRZEC&pg=PA196#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref> Different salons use different 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".<ref>{{cite book |last=Hiscock |first=Jane |author2=Frances Lovett |title=Beauty Therapy |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=CLHeHGFlQiYC&pg=PA325#v=onepage&q&f=false |accessdate=May 9, 2013 |year=2004 |edition=2nd |publisher=Heinemann Educational Publishers |location=Oxford, UK |isbn=0435451022 |page=325}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Latour|first=Stephanie |title=Erotic Review's Bedside Companion: An ABC of Delightful Depravity |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=CLHeHGFlQiYC&pg=PA325#v=onepage&q&f=false |accessdate=May 9, 2013 |year=2002 |publisher=Anova Books|isbn=9781844110025|page=25|quote=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.}}</ref> '''Natural'''l, '''au naturel''', or '''bush'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2008/12/11/bush_back/ |title=Bush is back |last1=Germinsky |first1=Lisa |date=December 11, 2008 |publisher=[[Salon.com]] |accessdate=May 9, 2013}}</ref> does not involve any trimming or styling, while '''trimmed''' or '''cut''' involves the shortening of pubic hair but not its removal or shaping, inner thighs may be shaved. Some women trim, but keep hair on their labia, while removing the pubic hair on the mons pubis. The three major types are described below. Anthropologist [[Desmond Morris]] has identified other waxing styles:<ref name=morris>{{cite book |title=The Naked Woman: A Study of the Female Body |last1=Morris |first1=Desmond |year=2007 |location=New York |publisher=Thomas Dunn Books |isbn=0312338538 |page=199 |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=Wa9zntiEKeAC&pg=PA198#v=twopage&q&f=false}}</ref> * ''The full bikini'' or ''the European'' is the removal of pubic hair except for a small amount on the mons pubis. * ''The moustache'' is the removal of pubic hair except for a wide, rectangular patch just above the hood at the top of the genital slit. This is sometimes called "Hitler's moustache", or "Chaplin's moustache". * ''The heart'' is the shaping of the main pubic tuft into a heart symbol and may be dyed pink. This is a popular style for Valentine's Day, presented as an erotic surprise to a sexual partner. === American waxing === <!-- Do not remove these images, Wikipedia is not censored and the current consensus is for this article to have images --> [[File:Female pubis with hair.jpg|thumb|upright|'''American waxing:''' hair is limited to the bikini area and, here, trimmed shorter.]] <!-- Do not remove these images, Wikipedia is not censored and the current consensus is for this article to have images --> '''American waxing''' is the removal of only the pubic hair that is exposed by a swimsuit, depending on the style of the swimsuit. For a bikini, it would be hair at the top of the [[thigh]]s and under the navel. It is also known as a basic bikini wax,<ref name=milady/>{{Rp|page=139}}<ref name=essort/><ref name=BrBi/> '''triangle''', or '''bikini line''',<ref name=landingstrip>{{cite web|last1=Grey|first1=Maggie|title=Basic Pubic Hairstyles|url=http://www.landingstrip.org/basic-pubic-hairstyles/|website=The Landing Strip|accessdate=13 June 2014}}</ref> as it involves hair removal (generally waxed) from the sides to form a triangle so that pubic hair cannot be seen while wearing [[swimsuit|swimwear]]. The bikini or similar undergarment worn by the client is tucked in and covered with paper towel. A small [[wikt:applicator|applicator]] may be used on both sides of the bikini area to create a clean and even line. Using an antiseptic cleaner and covering the area with powder after the cleaner dries up is standard. Wax is applied with a large [[spatula]] in the direction of hair growth, which is downwards. It is applied in a strip 2&nbsp;inches wide and 4 to 5&nbsp;inches long up to the [[Femoral triangle|femoral ridge]]. Since the hair on the [[Mons pubis|pubis]] is coarse and grows horizontally and inward, a second application of wax is often required. Then all the wax strips are pulled away when the wax is set but still pliable. It is pulled against the direction of hair growth while keeping the skin taut. The pulling ideally is done as swiftly as possible. The last part of the waxing is done with the patient lifting her legs so the hair near the table can be worked on. A normal American waxing job takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete.<ref name=milady/>{{Rp|pages=117–118}} === {{anchor|The Landing Strip}} French waxing === <!-- Do not remove these images, Wikipedia is not censored and the current consensus is for this article to have images --> [[File:Landing strip pubic hair pattern LQ.jpg|thumb|upright|'''French waxing:''' hair removed entirely, including from labia, except a "landing strip".]] <!-- Do not remove these images, Wikipedia is not censored and the current consensus is for this article to have images --> '''French waxing''' leaves a vertical strip in front (sometimes called a '''landing strip''' or a '''Playboy strip'''), two to three finger-widths long just above the [[vulva]], and {{convert|4|cm|in|frac=4|abbr=on}} wide. It is also known as a partial Brazilian wax.