Project Description

Cosmopolitan
May 2006

Beyond the Brazilian Wax
By: Sara Bodnar

The hottest bikini-line grooming trend is bolder than ever before. See what the fuzz is all about. Brazilian bikini lines – a tiny strip or triangle of pubic hair – used to be the gutsiest below-the-belt style a girl could choose. But lately, increasing numbers of chicks are opting for an even more daring look: going completely bald down there. “Two years ago, less than 5 percent of my female patients came in with little or no pubic hair,” says Peter Burleigh, an ob-gyn in Great Falls, Montana. “But now, more than double that amount are hairless.” Here Cosmo explores what’s fueling this megagrooming mania…and goes into the benefits and bummers of taking it all off Bare Beginnings

The proliferation of porn could be one reason for the bushwhacking bonanza. “Women sometimes assume men want them to look like porn stars, who are often completely bare, because they think that’s what’s needed to be attractive,” explains David Marcus, PhD, a psychologist at the Silicon Valley Psychotherapy Center. X-rated flicks inspired Sasha*, 27, to take the no-pube plunge. “I noticed that all the women in the movies were hairless, and since my guy though it was sexy, I decided to wax it all off,” she recalls. “He loved it, but the procedure was so painful I had to stop. It wasn’t worth the torture.”

Another motivating factor: It may boost sexual satisfaction. “Women sometimes experience more sensation without hair,” explains Los Angeles clinical sexologist Ava Cadell, PhD. “That can lead to new levels of pleasure.” Plus, being so brazen can make a woman feel sexier and confident, Cadell adds.

Fuzz-Free Pitfalls

Despite the potential perks, there are drawbacks. The vulva’s sensitive skin is prone to tiny cuts and tears that can occur during shaving and waxing. “It’s easy for a cut down there to become infected,” says Dr. Burleigh. Ingrown hairs – bumps that occur when a hair that’s re-emerging coils up under the skin – are another common hazard caused by shaving and waxing. “Also, that region is predisposed to itchiness when the hair grows back,” adds Karyn Grossman, a dermatologist in Santa Monica, California, and New York City.

Lasering – a procedure that permanently stops hair growth by exposing the follicles to extreme heat – also has a downside. It can scar or discolor skin and may cause postlasering remorse. “Because lasering is forever, women might experience regret should the trend die out,” warns Dr. Grossman.

The Bottom Line

“As long as you go to a reputable spa or dermatologist, you’re safe,” says Dr. Grossman. Beyond that, do whatever makes you feel sexiest.