Hollywood Wax vs Brazilian Wax: What’s the Difference (UK Guide 2026)
Introduction – Why I’m Talking About This
I never imagined I’d be writing about bikini wax styles, but after years of trial and error, it feels oddly overdue.
Like many women in the UK, I’ve gone back and forth between razors and salon appointments, trying to work out what actually makes sense long term. Somewhere along the way, I found myself properly confused about the difference between Hollywood wax vs Brazilian wax. Salons often use the terms casually, but the experience is not quite the same.
If you’ve ever wondered which removes more hair, which feels more uncomfortable, how long each lasts, or whether there is a more practical option over time, you are not alone.
I’ve had both done more than once. In this guide, I’ll share what the differences really look like in practice, what they cost over time, and what I eventually learned about managing regrowth in a way that feels easier.
Table of content
What’s the Difference? Hollywood vs Brazilian Wax
If you’ve ever stood in a waxing salon staring blankly at the treatment menu, wondering what on earth the difference is between a Hollywood and Brazilian wax, you’re not alone. It’s a common confusion and one I had myself when I first dipped my toe into the world of UK waxing styles.
Let’s break it down simply:
- A Brazilian wax removes all pubic hair except for a neat vertical strip at the front. It tidies up everything else, including the labia and bum area, but leaves that little patch of hair in place. Some people like the balance of feeling smooth but not completely bare.
- A Hollywood wax, on the other hand, removes absolutely everything from front to back—no hair left at all. It’s the most thorough form of intimate waxing and leaves you completely smooth.
In terms of popularity, both styles are widely offered at salons across the UK. Cities like London, Manchester, and Glasgow have countless waxing boutiques and chains offering both treatments. Prices typically range from £35 to £60 per session, depending on the salon and whether it’s a hot wax or strip wax (hot wax being less painful for sensitive areas).
From my own experience, the Brazilian felt less exposed at first. That small strip somehow made the whole thing feel less dramatic. Over time though, I found myself preferring the clean finish of a Hollywood, especially in summer or before a beach holiday.
Pain-wise, Hollywood wax vs Brazilian wax is a tight race. Both involve hair removal from sensitive areas, and the level of discomfort depends a lot on your pain tolerance and your waxer’s technique. Let’s just say neither is exactly relaxing, but there is a noticeable difference in coverage.
Hollywood vs Brazilian Wax: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Brazilian Wax | Hollywood Wax |
|---|---|---|
| Hair removed | Most removed, small strip left | All hair removed |
| Pain level | Uncomfortable | Slightly more intense overall |
| Results last | 3–6 weeks | 3–6 weeks |
| UK price range | £35–£55 | £40–£60 |
| Maintenance | Every 4–6 weeks | Every 4–6 weeks |
Which Is More Painful: Hollywood or Brazilian?
If we’re being honest, neither of them is exactly soothing.
A Brazilian stings. A Hollywood stings. You are pulling hair out from the root in a sensitive area, so there is no version of this that feels spa-like.
For me, the Hollywood felt slightly sharper overall, mainly because more hair is being removed. The back area caught me off guard the first time. It was quick, but memorable.
That said, I would not say the difference is huge. If you can handle a Brazilian, you can handle a Hollywood. The first appointment is usually the worst, especially if you have been shaving and the hair is thicker. After a few sessions, it tends to feel more manageable.
The therapist matters as well. A confident, efficient waxer makes a noticeable difference. So does the type of wax. Most UK salons use hot wax for intimate areas, which hardens around the hair and can feel slightly kinder than strip wax.
If pain is what is putting you off, it helps to know that the actual waxing part is over quite quickly. The build-up in your head is often worse than the reality.
How Long Does a Hollywood or Brazilian Wax Last?
After a wax, you are properly smooth for a couple of weeks. That part is lovely. Skin feels clean, low maintenance, nothing to think about.
For me, regrowth usually started creeping in somewhere around week three. Not dramatic, just that faint prickly stage where you know the clock is ticking. By week four, I was deciding whether to book again or stretch it out a little longer.
Most salons suggest coming back every four to six weeks. Hair needs to be long enough for the wax to grip, which means there is always that awkward in-between phase where it is visible but not ready to remove. That was the part I liked least.
