What is Brazilian sugaring?

Many people are familiar with bikini sugaring, which removes pubic and leg hair that would otherwise show when a bathing suit is worn. Brazilian sugaring got its start with the daring bathing suits worn on Brazil’s sunny beaches. It is now common in the United States and is preferred by many for the sleek feeling it provides.

The treatment involves sugaring off all pubic and labial hair from front to back for women.  A full Brazilian sugar involves the removal of all genital hair. You can also request a variation on the standard Brazilian if you prefer to leave a small amount of hair.

What to expect

Try to arrive relaxed and ready to bare all. There is no modest way to receive a Brazilian sugar. Your esthetician is a professional, and your dignity as a person will be respected in the treatment room.

Be ready to fill out a questionnaire and describe what medications and skin care products you are using. For women, it is best not to schedule a sugar just before or during your period as it generally will feel more uncomfortable to be sugared at that time of the month. 

You should trim the hair to 1/4-1/2" in length for best results prior to your appointment.  If it’s shorter, it may be harder for the sugar to get the hairs, and if the hair is longer, the sugar may tug on the skin more, causing more discomfort. If you do not have time to trim prior to your appointment, be sure to let your esthetician know so that she can add extra time to your appointment.

Your esthetician will use an antiseptic wipe or lotion on the area first to cleanse. Sugar is applied to the area one section at a time in the opposite direction of hair growth.  The sugar is removed quickly and pressure is applied to the area to minimize discomfort. Cool compresses and soothing balm after the treatment also help to calm and sooth the area. Some will have a histamine reaction following sugaring in this area, in which you may see red irritated skin and bumps for 24 hours or even longer. This is very common and will subside.

Your esthetician has learned the best techniques for removing the hair efficiently and effectively. Some of the positions you may be asked to be in may be a little embarrassing, but your esthetician is a professional who does this type of sugaring frequently and will be very professional and understanding with you.

What about home care?

Your esthetician can provide the best guidance on caring for your skin after a treatment. For 24 hours following a Brazilian sugaring, you should not sunbathe, use a tanning bed, use a hot tub, be sexually intimate, or perform exercise that will cause significant sweating. Loose clothing worn after the appointment is the most comfortable.

Keep the area clean and gently exfoliate the area to prevent ingrown hairs.  Special products can be purchased for this. Your esthetician will recommend which products will be best for you.

If you decide you want to continue sporting your Brazilian style, sugaring at approximately four to six week intervals is recommended to reduce discomfort on follow-up visits. In time, less hair will grow back, and it will become finer and lighter in color.