Hollywood wax (full Brazilian): what’s included, technique and aftercare

A Hollywood wax – also called a full Brazilian – removes all the hair from the intimate area, including the pubic area, labia, perineum and bikini line, using low-temperature hot wax. Unlike a classic bikini wax, which only removes the hair that shows outside your underwear, a Hollywood covers the whole area. Here you'll find exactly which areas it covers, how it's done step by step, what to do before and after, and how long you can expect the results to last.

What is a Hollywood (full Brazilian) wax?

A Hollywood wax is a waxing technique that removes 100% of the pubic hair. The Brazilian style started in Brazil in the 1980s and spread around the world as an alternative to the traditional bikini wax, which only tidies the edges.

What sets it apart from other intimate waxes is how far it goes: no strip or triangle of hair is left. The whole front (mons pubis and pubic area), the sides (full bikini line), the labia and the perineum are waxed, right through to the perianal area.

In a professional salon like Adrian Beauty Studio Gandia or Adrian Beauty Studio Ontinyent, the treatment is done with low-melt hot wax (between 37 °C and 40 °C), designed specifically for sensitive areas. This type of wax wraps around the hair without sticking firmly to the skin, which causes less irritation than warm strip wax.

Which areas does a Hollywood wax include?

This is one of the most common questions before a first appointment. A Hollywood wax covers:

• Mons pubis and full pubic area: the whole front, from the lower tummy down to where the labia begin.
• Full bikini line: not just the edge that peeks out of your underwear, but the whole side area down to the crease of the leg.
• Outer and inner labia: hair is removed on both sides with extra care and small applications of wax.
• Perineum: the area between the genitals and the anus.
• Perianal area: around the anus, which many clients don't realise is included.

If you only want some of these areas done, that's possible too. On our bikini wax service page you can see the options: classic bikini line (€10), Brazilian (€15) and Hollywood (€19). And if you're interested in the perianal area on its own, take a look at our guide to perianal waxing.

Professional technique: how a Hollywood wax is done

Knowing the process in advance helps ease nerves, especially if it's your first time. The appointment takes about 15 minutes; it can run a little longer if the hair is very dense.

Preparing the area

Before applying the wax, the therapist cleans the area with a pre-wax lotion that removes any traces of cream, sweat or deodorant. This makes sure the wax grips the hair properly and not the skin.

Next, a thin layer of talc or protective powder is applied. It creates a barrier between skin and wax, protecting the skin and making removal easier.

If the hair is too long (over 1.5 cm), it's trimmed slightly with scissors so the wax can work efficiently. The ideal length for a Brazilian or Hollywood wax is 0.5 to 1 cm: long enough for the wax to grip well, but not so long that the pull is harsher than it needs to be.

Applying the wax

In the treatment room we use low-temperature hot wax, usually film wax or wax beads. These are melted in a professional heater at a controlled temperature and applied with a disposable spatula.

The wax is spread in thin layers in the direction of hair growth. In the intimate area, each application covers a small patch – roughly the size of a credit card – because large sections don't work well on folds and curves.

The therapist works in sections: first the mons pubis, then the bikini line, then the labia and finally the perineum and perianal area. For each area she'll tell you the most comfortable position: on your back with your knees bent out to the sides for the front, and on your side or front for the back.

Removing the wax

Once the wax has set (about 10-15 seconds), it's removed in one quick pull against the direction of growth. Speed and angle are key: a firm, fast pull parallel to the skin keeps discomfort to a minimum.

Straight after each pull, the therapist presses the area with her hand for a few seconds. This pressure partly blocks the pain signal and reduces redness. It's a simple technique but it makes a noticeable difference.

Any stray hairs are removed with tweezers. The same area is never waxed more than twice, to avoid irritation.

Hydration and finish

Once all the wax is off, a post-wax oil or soothing lotion with ingredients such as aloe vera, bisabolol or calendula is applied. These products do two jobs: removing any wax residue and calming the skin.

Some therapists finish with a moisturiser made for the intimate area or pure aloe vera gel. The area is left clean, smooth and slightly red – which is completely normal and fades within 1-4 hours.