Yes, repeated waxing can make hair feel slightly softer. Mine did become a bit finer. But it still grew back. The smooth window never lasted indefinitely, and I was always working around the next appointment.
Waxing gives you a clear reset each time. It just comes with a rhythm you have to keep up with.
Can You Switch from Waxing to IPL?
You can. Just not immediately.
Waxing removes the hair from the root, and IPL needs that root there to target it. So there’s a bit of a waiting stage while everything grows back in properly. It’s not the most enjoyable few weeks, especially once you’re used to being freshly waxed.
When I stopped booking appointments, I let the hair grow back fully and then switched to shaving instead. Shaving leaves the root in place, which is what matters with IPL.
The first few weeks felt slightly untidy. I wasn’t waxing anymore, but I wasn’t seeing reduced growth yet either. It was just a transition period. I stuck to the weekly sessions and tried not to overthink it.
After a while, I realised I wasn’t counting down to my next salon visit. That was the moment it clicked. It wasn’t an instant swap. It just gradually replaced the routine I’d had for years.
My Salon Experiences: The Good, The Awkward & The Ouch
Let’s just say my journey into intimate waxing in the UK didn’t exactly start off glamorous.
My First Brazilian: A Brighton Baptism by Wax
My first Brazilian was at a small salon in Brighton that a friend had recommended. I remember sitting in the waiting area wondering if I’d made a mistake. I’d read all the advice about exfoliating beforehand and letting the hair grow to the right length, but none of that really prepares you for the reality of it.
It is awkward at first. There’s no real way around that. You’re lying there, trying to act normal, while someone you’ve just met gets very familiar with you. Thankfully, the therapist had clearly seen it all before and chatted away as if we were discussing the weather, which somehow made it easier.
When it was done, I felt surprisingly neat and put together, but not completely bare. The small strip left at the front made it feel less exposed, which, for a first experience, was probably exactly what I needed. It felt like a gentle introduction rather than diving in at the deep end.
Then I Tried a Hollywood… Yikes
A few months later, ahead of a beach holiday, I decided to try a Hollywood wax. This time everything was removed. Front, back and in between.
In terms of discomfort, I did find it more intense than the Brazilian. The additional areas, particularly towards the back, were more sensitive. It was quick, but it was not exactly relaxing.
That said, I liked the completely smooth finish. There was no hair to think about when wearing swimwear, and it did feel lower maintenance in the short term.
The Hidden Costs of Waxing
It wasn’t just the pain that wore me down over time:
The Downsides I Noticed:
- Expensive: Around £40 -50 every 4–5 weeks adds up over the year
- Ingrown hairs: Especially on the bikini line
- Redness: Sometimes lingered for 24–48 hours
- Inconvenience: Booking, travelling, awkward positioning
Long-Term: Not Ideal
Even after years of waxing, the regrowth pattern did not change dramatically for me. The hair did come back slightly finer, but it still returned within weeks. After each appointment, I was already counting down to the next.
That was when I started to question whether there was a way to reduce the constant upkeep, rather than simply manage it better.
Before making any changes, I wanted to understand what the realistic alternatives actually involved.
Spoiler: there is. But first, here’s why I began searching for alternatives to waxing altogether.
Looking for Alternatives: Why I Researched IPL
After a few years of regular waxing, I found myself doing the maths more often than I’d like. Another appointment booked. Another £40 or £50 gone. Another few days of planning outfits around redness.
What bothered me most was the cycle of it. Smooth for a couple of weeks, then regrowth, then waiting for it to be long enough again, then booking the next appointment. I started wondering whether there was a way to reduce the constant upkeep rather than just staying on top of it.
That’s when I began reading about at-home IPL devices. I liked the idea of doing treatments in my own time, without salon appointments or small talk. I was also cautious. I had questions about whether it would be uncomfortable, whether it was suitable for intimate areas, and whether it would actually make a noticeable difference.
IPL, which stands for Intense Pulsed Light, works by directing light into the hair follicle to gradually reduce regrowth over time. It is not instant, and it is not a one-session fix, but the idea of longer-term reduction appealed to me.
While researching devices available in the UK, I came across the Ulike Air 10. What stood out to me was the cooling feature built into the treatment head. Given how reactive my skin can be after waxing, that detail felt worth paying attention to.
