Guide Note

Bikini wax is a type of wax that is used in the removal of pubic hair along the bikini pantyline of a person's lower body.

Fast Facts

1. Made from natural beeswax
2. Common procedure in the United States
3. Removes hair in the bikini area, from the top of the leg to below the navel

Waxing of the body has been a part of Middle Eastern societies since ancient times as a form of hygiene, but bikini waxing came into popularity during the 1950s and the boom of the bathing suit and bikini.

The wax used for the bikini area is typically a mixture of natural beeswax and tall oil whereas synthetic "waxes" are used for waxing legs and other less sensitive areas. The area being waxed is brushed with talcum powder and then the heated wax is spread on top, allowed to harden briefly, and then ripped up in the direction of the hair growth using a cloth strip.

While bikini waxing is generally considered to be a painful procedure there are products available to alleviate the pain, such as topical anesthetics and pain relievers. It is recommended that one get a licensed esthetician to perform the procedure initially, but with practice and care it can be done safely at home.