<ref name=milady/>{{Rp|page=139}}<ref name=essort/><ref name=SalE/> Hair of the [[anus|peri-anal]] area and [[labia (genitalia)|labia]] may be removed. Removal of hair from these areas is also known as the Playboy wax<ref name=BrBi/> or G-waxing. The landing strip wax has become popular with models who must wear garments of an extreme narrowness in the crotch region. It follows mostly the procedures of an American waxing, with special cleaning and powdering of areas to be waxed. Gloves are mandatory. To create the "landing strip" (a line of hair) practitioners and clients prefer either of the two positions: lying face up or lying face down. Sometimes hard wax is used, though strip wax works as effectively.<ref name=milady/>{{Rp|pages=117–118}} ===Brazilian waxing=== <!-- Do not remove these images, Wikipedia is not censored and the current consensus is for this article to have images --> [[File:Female abdomen frontal view.jpg|thumb|upright|'''Brazilian waxing''' all hair is removed.]] <!-- Do not remove these images, Wikipedia is not censored and the current consensus is for this article to have images --> '''Brazilian waxing''' is the removal of all hair in the pelvic area, front and back, while sometimes leaving a thin strip of hair on the [[mons pubis]].<ref name=milady/>{{Rp|page=139}}<ref name=essort/><ref name=BrBi/><ref name=SalE/><ref name=Boston>{{cite book | author = Boston Women's Health Book Collective, The | year = 2005 | title = [[Our Bodies, Ourselves|Our Bodies, Ourselves: A New Edition for a New Era]] | publisher = Touchstone/Simon & Schuster | location = New York | page = 4 | isbn = 0-7432-5611-5 |edition=35th anniversary}}</ref> It can be used by those who wear thong bikinis.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jeffries |first1=Fran |url=http://blogs.ajc.com/better-health/2009/03/19/a-ban-on-brazilian-bikini-waxing/ |title=A ban on ‘Brazilian’ bikini waxing? |publisher=Better Health (blog) |work=[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]] |date=2009-03-19 |accessdate=May 9, 2013}}</ref> It is a form of bikini waxing, and involves the complete removal of [[hair]] from the buttocks and adjacent to the [[anus]], [[perineum]] and [[vulva]] (labia majora and [[mons pubis]]).<ref name=salon>{{cite web |url=http://dir.salon.com/story/health/feature/1999/09/03/bikini/ | title = Faster Pussycat, Wax! Wax!, |date= September 3, 1999 | author = Valhouli, Christina | publisher = [[Salon.com]] | accessdate = 2007-05-10| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20070515094254/http://dir.salon.com/story/health/feature/1999/09/03/bikini/| archivedate= 15 May 2007 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref name=BVio>{{cite book | author = Blue, Violet | year = 2002 | title = The Ultimate Guide to Cunnilingus | publisher = Cleis Press | location = San Francisco | page = 66 | isbn = 1-57344-144-9}}</ref> Brazilian waxing is also known as a '''full Brazilian wax''', '''full bikini wax''', '''Hollywood wax''' or the '''Sphinx''' (named after the [[Sphynx (cat)|naked breed of cat]]).<ref name=milady/>{{Rp|page=139}}<ref name=BrBi/><ref name=SalE/> The Brazilian wax was first so named in modern times by the J. Sisters salon in [[Manhattan]], founded in 1987 by seven sisters from [[Brazil]] named Padilha.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2011/12/the-new-full-frontal-has-pubic-hair-in-america-gone-extinct/249798/|title=The New Full-Frontal: Has Pubic Hair in America Gone Extinct?|author=Ashley Fetters|date=2011-12-13|accessdate=2011-12-15}}</ref> Brazilian waxing is more controversial than other types of waxing.<ref name=KirM> {{cite book| author = Kirsch, Melissa| year = 2006| title = The Girl's Guide to Absolutely Everything| publisher = Workman Publishing| location = New York| page = 424| isbn = 0-7611-3579-0}}</ref><ref name="Joannides (2006)">{{cite book| author = Joannides, Paul| year = 2006| title = Guide to Getting It On| publisher = Goofy Foot Press| location = Waldport, Oregon, USA| isbn = 1-885535-69-4}}</ref>{{Rp|page=528}} Like all waxing, it can be a physically painful experience during and after waxing,<ref name=salon/><ref name="Joannides (2006)"/>{{Rp|page=531}}<ref>{{cite book| author = Blue, Violet| year = 2002| title = The Ultimate Guide to Cunnilingus| publisher = Cleis Press | location = San Francisco, California USA | page = 67| isbn = 1-57344-144-9}}</ref><ref name=GodS>{{cite book| author = Godson, Suzi| year = 2005| title = Sexploration: An Edgy Encyclopedia of Everything Sexual| publisher = Amorata Press| location = Berkeley, California USA| isbn = 1-56975-505-1}}</ref>{{Rp|page=161}} which some believe can become more unpleasant if receiving [[cunnilingus]] from a bearded partner.<ref name="Joannides (2006)"/>{{Rp|page=233}}<ref name=GodS/>{{Rp|page=89}} American actress-model [[Lisa Barbuscia]] commented on her negative first experience at getting a Brazilian at a Los Angeles salon popular with porn stars: "It was so painful I collapsed. I only fainted, but I was nearly carted off to hospital and I have vowed never to try it again."