In the end, curiosity won. I decided to try it properly and see whether it could realistically replace my salon appointments.
My Experience with Ulike’s Sapphire Ice Cooling IPL Device
After a fair bit of reading and comparing options, I eventually ordered the Ulike Air 10. I hesitated over the price for a while. It is not a small purchase, and I was conscious that I might end up going back to waxing if it did not suit me.
When it arrived, I felt more curious than excited. I wanted to see whether it felt manageable to use at home, especially for more sensitive areas.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The box was neatly packed and straightforward. Nothing overly flashy, just everything laid out clearly. The device itself was lighter than I expected and smaller than the professional machines you see in clinics.
Inside were the device, protective glasses, a razor for shaving beforehand, and the charging cable. The instructions were simple enough to follow without having to reread them several times, which I appreciated.
My first thought was not that it looked luxurious. It was more that it looked practical. Something I could realistically store in a drawer and use regularly without it feeling like a production.
Cooling Technology That Actually Works
The Sapphire Ice cooling plate was the part I was most curious about. I have fairly sensitive skin, especially around the bikini area, so I was half expecting it to feel hot.
It didn’t.
The surface of the device stays cool against your skin. You still feel the flash, sort of like a quick elastic-band snap, but it is over in a second and the coolness takes the edge off. I did a small patch first and waited to see if I would go red. I didn’t.
That alone made it feel very different from waxing.
Speed and Sessions
What I noticed straight away was how quick each section felt. You press, flash, move on. SHR tech. Once you get into a rhythm, it becomes quite straightforward.
It is not a five-minute miracle. You still have to be consistent and shave beforehand. But compared to booking, travelling, and recovering from a wax, it felt much easier to fit into my week.
Better Coverage with the Wide Treatment Window and Dual Lights
One thing I hadn’t paid much attention to before buying was the size of the treatment window. The Ulike has a fairly wide treatment window and a dual flash setting, which basically means it covers a bit more skin with each pass.
In real terms, that just meant I wasn’t hovering over tiny sections for ages. I could move steadily along the bikini line without it turning into a drawn-out process.
It did not feel technical while I was using it. Just press, flash, move. Because the window is wider, it felt quicker to get through an area properly.
More than anything, it felt manageable. Not clinical. Not dramatic. Just something I could realistically keep up with week after week.
The Results: What I Noticed After 3–4 Weeks
I did not expect dramatic change overnight. The first couple of sessions felt more like I was testing it than seeing results.
By around week three or four, I started noticing that regrowth looked softer and slightly patchier. Hair was still coming through, but it did not feel as thick as it usually does between waxes.
Hair grew back much slower and finer
No more ingrown hairs or razor bumps
Skin felt calm, not irritated after each session
By week four, I’d already skipped my usual waxing appointment
Compared to Waxing? It’s Honestly a Relief
What surprised me most was how low-key the whole process felt.
No appointments. No travel. No rearranging plans around regrowth. I could do a session in the evening, in my own space, and get on with the rest of my night.
It is not completely sensation-free, and it does take consistency. But for me, it felt easier to maintain than waxing every month.
When I first started researching the best at-home hair removal in the UK, I was sceptical. I assumed salon treatments would always be more effective. What I found instead was that a well-designed device can make sense, particularly if you are looking into IPL for sensitive skin and want something gentler than repeated waxing.
It is not about instant results. It is about reducing the cycle of constant regrowth and appointments over time.
Hollywood Wax vs Brazilian Wax vs Ulike Sapphire IPL: Honest Comparison
After years of trial and error (and a fair bit of wincing), I feel like I’ve earned my stripes when it comes to intimate hair removal. Each method has its own pros and cons, but if you’re deciding between a Hollywood wax, a Brazilian wax, or Ulike’s Air 10 IPL, here’s my honest, side-by-side breakdown.
| Feature | Brazilian Wax | Hollywood Wax | At-Home IPL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Removal Coverage | Leaves a strip at front | Full removal, front and back | Can be used for full or partial removal |
| Pain Level | Moderate discomfort | Often slightly more intense | Generally described as a warm snapping sensation |
| Cost (UK average) | £35–£50 per session | £40–£60 per session | One-time device cost, lower ongoing expense |
| Skin Reaction | Redness for 24–48 hours common | Similar, sometimes more sensitivity | Mild warmth or temporary redness possible |
| Privacy & Convenience | Salon visit every 4–6 weeks | Same | Used at home on your own schedule |
| Long-Term Results | Hair regrows within weeks | Same | Gradual reduction with consistent use |
| Best For | Those who prefer some hair left | Those wanting completely smooth finish | Those looking to reduce salon visits over time |
My Honest Take
Waxing worked… until I found something better.
