A Brazilian bikini wax removes the hair from the entire pubic region, except for a small patch just above the vaginal area. Many women request a Brazilian because it gives a clean, close wax and the freedom to wear even the most revealing swimwear and lingerie.

Expect to be waxed to the max if you visit a salon for a Brazilian treatment. A paper thong might be provided, but most likely, you'll be in the buff. First the hair is snipped with scissors so the wax can reach the follicles. Then, using a wooden stick, a technician places warm wax on the area a little bit at a time. As with a regular bikini wax, cloth strips are placed over the hot wax and, after it hardens, pulled away from the skin. A traditional Brazilian includes the labia and the area that reaches into the buttocks. If there are stray hairs after waxing, the technician may also tweeze the area. The key to allowing wax to penetrate into the follicles (and provide the closest possible wax) is to relax. And many women claim the treatment is not nearly as painful as it sounds.

Isn't hair in the pubic area there for a reason? Doctors say that though humans once needed protection against the elements, there's no real clinical need for pubic hair in this day and age -- clothing certainly provides ample protection and warmth. Some even claim it's more hygienic to have the hair removed so it doesn't absorb sweat.