For those of you who do not know what a Brazilian bikini wax is, I will fill you in. It is a hair removal procedure using hot wax to remove all, or almost all, of the hair in the genital area -- both front and back.
This treatment is safe if not a little embarrassing. It can be very painful if hair is thick, but with time and monthly sessions, the hair gets thinner and weaker due to damage to the hair follicle. The name comes from its popularity in Brazil which spread to places like New York City, Miami Beach, and other big cities with an international population.
Those who live in New Jersey may soon have to travel to NYC to get one. The Brazilian bikini wax may get banned in New Jersey due to complaints filed with NJ's Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling after two women were hospitalized from a horrible experience. On April 14th, the New Jersey Board of Cosmetology will determine if "full bikini waxing" will be illegal.
If you choose to have a Brazilian wax, speak to your salon to find out if the waxing specialists have been licensed and what type of training they have. Without proper training, waxing can cause irritation, burning and ingrown hairs. Your aesthetician will give you instructions on how to care for the waxed areas; heed their advice to avoid any problems.
For those who are seeking a Brazilian bikini wax, follow these tips:
- Wash the area with Phisoderm or an antibacterial wash one hour before the procedure.
- A salicylic wash, such as Neutrogena Acne Wash or DDF Salicylic wash, can help decrease redness and ingrown hairs if used the day of until 4 days after the procedure.
- Benzoyl peroxide in a product like Oxy5 can be used on any pimples that form.
As for New Jersey's Board of Cosmetology, it will be interesting to see what they decide.
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Dr. Baumann is author of the best-selling book, " The Skin Type Solution." To learn more about her revolutionary skin typing system, visit her Web site, SkinTypeSolutions.com.
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