Brazilian vs Hollywood Wax: What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Booking your first intimate wax can feel nerve-wracking. What exactly gets removed? Will it be awkward? How much will it hurt? And what's the actual difference between a Brazilian and a Hollywood?

These are completely normal questions — we hear them every week. This guide answers them honestly, so you can walk in feeling prepared instead of anxious.

The difference in one sentence

A Brazilian removes most of the hair from the bikini area, usually leaving a small strip or shape at the front. A Hollywood removes all of the hair.

And if you only want a tidy-up, a standard bikini wax removes hair outside your underwear line.

Bikini, Brazilian and Hollywood compared

Bikini, Brazilian and Hollywood wax compared

Feature	Bikini	Brazilian	Hollywood
What's removed	Hair outside the underwear line	Most hair, front to back	All hair, front to back
What's left	Everything inside the line	A small strip or shape at the front	Nothing
Good for	Swimwear, a neat tidy-up	Clean look with a little left	Completely smooth
Price at Marvelous	R150	R200	R250

Which one should you choose?

There's no right answer — it's completely personal. Some questions to help you decide:

• Do you want to keep some hair? Choose a Brazilian and tell us the shape you like — a neat strip, a small triangle or something else.
• Do you want to be completely smooth? Choose a Hollywood.
• Just want to be swimsuit-ready? A bikini wax is quicker and a gentle introduction.

What happens at your appointment

Knowing what to expect takes away most of the nerves. Here's how it usually goes:

1. A quick chat

We'll confirm what you'd like removed and whether you want anything left. It's your first time? Just say so — we'll explain each step as we go.

2. Getting ready

You'll be given privacy to undress from the waist down and get comfortable on the treatment bed. We're professional and matter-of-fact about it; there's no need to feel awkward.

3. Prep

The area is cleansed so the wax grips the hair rather than your skin. If your hair is a little long, we may trim it first.

4. Waxing

We work in small sections, applying wax and removing it quickly. You may be asked to change position or hold the skin taut in certain areas — this helps make it quicker and more comfortable.

5. Finishing and aftercare

We check for any stray hairs, apply a soothing product and give you aftercare tips to keep your skin calm.

Does it hurt?

Honestly, yes — a little. But it's quick, and most people say it's far less painful than they expected. The sting is short and fades within seconds.

A few things make a big difference:

• Hair length. About 5 mm is ideal — roughly two to three weeks of growth after shaving.
• Your cycle. Skin is often more sensitive just before and during your period.
• Caffeine. Skipping coffee before your appointment may help.
• Breathing. Slow breaths out as the wax is removed really do help.
• Regular waxing. For many people, it gets easier with each appointment as regrowth becomes finer.

For more practical tips, read our guide on how to prepare for waxing and make it hurt less.

The first wax is always the hardest. Most clients tell us their second appointment was much easier.

Waxing prices

All our waxing prices are listed upfront, with no surprises:

Many clients combine a Brazilian or Hollywood with legs or underarms in one visit. Just mention it when you book so we can plan enough time.

Aftercare: keeping your skin smooth and calm

After two or three days, start gentle exfoliation a couple of times a week. This helps prevent ingrown hairs as your hair grows back.

First-timer worries (and honest answers)

We've heard every question — nothing will surprise us. Here are the five that come up most often.

"What if I haven't waxed or shaved in ages?"

That's actually ideal for waxing. Longer hair can simply be trimmed to the right length before we start. There's no need to "tidy up" at home first — in fact, please don't shave, or the wax won't have anything to grip.

"What if I'm embarrassed about how I look?"

Please don't be. Bodies come in every shape, size and skin tone, and we see them all. Our only focus is doing a clean, quick, comfortable job.

"What do I need to wear?"

Anything comfortable. You'll undress from the waist down in private, and a disposable or clean cover is used where appropriate. Loose clothing is best for going home.

"Will I bleed or bruise?"

Occasionally, tiny pinpoint spots of blood appear where coarse hairs were removed, especially on a first wax. This is normal and settles quickly. Bruising is uncommon when the skin is held taut and wax is removed correctly.

"Can I say stop?"

Absolutely, at any time. If you need a moment to breathe, we'll pause. It's your appointment.

Brazilian or Hollywood: the practical pros and cons

Brazilian — pros: a clean look with a little left, which many people find feels more natural. Slightly quicker, and a little more affordable at R200.

Brazilian — cons: the shape needs to be kept neat between waxes, so some people trim at home.

Hollywood — pros: completely smooth, nothing to maintain, and many people find it feels fresher in hot weather or under swimwear.

Hollywood — cons: some find the very front area a little more sensitive, and it costs slightly more at R250.

Combining your wax with other treatments

Many clients pair an intimate wax with other treatments in the same visit — for example, a half-leg or full-leg wax, underarms, or even a pedicure afterwards so you're fully holiday-ready. If you'd like to combine treatments, just mention them all in your WhatsApp message so we can set aside the right amount of time. You can see everything on our full price list.

How long does a Brazilian or Hollywood last?

Most people stay smooth for around 3–4 weeks. Booking every 4–6 weeks keeps your hair on a regular cycle, so each wax tends to be quicker and more comfortable.

Frequently asked questions

Is it awkward?

It's completely routine for us, and we keep things professional, private and respectful. Most clients relax within the first few minutes.

Can I get waxed on my period?

Many people prefer to wait because skin can be more sensitive, but it's your choice. If you do come in, please use a tampon or menstrual cup.

How long should my hair be?

About 5 mm — roughly two to three weeks after shaving. If it's much longer, we can trim it first.

How much is a Brazilian wax in Lansdowne?

At Marvelous, a Brazilian is R200 and a Hollywood is R250.

The bottom line

A Brazilian leaves a little; a Hollywood removes it all. Either way, the appointment is quicker, calmer and less awkward than most people imagine — especially when you know what to expect.

We're at 377 Imam Haron Road (Shop 11), Lansdowne, close to Athlone, Claremont and Rondebosch. See our full waxing menu or send us a WhatsApp to book discreetly.