Before your Hollywood wax

Good preparation is the difference between a comfortable appointment and an unnecessarily uncomfortable one. Here's what we recommend.

Preparing your skin in the days before

Gentle exfoliation 48 hours before. Use a gentle, fine-grain body scrub in the shower, with circular movements over the bikini area. This removes dead skin cells and frees any ingrown hairs, making removal easier.

Don't exfoliate on the day of your appointment: your skin would be more sensitive and more likely to get irritated by the wax.

Moisturise in the days before. Well-hydrated skin lets the wax stick to the hair and come away cleanly from the skin. Use your usual body lotion until the day before. On the day itself, don't apply creams, oils or lotions to the area.

Medication and products to avoid

• Topical retinoids (retinol, tretinoin): stop using them on the intimate area at least 5 days before. They thin the top layer of skin and increase the risk of the skin lifting.
• Exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA, glycolic): avoid them on the area for at least 3 days before.
• Blood thinners and aspirin: if you take anticoagulants, check with your doctor. They make bruising more likely.
• Oral isotretinoin (Roaccutane): a strict no. Waxing shouldn't be done during treatment or for 6 months after finishing it.

If you take any medication and aren't sure, tell the therapist before your appointment so she can assess your case.

On the day

• Loose cotton underwear. Avoid thongs or synthetic fabrics that could rub freshly waxed skin.
• Shower as normal before you come, without applying creams or intimate deodorant afterwards.
• A painkiller if you need one: if you're worried about pain, you can take ibuprofen about 30-40 minutes before. It isn't essential, but it can help in the first few appointments.
• Skip coffee and stimulants just beforehand: caffeine can make nerve endings more sensitive.

For a broader guide to waxing different areas of the body, see our complete waxing guide.

Aftercare after a Hollywood wax

Aftercare is just as important as the technique itself. A good routine afterwards prevents folliculitis (little spots), ingrown hairs and lasting irritation.

First 24-48 hours: what to avoid

• Hot baths, saunas, hot tubs and swimming pools. Heat opens the pores and chlorine or bacteria can cause infection. Take a lukewarm or cool shower without rubbing the area.
• Intense exercise. Sweat on freshly opened follicles is the number one cause of post-wax spots. Wait at least 24 hours.
• Sex. Friction on freshly waxed skin can cause irritation and folliculitis. Ideally, wait 24-48 hours.
• Tight or synthetic clothing. Stick to loose cotton for the first 24 hours.
• Intimate deodorants, perfumes or products with alcohol. Anything with fragrance or alcohol can sting and irritate.

Moisturising, sun protection and recommended products

After 24 hours, start moisturising the area with an unscented cream. Products with aloe vera, shea butter or panthenol work well. Apply a thin layer once a day.

Sun protection: if the area will be exposed (beach, pool), apply SPF 50 from the third day. Before that, avoid direct sun.

Exfoliation from day 4-5. Go back to gentle exfoliation twice a week to prevent ingrown hairs. Use a soft exfoliating mitt or an enzyme scrub – there's no need for harsh products.

What to avoid in the first week

• Any other hair removal (no razor, no hair removal cream) on the waxed area.
• Sunbeds.
• Laser or IPL treatments on the same area.
• Strong chemical exfoliants (30% glycolic, TCA).

If you notice small spots in the following days, don't squeeze them. Apply pure aloe vera gel or a cream with 1-2% salicylic acid and let them clear on their own. If irritation lasts more than a week or there are signs of infection (pus, heat, increasing pain), see a healthcare professional.

Classic bikini, Brazilian and Hollywood: what's the difference?

These three terms cause a lot of confusion. Here's what each one covers.

Classic bikini wax

Removes only the hair that shows outside your underwear line. The sides of the bikini line are waxed and, if you like, the top of the pubic area for a clean outline. It doesn't include the labia, perineum or perianal area.

It's the quickest option (10-15 minutes) and the least intense. Ideal if you just don't want any hair showing in your bikini.

Brazilian wax

In some salons, "Brazilian" means a wax that removes almost all the hair but leaves a small strip or triangle at the front (landing strip). It includes the full bikini line, labia and perianal area, but keeps some hair on the pubic area.

