What is the Difference Between Bikini Wax vs Brazilian Wax?

Bikini Wax vs Brazilian Wax? Is it the same thing? Is it not? Both terms are confusing because sometimes people use them interchangeably.

They are similar, but there are distinct differences between the two.

What is a Bikini Wax?

The dictionary says it is:

The process of removing pubic hair from the exposed skin around the edges of a bikini by applying hot wax to the areas.

This definition is slightly ambiguous. It’s doubtful you started your investigation into the bikini wax by looking in the dictionary, but as this definition demonstrates, it can still be unclear as to what a bikini wax really is.

Let’s clarify a bit here. Maybe improve on the dictionary definition. OK, so you don’t wax around the ENTIRE edge on the bikini.

Generally, a bikini wax removes the pubic hair that might be seen outside the front of your bikini bottom.

But even this is still a little ambiguous.

I mean, are we talking about a bikini worn by Marilyn Monroe (some coverage), Raquel Welch (less coverage) or Gisele Bundchen (Itsy bitsy, teeny weenie coverage)?

The “bikini area” definition is open to interpretation. Maybe let’s take it from another angle. What does a bikini wax NOT include? OK, this is more concrete.

A ‘normal’ bikini wax does not include the hair on the bum, any hair near the labia or the hair on the mons pubis (on the pubic bone).

A bikini wax is a cleanup job, a trimming and edging, some landscaping if you will. It is very common; lots of ladies enjoy this style.

What is a Brazilian Wax?

According to some reliable sources of information on the internet, we can find the following when we put them together:

Brazilian waxing is the removal of all pubic hair from the pelvic region, vulva, labia, perineum, and anus, while sometimes leaving a thin strip of hair on the mons pubis.

….you better order the twin pack, you are going to need extra wax.

OK, so this style can also mean that there is a small ‘landing strip’ of pubic hair left around the labia, or maybe a triangle or heart, or any number of creative shapes.

This style has also been called ‘The Sphinx’ (as in the hairless kitty), the ‘LA wax’, ‘the Hollywood Wax’ and most confusingly it is also called a ‘FULL Bikini Wax’.

So, hopefully, that clarifies the difference when trying to decide between bikini wax vs Brazilian wax.

Below I give you an entertaining video of men trying Bikini waxing (just to put a smile on your face):

Now let’s talk pros and cons here.

Pros and Cons

Pros of Bikini Wax vs Brazilian Wax

Pros of Brazilian Wax over Bikini Wax

By the way, if you’re going the DIY route (because doing a Spread Eagle in front of a stranger at the salon is not your thing), then I definitely encourage you to head over to my article about the best at-home waxing kits.

Also, it’s a matter of preference to either chose soft wax or hard wax for your bikini waxing session (I like hard wax), but either way you’ll have more peace of mind if you have a good wax warmer.

Because nobody wants to re-heat the wax pot every 10 minutes in the microwave when you’re half-naked with wax on your private areas.

Cons of Waxing the Bikini Area (Regardless of Style)

Bikini Wax vs Brazilian Wax – Which is Better?

This is a personal choice, really. Health-wise, there is not a huge difference, both styles carry the risk inherent in waxing, so there is no reason to say one is better than the other in that respect.

Better is what you like and prefer, and remember, there is nothing wrong with going au natural. That is the pain-free, time-saving and budget-wise way to go.

If natural is not your style ‘down there’ that’s understandable too. Just remember, waxing the very sensitive areas around the vulva is no joke.

If you are new to waxing or have never waxed your bikini area at all, start with a modest goal first. Try the inner thigh and see how that goes, the bikini area is practically the most painful area to wax.

Sorry ladies. Just take it easy, wax small areas at a time.

But then again, some women epilate their bikinis, which seems even more painful, as the epilator goes slowly over the hairs, not like wax, ripping everything off in 2 seconds.

My Rating of The Two Styles

Bikini Wax Rating: 8/10

Brazilian Wax Rating: 9/10

I give Brazilian Wax higher rating only based on my personal preference, as I did Brazilian waxing with a hard wax for 4 years, without skipping my monthly waxing appointments.

There was one occasion where they ran out of hard wax and had to do it with soft wax )with strips) instead.

I mean, if you’re going to put yourself in pain, might as well hold the pain for an additional 10 minutes and be a naked mole rat with no hairs trying to make an appearance out of the bikini swimsuit.

I hope you enjoyed reading about the difference between bikini wax vs Brazilian wax. If you really can’t stand the pain, perhaps you should find a good razor for sensitive skin (which the bikini area totally is!) and stick to shaving that area. Cheers!