Bikini waxes are not a new form of hair removal for the pubic region.

In fact, Ancient Greek and Egyptian women applied beeswax and other sugary compounds as a hair removal tactic. From the French bikini wax to the Brazilian landing strip, there are several styles of grooming your hair…down there.

For newbie bikini waxers and veteran hair-free bikini babes, here is bikini-waxing 101 to rid the fine and delicate hair growing below and above the bikini line.

But first: A Little Bikini Waxing History

According to Wikipedia, Hair removal for women is considered a standard beauty and grooming ritual for women in Middle Eastern countries.

Once the bikini made it’s appearance in the mid 1960’s—along with the arrival of new and provocative styles of lingerie—women around the world began the practice of removing hair around the bikini line.

Why is bikini waxing important?

Hair appropriateness is a taboo topic. And many cultures have a distinct view about revealing hair in public…or in private. Women, unlike men, are encouraged to follow the current standards of beauty. With popular social customs and advertising in the 20^th century, hair removal in the pubic region is popular due to views of sexuality and an increased value of what is considered attractive and appropriate hygiene for women.

Bikini waxing is not just for porn stars and bikini models. Hair removal and bikini waxing is now a popular practice for women whether they are revealing their private parts to their paramours or lovers…or not.

The four types of bikini waxing styles are:

• Full Bikini Wax (FBW),
• Brazilian Bikini Wax
• American Bikini Wax
• French Bikini Wax

French and Brazilian waxing leaves a thin strip of hair on the pubic region. The J Sisters in 1987, popularized the Brazilian wax in 1987. The basic bikini wax or the American Wax, removes hair below the navel, above the bikini line and removes all hair from the buttocks to the bikini region.

How does bikini-waxing work?

Bikini waxing appointments, performed at a spa or salon, range from 15- 30 minutes. A bikini wax involves removing hair below the belly button and in or around the bikini area. A standard bikini wax follows these steps:

First the bikini area is cleaned, followed by a light dusting of talcum powder over the waxing area. Warm wax is applied to the area, using a flat wooden applicator. Oblong strips of cloth are gently placed over the wax.

Once the wax cools, the cloth strips are ripped away from the skin, quickly. The quick ripping motion of removing the strip and the cooled wax removes the hair from the follicle. If there are stray hairs remaining, a waxing technician will remove the hairs using tweezers.

A professional bikini wax should last from two to four weeks.

• Due to the sensitive nature of the waxing area, bikini waxing is extremely painful.
• After a bikini waxing avoid direct sunlight or swimming for up to 24 hours following the procedure.
• Ask the bikini-waxing technician to perform a patch test during your first bikini wax; to test for allergic reaction to the chemicals used in bikini waxing.
• Beware:Bumps and ingrown hairs may occur after a recent bikini waxing session.

Bikini Waxing Warnings:

1. If you are looking for a permanent hair removal option, bikini waxing is not your solution.
2. Women can perform bikini waxing at home, but should visit a licensed esthetician or spa to receive proper training on bikini waxing methods.
3. If you are taking the prescription drug ‘Retinol” or “Accutane”, bikini waxing is not recommended for use.
4. People who suffer with eczema, psoriasis or diabetes should avoid using bikini waxing as a hair removal technique