<ref>{{Cite news | title = | newspaper = Daily Mail | page = 39 | date = April 14, 2008 | url = }} UK newspaper; also described in her advice book for young women ''Lifestyle Essentials''.</ref>{{Better source|date=October 2010}} However, the continued popularity speaks against such experiences being universal. 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|pornographic industry]].<ref name=Boston/><ref name=KirM/><ref name=GodS/>{{Rp|page=161}} Christina Valhouli of Salon has suggested that it is unnatural.<ref name=Boston/><ref name="Joannides (2006)"/>{{Rp|page=246}}<ref>{{cite book| author = Feldman, David| year = 1987| title = Why Do Clocks Run Clockwise?| publisher = HarperCollins| location = New York| page = 146| isbn = 0-06-074092-2}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Tweed>{{cite news| url = http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,288860,00.html | title = Woman Almost Dies After Bikini Wax| author = Tweed, Katherine| accessdate = 2007-07-31 | work=Fox News | date=July 11, 2007| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20070713175134/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,288860,00.html| archivedate= 13 July 2007 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> ==Health== {{Wikinews|New Jersey backpedals on proposed bikini waxing ban}} The pubic area is one of the most sensitive areas in the body, and special attention must be paid to avoid irritation. Over time, removing hair becomes weaker and grows more slowly, leading to less frequent waxing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Beauty/Waxing-101-Tips-and-Tricks-for-Beginners.html|title=Bikini and Brazilian Waxing Tips - Hair Removal Facts at WomansDay.com|accessdate=22 November 2010}}</ref> If the client has never been waxed before, or has not been waxed for a long time, it may be necessary to trim the hair down first using scissors or an electric razor.<ref name=milady/>{{Rp|pages=117–118}}<ref name=Ovat>Lia Schorr, Shari Miller Sims & Shari Sims, ''SalonOvations' Advanced Skin Care Handbook'', pages 94–95, Cengage Learning, 1994, ISBN 1-56253-045-3</ref> A patch test is necessary, usually at the uppermost part of the thigh, to test that the client is not allergic to wax or the skin does not overreact. Since the [[mucous membrane]] of the [[vulva]] is the most sensitive of the bikini area, it is usually better left to the last part of the process.{{Citation needed|date=December 2009}} Sometimes bumps or in-grown hair can result. Isolated hairs can be removed by using tweezers or by electrolysis.<ref name=Ovat/> Waxing can be performed privately in the home, or by a [[cosmetologist]]. The pain involved with this 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 for a bikini wax recipient to take a mild anti-inflammatory medication (such as [[ibuprofen]]) an hour or so before waxing to reduce potential pain from the waxing.<ref>Michael J. Klag, ''Johns Hopkins Family Health Book'', page 769, HarperCollins, 1999, ISBN 0-06-270149-5</ref> Application of [[Egg Oil]] for a few days post-waxing can help moisturise the skin and reduce inflammation, pain or growth of bacteria.<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23467945 Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of egg yolk: Mahmoudi M1 et.al., Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2013 Feb;17(4):472-6.]</ref> 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.<ref>Barbara Hackley, Jan M. Kriebs & Mary Ellen Rousseau, ''Primary Care of Women: A Guide for Midwives and Women's Health Providers'', page 833, Jones & Bartlett Publishers, 2006, ISBN 0-7637-1650-2</ref> Some of these infections can develop into more serious abscesses that require incision with a scalpel, drainage of the abscess, and antibiotics. ''[[Staphylococcus aureus]]'' is the most common cause of folliculitis. Family physician Emily Gibson, M.D. expresses the view that shaving pubic hair "removes a cushion against friction, leaves microscopic open wounds and exposes you to infections".<ref>Emily Gibson. [http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/aug/07/pubic-hair-has-job-stop-shaving?INTCMP=SRCH "Pubic hair has a job to do – stop shaving and leave it alone"], ''[[The Guardian]]'' (7 August 2012).</ref> Bikini waxing has been credited with a significant global reduction in cases of [[pubic lice]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Brazilian Bikini Waxes Make Crab Lice Endangered Species|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-13/brazilian-bikini-waxes-make-crab-lice-endangered-species-health.html|work=Bloomberg|accessdate=26 October 2013|author=Jason Gale|author2=Shannon Pettypiece|date=13 January 2013}}</ref> ==See also== * [[Anal bleaching]] * [[Glabrousness]] * [[Male genital waxing]] ==References== '''Notes''' {{Reflist|2}} ==External links== {{Commons category|Hairless female genitalia }} * [http://www.theage.com.au/news/Fashion/How-it-feels-to-give-a-Brazilian-wax/2005/01/03/1104601282766.html How it feels to give a Brazilian wax]—Interview with a depiladora, specialized in Brazilian Waxing, January 4, 2005. {{Human hair}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Bikini Waxing}} [[Category:Bikinis]] [[Category:Clothing controversies]] [[Category:Hair removal]]'