Hollywood Bikini Wax vs. Brazilian Wax– Experts Explain the Difference

Ever walked into the wax salon and felt completely befuddled by the services offered? You're not alone. Many have skimmed the services list and wondered what exactly a Hollywood wax is—and how it differs from the more well-known Brazilian. Truthfully, people often conflate the two, which can cause a problem come waxing time. No one wants to ask the technician for something they don't want. And we'd rather avoid the too-universal situation of thanking our provider and paying for something we actually hate (ahem, a nail color at the nail salon or a haircut that has us in tears in the parking lot).

While both Hollywood and Brazilian waxes involve removing most of the hair down there, there is, in fact, a difference between the two. We tapped two wax professionals for everything there is to know about the two waxing services.

What Is a Brazilian Wax?

A Brazilian wax leaves a small strip of hair (triangle-, square-, rectangle-, or oval-shaped) at the front of the pubic area while removing all surrounding hair, including the hair on your backside. Your next question may be, how does this differ from a basic bikini wax or a French bikini wax? Noemi Grupenmager, the founder of Uni K Wax, explains: "A bikini wax is where we wax your panty line and across the top, so if you are wearing a bikini, it prevents any hairs from peeking out. A French bikini wax is just another word for a Brazilian bikini [wax] but without the buttocks. Your waxer will take off most of your pubic hair in the front, leaving a small triangle or rectangular strip."

What Is a Hollywood Wax?

Unlike a Brazilian wax (which leaves behind a strip of hair), a Hollywood wax is when all of the hair is removed—from the front to the middle and the backside, leaving you entirely bare. Both Grupenmager and European Wax Center waxing expert, Helene Marie, explain that a Hollywood wax is just another term for a full Brazilian bikini wax—the former term was adopted at some salons because of the service's popularity in Hollywood.

What Is the Waxing Process Like For Each?

The process of a Brazilian wax can differ depending on where you go. "Typically, it begins with the preparation of the skin with our natural pre-depilatory toner. Once the skin is prepped, we apply Uni K powder (100 percent corn starch), and we proceed to apply thin layers of wax, which is always applied at body temperature," explains Grupenmager. Then, your esthetician will begin the waxing process. Upon completion, a cooling cream is typically applied to help soothe the skin. Your esthetician may also send you home with ice packs for use in the following days.

Hollywood waxes are essentially done the same way, with the addition of waxing your backside. Keep in mind that if you're new to waxing, it's most comfortable to work your way from a regular bikini wax to a Brazilian and then to a Hollywood. Waxing your bikini area bald from the get-go has the potential to cause a little more pain and irritation than you may have bargained for. (Don't worry, it gets easier over time.)

Cost

At European Wax Center, a Brazilian Wax (what they call a Bikini Full Wax), starts at $47. For a Hollywood Bikini Wax, what the salon refers to as a Brazilian, starts at $56. (A regular bikini line wax starts at $39.) As you can see, the name of each service can vary depending on the salon. Often, it's best to explain exactly what your expectations are—where you do and don't want to be left with hair—rather than deferring to the specific names.

Aftercare

Marie warns to avoid exercising or wearing tight, sweaty clothes immediately post-waxing. "Your skin is so fresh after a wax, and the pores are still open and susceptible to bacteria," she says. "Instead, just take it easy the rest of the day." And when it comes to taking care of the delicate skin in-between visits, Marie recommends exfoliating and moisturizing every day. "Exfoliating helps to remove excess dead skin, while moisturizing helps keep the healthy skin nourished," she explains. Her favorite product? European Wax Center's Reveal Me Body Exfoliating Gel ($40) for its ability to slough away dead skin cells with a powerful (yet non-abrasive) formula.

Unlike shaving, waxing removes hair from the root. That said, Grupenmager says that touch-ups are usually needed every four to six weeks if you want to keep it bare down there.

Final Takeaway

It's imperative to keep the differences in mind when deciding on a salon and a treatment, not solely because price points vary for different styles (although that is a big factor), but because a simple clean-up of hair that's outside the underwear will be less time-consuming than going full-throttle and removing all of the pubic hair. A Hollywood wax takes more time and possibly a different technician than a bikini line wax does. And if you can't keep the names straight (we don't blame you), simply tell your salon what you're looking for in terms of how much hair to remove and/or leave behind.