The definition varies from salon to salon. At Adrian Beauty Studio, when you book a bikini wax you choose between classic bikini line (€10), Brazilian (€15) and Hollywood (€19); if you'd like to keep a particular shape, just mention it when you book.

Hollywood wax

Removes 100% of the hair: pubic area, bikini line, labia, perineum and perianal area. Nothing is left. At our salons in Gandia and Ontinyent, this is what you book as a Hollywood wax (€19, about 15 minutes).

At a glance:

If you'd like to combine your intimate wax with other areas such as legs or underarms in one appointment, see our guide to full-body waxing for women.

FAQs about Brazilian and Hollywood waxing

Does a Hollywood wax hurt?

Yes, there is some discomfort, especially in the first few appointments. The intimate area has a lot of nerve endings, and the hair is usually coarse and firmly anchored. The feeling is a short, sharp pull lasting 1-2 seconds each time. At first, the mons pubis and labia tend to be the most sensitive areas. From the second or third appointment, most clients notice much less pain, because the hair grows back finer and the follicle gradually weakens. The hot film wax we use at our salons also helps: because it wraps around the hair without sticking to the skin, removal is gentler than with strip wax.

How long do the results last?

A Hollywood wax usually lasts between 3 and 5 weeks, depending on your hair growth cycle, hormones and the specific area. For the first couple of weeks your skin is completely smooth. Around the third week, fine hairs start to appear. By the fourth or fifth week, the hair is long enough (0.5 cm) to wax again. With regular appointments, many clients find the hair takes longer and longer to grow back and comes back less dense.

How long does it take for the hair to grow back?

The first visible hairs usually appear 10 to 14 days after waxing. They don't all grow at once, though: hair has three growth phases (anagen, catagen and telogen) and wax only removes the ones in the active phase. That's why, around the third week, hairs that were "asleep" during your appointment may come through. This is completely normal and doesn't mean the wax didn't work. To keep results even, most people come back every 4-5 weeks, when most hairs have come through and are the right length for wax.

Can I have a Hollywood wax if I have sensitive skin?

In most cases, yes. The low-melt hot wax used in professional salons is much gentler than strip wax or shaving (which causes more irritation through friction). If your skin is particularly reactive, tell the therapist before your appointment so she can adapt the products: wax for sensitive skin, a post-wax lotion with bisabolol or calendula and a lower application temperature. If you have atopic dermatitis, psoriasis or another active skin condition in the area, check with your dermatologist first. Waxing should not be done on skin with open wounds, active sunburn, skin infections or genital warts.

How often should I have a Hollywood wax?

Most people come back every 4 to 6 weeks. Waxing again before 3 weeks isn't a good idea because the hair isn't long enough for the wax to grip properly, so it snaps instead of coming out at the root and the result is patchy. If you wait more than 6-7 weeks, the appointment may be a little more uncomfortable because there's more, longer hair. The sweet spot is when the hair is 0.5 to 1 cm long, which for most people is around the 4-5 week mark.

Can I have it done during my period?

Technically yes, there's no medical reason not to. There are two things to bear in mind, though. First, skin is more sensitive in the days before and the first days of your period because of hormonal changes, so waxing may feel more uncomfortable. Second, for comfort and hygiene, many clients prefer to avoid those days. If you do come during your period, use a menstrual cup or a tampon. If you can choose, the best time is between day 7 and day 21 of your cycle, when skin is usually less sensitive.

What products should I use after waxing?

For the first 24 hours, it's best to apply nothing except the post-wax product the therapist uses in the treatment room. From the second day, use a moisturiser with no fragrance or alcohol: those with aloe vera, panthenol or shea butter are good choices. From the fourth or fifth day, add gentle exfoliation twice a week with a soft mitt or an enzyme scrub to prevent ingrown hairs. Avoid products with retinol, strong acids or fragrance on the area for the first week. For more on caring for the area, read our guide to bikini-area irritation.

If you're thinking of trying a Hollywood wax, or you've already had a few and want to keep up your routine, at Adrian Beauty Studio we use low-melt wax made for intimate areas at both our Ontinyent and Gandia salons. You can check availability and book directly on our bikini wax service page (Hollywood, €19).

Quick reference: waxing