If you’ve ever Googled “what’s the difference between a Brazilian and a Hollywood wax” — you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we get asked at Day Spa Sydney, and honestly, the naming conventions don’t help much. A Californian? A G-string? Why is it called a Hollywood?
This guide covers every waxing style we offer, explains exactly what hair is removed (and what isn’t), compares hot and cold waxing techniques, and helps you figure out which option is right for your body, your pain tolerance, and your lifestyle.
Quick Comparison: All Waxing Types at a Glance
Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick overview of every bikini waxing style, from the most conservative to the most bare:
Wax Type
Hair Removed
Hair Left
Pain Level
Best For
Bikini
Sides & top of bikini line
Most pubic hair
Mild
First-timers
G-String
Sides, top + more
Strip / G-string shape
Mild–Moderate
Swimwear wearers
Californian
Bikini + inner thighs
Neat triangle
Moderate
Natural look lovers
Brazilian
Front, back & between
Small landing strip
Moderate
Regular waxers
Hollywood
Everything — front to back
None
Moderate–High
Fully hair-free look
Read on for a full breakdown of each type, including what to expect during the appointment and how to care for your skin afterwards.
Bikini Wax
A bikini wax is the most conservative option and the best starting point if you’ve never been waxed before. It removes hair from the sides and top of your bikini line — essentially any hair that would be visible if you were wearing standard swimwear.
It doesn’t go beyond the bikini line itself, so the inner thighs and most of the pubic area are left untouched. It’s a tidy, low-commitment option that causes minimal discomfort, making it a great introduction to waxing.
What to expect
Your therapist will apply warm wax to the bikini line area, allow it to set (for hot wax) or press a strip firmly (for strip wax), then remove it quickly against the direction of hair growth. The whole treatment usually takes 15–20 minutes.
How long does a bikini wax last?
Typically 3–4 weeks, though this varies with your individual hair growth cycle. With regular appointments, many clients notice their hair growing back finer and sparser over time.
G-String Wax
A G-string wax removes everything a bikini wax does, plus a little more — shaping the pubic hair to follow the outline of G-string underwear. Think of it as a step up from the bikini wax in terms of how much is removed, but still leaving a defined, natural-looking shape.
It’s a popular choice for those who want a clean result for swimwear or lingerie without going fully bare.
How is it different from a Brazilian?
The main difference is coverage. A G-string wax shapes the front but doesn’t remove hair from the back or between the legs — that’s where the Brazilian and Hollywood styles differ. If you want more than a bikini wax but aren’t ready to go all-over, a G-string wax is the natural next step.
Californian Wax
The Californian wax sits somewhere between a G-string and a Brazilian in terms of coverage. It removes the sides, top, and extends further into the bikini area and inner thighs — leaving a neat, tidy triangle of hair in front.
It’s a great option for those who want a natural, well-groomed look without the complete removal of a Brazilian or Hollywood. The shape is often described as a classic, understated style.
Is it suitable for first-timers?
Yes — although it removes slightly more than a basic bikini wax, many clients with moderate pain tolerance find it very manageable. Because it doesn’t extend to the back, it avoids some of the more sensitive areas.
Brazilian Wax
The Brazilian wax is probably the most well-known style on this list. It removes hair from the front, sides, and back (including between the buttocks), leaving a small “landing strip” or defined patch of hair at the top of the pubic area. The amount left is entirely your preference — just let your therapist know.
Unlike the Hollywood (which removes everything), the Brazilian still leaves some hair, which many clients prefer as it feels less stark.
Does a Brazilian wax hurt?
It can be uncomfortable, particularly the first time — but most clients rate it as very manageable, especially when performed by an experienced therapist. Taking an ibuprofen 30–45 minutes beforehand can help, and avoiding waxing during your period (when skin is more sensitive) is a good rule of thumb.
Most people find each subsequent appointment gets progressively easier as the hair grows back finer.
How often should you get a Brazilian wax?
Every 4–6 weeks is ideal. Going too frequently (before hair is long enough to grip) can be ineffective and irritating. Hair should be at least 5mm long — about 2–3 weeks of growth after shaving.
Hollywood Wax
The Hollywood wax is the most complete removal option: everything comes off — front, back, and in between. The result is completely smooth skin with no hair remaining anywhere in the bikini region.
