A Comprehensive Guide to Brazilian Wax vs Bikini Wax

Removing hair from your body is never a painless experience, especially in sensitive areas like your bikini line. Whether you embrace full growth or prefer waxing, trimming, or shaving, there are numerous ways to manage your body hair.

The most popular choices for hair removal in the bikini area are the Brazilian wax and the bikini wax. As Rachel Lee Lozina, a licensed esthetician, laser technician, oncology esthetician, and founder of Blue Water Spa in Oyster Bay, NY, explains, a bikini wax is the more common option. 'Most people choose a bikini wax because it lasts longer than shaving, and it’s a great choice for vacations since you won’t need to carry a razor,' she says. 'On the other hand, a Brazilian wax is more intense—it removes all hair from the area and can be intimidating the first time you try it.'

If you’re considering waxing for the first time, you may be asking, 'What’s the difference between a Brazilian and a bikini wax?' We reached out to two waxing professionals to give you the full rundown on the distinctions, how to choose the right option for you, and essential preparation tips.

What’s a Brazilian Wax?

A Brazilian wax focuses on removing hair from the bikini area, including the butt strip. 'You can go completely bare or leave a strip or triangle shape—it’s entirely your decision,' says Sarah Sherman, a field trainer at European Wax Center. 'It’s a personal choice, and anyone tired of dealing with bikini hair can opt for it. If at-home grooming is becoming too much to handle, letting the experts perform a Brazilian wax is the way to go.'

What’s a Bikini Wax?

At European Wax Center, there are two types of bikini waxes. 'The first option is our bikini line wax, which is modest and removes hair outside the line of your underwear, extending from the crease of your inner thigh about 3-4 inches outward and removing about an inch from the top of the pubic bone,' explains Sherman. 'The second option is the full bikini wax, where you can choose to remove as much or as little hair from the front as you’d like, but it skips the butt strip.' A bikini wax removes any visible hair when wearing underwear, a bikini, or a swimsuit!

What’s the Difference Between a Brazilian Wax and a Bikini Wax?

The main difference between a Brazilian wax and a bikini wax lies in how much hair is removed. A bikini wax targets only the hair that extends beyond the line of your underwear, explains Lee Lozina. In contrast, a full Brazilian wax removes every last bit of hair from your bikini area.

Ultimately, it comes down to how much hair you want to remove. 'With a Brazilian, you have the freedom to go completely bare, whereas the bikini wax has limits on how much we can remove,' says Sherman. 'It’s all about your personal preferences and style!'

How to Choose the Best Option for You

For first-timers, Lee Lozina recommends starting with a bikini wax to ease into the process. 'A bikini wax is a great choice for someone new to waxing who might be hesitant to remove all the hair in that area, or for younger women who have been shaving and feel uneasy about going all in,' she advises.

If you decide later on that you want to remove more hair, you can gradually work up to a full Brazilian wax. 'A modified Brazilian is a great option to start with, where you remove a bit more each time until you're ready to go all the way with a full Brazilian,' says Lee Lozina.

A Brazilian wax is a good choice for those with blonde or light hair who aren't candidates for laser hair removal. It’s also ideal for anyone who wants to ensure no stray hairs appear when wearing a bikini or prefers to remove all hair before childbirth for convenience, according to Lee Lozina.

How to Prepare for a Brazilian and Bikini Wax

Preparing for a Brazilian or bikini wax is simple. If it’s your first time, allow your hair to grow to about 1/4 inch (roughly the size of a sprinkle or grain of rice). Sherman suggests exfoliating your skin 48-72 hours before your appointment to help your hair prep for removal. 'If you have a low pain tolerance, you may want to take your favorite pain reliever an hour before your wax for added comfort,' she advises. 'And don’t forget to ask your wax specialist for aftercare tips to maintain smooth results between sessions.'

Good aftercare will ensure your future waxes are smoother than the first. The great thing about consistent waxing is that the process becomes easier and more effective the more you do it.