French Bikini Wax vs Brazilian: UK Guide to Bikini Wax Styles

Confused about the difference between a French bikini wax and a Brazilian? You're certainly not the only one. A survey found that 68% of women in the UK are confused about the different bikini wax styles available. With so many terms used by salons, it isn't always obvious what a particular waxing service includes.

French and Brazilian waxes remove different amounts of hair. A French bikini wax usually leaves a strip or small amount of hair at the front, while a Brazilian removes more hair from the front, sides and back. The exact service can vary between salons, so it's worth checking what is included before your appointment.

Whether you're booking your first wax or trying a different style, knowing the terminology can make the experience much easier. You should feel comfortable asking a salon exactly what they mean by a French, Brazilian, Hollywood or standard bikini wax.

This guide explains the main bikini wax styles available in the UK, what each one covers and how French and Brazilian waxing compare. We'll also look at preparation, aftercare and IPL as an alternative to regular bikini waxing.

When it comes to bikini waxing in the UK, a lot of different names are used by salons for similar procedures. When you know the right words to use in the salon, you can book appointments correctly online or walk into a salon and get exactly what you want.

From minimal clean-ups to complete hair removal, UK beauty salons offer a wide range of intimate waxing types that UK clients can choose from. 

Below is a simplified guide to help you understand the most common bikini wax styles explained, including typical pricing and coverage.

Terminology can vary between salons. What one salon calls a “Brazilian,” another may list as a “G-string wax” or something else entirely. Always ask for a full description before booking to avoid confusion.

Bikini wax terminology isn't always the same from one UK salon to another. While names such as French, Brazilian, Hollywood and bikini wax are widely used, the exact amount of hair removed can vary between salons.

Some salons provide a clear description or diagram of each treatment, while others use their own names for particular styles. This is especially common with independent salons, where a service name may not tell you exactly what is included.

For that reason, don't rely on the name alone when booking an intimate wax. Check the salon's description or ask your therapist which areas the treatment covers. A quick question before your appointment can help you avoid surprises and make sure you book the style you want.

These names can sound clear enough, but they don't always tell you exactly which areas will be waxed. If you're unsure, it's completely reasonable to ask your therapist: “What does this service include?”

Many beauty salons in the UK tend to focus on discretion, modesty, and professionalism because these are the qualities British women want to enhance. With so many names for the same or similar procedures, clients often get confused about what they are booking. 

For instance, well-known chain salons like Strip or Waxperts normally keep things clear and consistent. Familiar labels like Brazilian, Hollywood, and French will often accompany the diagrams. Consequently, such marketing targets those customers who prefer precise and predictable services. 

A French bikini wax removes hair from the sides of the bikini line, the upper thighs and the front of the bikini area, while leaving a narrow strip or small triangle of hair at the front. Unlike a Brazilian wax, it usually does not include hair removal from the labia or between the buttocks.

The amount of hair removed can vary between salons, so check the treatment description before booking. A French bikini wax is a good choice for anyone who wants a neat, defined bikini line without removing all of the hair.

A Brazilian wax removes most of the hair from the bikini area, including the front, labia and the area between the buttocks. Some people choose to leave a small strip or triangle of hair at the front. This makes a Brazilian more extensive than a French bikini wax, although the exact coverage can vary between salons.

A Brazilian wax is often chosen for swimwear, holidays, special occasions or simply because someone prefers a smoother finish. The treatment is more extensive than a standard bikini or French wax, so the appointment takes longer and can feel more uncomfortable in sensitive areas.

The exact coverage varies between salons. When booking, ask whether the service includes the front, labia and perianal area, and whether you can choose to leave a strip or triangle.

Tip: Ask your salon if they offer a diagram comparing the Brazilian vs. French wax for UK-standard reference. It’s a useful visual for first-timers.

Still deciding between a French bikini wax and a Brazilian? The main difference is how much hair is removed and where it is removed. A French bikini wax leaves a strip or small amount of hair at the front, while a Brazilian removes much more of the bikini-area hair, including the labia and area between the buttocks.

Here's how the two styles compare:

Waxing isn't the only way to remove bikini-area hair. IPL offers a different approach for people who want to reduce their reliance on regular shaving or waxing.

Waxing removes hair from the root, while IPL uses pulses of light to target the hair follicle. Waxing gives an immediately smooth result, but the hair grows back and the treatment needs to be repeated. IPL is designed to reduce hair regrowth with a course of treatments rather than remove the hair in a single appointment.

Choose waxing if you want an immediate result and prefer to have the treatment carried out at a salon.

Consider IPL if you want an at-home option and would rather work towards reducing hair regrowth than continue waxing regularly.

For bikini-area IPL, check that your device is suitable for the area and your skin tone. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for preparation, treatment frequency and aftercare.

Whether you're choosing a French or Brazilian wax, a little preparation can make the appointment more comfortable and help your skin recover afterwards. The most important things are getting the hair to the right length, avoiding anything that leaves your skin irritated before the appointment, and giving the area some care afterwards.

Preparing your skin and hair before a wax can make the treatment easier and reduce unnecessary irritation.

Your skin may feel sensitive immediately after waxing. Keep the area clean, reduce friction and avoid heat and activities that leave the skin irritated while it settles.

The UK’s changing seasons can significantly affect how your skin responds to waxing, so it’s important to adjust your skincare accordingly. In winter, the cold, dry air can strip your skin of moisture, making it more sensitive and prone to irritation. To maintain skin elasticity and minimise discomfort, moisturise daily with a rich, non-comedogenic cream for a few days before your wax.

During the summer, increased humidity and sweating can lead to bacterial build-up on freshly waxed skin. To stay clean and reduce the risk of breakouts, use Skyn Iceland Antibacterial Wipes after waxing—perfect for on-the-go freshness. Adapting your routine to the season helps ensure smooth, healthy skin all year round.

Choosing between a French bikini wax and a Brazilian comes down to how much hair you want removed and the finish you prefer.

A French bikini wax leaves a strip or small amount of hair at the front while tidying the sides and front of the bikini area. A Brazilian wax removes more hair, including the labia and area between the buttocks, with the option to leave a small strip or triangle at the front.

Salon terminology can vary, so check exactly what is included before booking. The same name may not mean exactly the same coverage everywhere.

Waxing is one way to manage bikini-area hair, but it isn't the only option. IPL offers a different approach for people who want to reduce hair regrowth and rely less on regular shaving or waxing. Rather than removing the hair at the time of treatment, IPL targets the hair follicle with pulses of light as part of a course of treatments.