Despite its reputation as the most intense option, many regular waxing clients actually prefer the Hollywood because of the smooth, long-lasting result and the simplicity of not having to think about shaping.
Hollywood vs Brazilian: what’s the difference?
The only real difference is that a Brazilian leaves a small strip or patch of hair at the front. A Hollywood removes everything. If you’re unsure which to choose, talk to your therapist — they can help you decide based on your preferences.
Who is a Hollywood wax best suited to?
Anyone who prefers a completely hair-free result. It’s especially popular with clients who wear fitted swimwear, athletes, or those who simply find it easier to maintain a fully bare look between appointments.
Hot Wax vs Cold (Strip) Waxing: Which Is Better?
Two main techniques are used in professional waxing, and your therapist will often choose the best method depending on the area being treated. Here’s how they compare:
Hot Wax | Cold / Strip Wax | |
Best for | Sensitive areas, coarse hair | Larger areas, fine hair |
Application | Applied warm, hardens, peeled off | Applied with strip, pulled off quickly |
Pain level | Generally lower — grips hair only | Can pull at skin more |
Typical use | Bikini, underarm, face | Legs, arms, back |
Hot wax (hard wax)
Hot wax — also called hard wax — is applied warm and directly to the skin. As it cools and hardens, it shrink-wraps around the hair shaft. When removed, it grips the hair rather than the skin, which makes it significantly less painful and irritating in sensitive areas like the bikini line, underarms, and face.
At Day Spa Sydney we use hot wax for all bikini and intimate waxing treatments. It’s gentler, more precise, and produces better results on coarser hair.
Cold wax (strip waxing)
Strip waxing uses a thinner wax applied with a spatula or roller, pressed with a fabric or paper strip, then pulled away quickly. It’s efficient for large flat areas like legs and arms where the skin is less sensitive.
Strip waxing is not generally recommended for intimate areas as it adheres more to the skin, increasing the chance of irritation or bruising.
How to Prepare for Your Waxing Appointment
- Hair length: Aim for at least 5mm (about a grain of rice). Waxing too soon after shaving won’t work effectively.
- Exfoliate gently 24–48 hours before your appointment to remove dead skin and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs.
- Avoid sun exposure or tanning for 24 hours before waxing — sunburned skin should not be waxed.
- Skip heavy moisturisers on the day of your appointment, as oil on the skin can prevent wax from gripping properly.
- Wear loose, comfortable underwear and clothing to your appointment — tight clothing after waxing can cause irritation.
- If you’re concerned about pain, take an over-the-counter ibuprofen 30–45 minutes before your appointment.
Aftercare: Looking After Your Skin Post-Wax
- Avoid hot baths, saunas, or intense exercise for 24 hours — heat can irritate freshly waxed skin and increase the risk of ingrown hairs.
- Keep the area clean and dry for the first 24 hours.
- Start gentle exfoliation 3–4 days after waxing to prevent ingrown hairs. Continue 2–3 times a week between appointments.
- Moisturise daily with a gentle, fragrance-free lotion once any initial redness has subsided.
- Avoid tight synthetic clothing directly against waxed skin for the first day or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get waxed during my period?
You can, but we’d recommend timing your appointment for the week after. Skin sensitivity increases significantly during your period, which can make the experience more uncomfortable than usual.
How do I avoid ingrown hairs after waxing?
The key is regular, gentle exfoliation between appointments. Use a soft body scrub or exfoliating glove 2–3 times a week, starting about 4 days after your wax. This keeps dead skin cells from trapping re-growing hairs.
I have sensitive skin — can I still get waxed?
Most people with sensitive skin do very well with professional hot wax, which is gentler than strip wax. Let your therapist know about any skin conditions, medications (like Roaccutane), or recent cosmetic treatments before your appointment so they can advise appropriately.
How do I choose between a Brazilian and a Hollywood?
It comes down to personal preference. If you’d like some hair left, go for a Brazilian. If you prefer completely bare skin, choose a Hollywood. There’s no right or wrong answer — both are popular, long-lasting options that our therapists perform every day.
Will my hair grow back thicker after waxing?
No — this is a common myth. Unlike shaving, which cuts the hair at the surface and leaves a blunt tip, waxing removes the hair from the root. Over time with regular waxing, most clients notice hair growing back finer and less dense, not thicker.