For years, I thought the choice was just Hollywood wax vs Brazilian wax, painful either way, pricey, and never permanent. Both styles definitely have their place (I still think they’re great before a beach holiday or last-minute event), and understanding the difference helps you feel more in control of your grooming choices.
But for day-to-day life? I was tired of the cycle. Tired of booking appointments, bracing myself for the sting, and dealing with ingrown hairs. That’s where Ulike’s IPL Air 10 changed everything.
It’s discreet, effective, and far more affordable in the long run. The Sapphire Ice Cooling Technology really makes it suitable for sensitive skin, and the at-home convenience is a huge bonus. Plus, the Super Hair Removal (SHR) and larger window treatment area with Dual Lights genuinely speed up the process and improve results.
If you’re in the UK and looking for an IPL alternative to waxing, I can’t recommend Ulike enough. It’s not just a gadget, it’s the reason I haven’t stepped foot in a waxing salon in months.
So yes, I still know the ins and outs of waxing. But now? I’ve found something better.
Say goodbye to waxing and hello to silky skin with the Ulike Air 10. Cooler, faster, and smoother—your painless hair removal starts now.
FAQs: What You Really Want to Know
What’s more painful: Hollywood or Brazilian wax?
In my experience, Hollywood wax pain vs Brazilian isn’t drastically different, but Hollywood is definitely more intense. Removing all hair, especially from the bum and labia areas, adds a noticeable sting.
Can I use IPL on my bikini area?
Yes, absolutely. Many IPL devices in the UK, like the Ulike Sapphire, are safe for use on the bikini area—including the full Brazilian or Hollywood region. Just be sure to follow the instructions and shave beforehand.
Is Sapphire Ice Cooling Technology really painless?
Honestly, yes. The Sapphire Ice Cooling head stays cool during use, so there’s no burning or stinging. It’s been a game-changer for painless hair removal at home, especially on sensitive skin.
How soon do you see results with Ulike IPL?
I started seeing slower regrowth after just 3–4 weeks. With regular use, you can expect finer, patchier hair—and eventually, large areas stay hair-free.
Do I still need to wax if I use IPL?
Nope. Once you start your IPL journey, you’ll just need to shave before treatments. No more waxing appointments, pain, or awkward salon trips—just smooth skin from home.
Does waxing make hair grow back thicker?
No. Waxing removes hair from the root, so regrowth can actually feel softer over time. It may look darker at first simply because it is shorter and blunt as it comes through, but waxing itself does not make hair thicker. With repeated appointments, regrowth may appear slightly finer, though it does not stop completely.
Can you get a Hollywood wax on your period?
Most salons will still carry out the treatment, but it is usually recommended to wear a tampon or menstrual cup. The area can feel more sensitive during your cycle, so it may be slightly more uncomfortable than usual.
How long should hair be before a wax?
Hair generally needs to be around a quarter of an inch long. That is usually two to three weeks of growth after shaving, or four to six weeks after a previous wax. Too short and the wax cannot grip properly. Too long and it can feel more uncomfortable.
Is IPL safe to use on the bikini area?
At-home IPL devices are designed to be used on the bikini line, provided you follow the manufacturer’s guidance and carry out a patch test first. Skin tone and hair colour also matter, as IPL works best on darker hair against lighter skin.
How many IPL sessions are needed for the bikini area?
Results are gradual. Most at-home routines suggest weekly sessions for the first few weeks, followed by maintenance treatments spaced further apart. Consistency is key.
Is laser hair removal better than IPL?
Clinic laser treatments tend to be stronger and can produce faster results, but they also involve higher upfront costs and appointments. At-home IPL is generally lower intensity and more gradual. The right choice often depends on budget, skin type and how much time you want to commit.
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Fun Activities for Couples That Actually Work in Real Life
Home Laser Hair Removal UK: What's Actually Possible in 2026
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