By Editorial TeamIt’s no surprise to us in the industry, but a report from the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) put a number on it: Brazilian wax bookings shot up 17% across North America in 2025. That kind of growth shows clients are coming in asking for very specific aesthetic results and a personalized service, not just basic hair removal. So let’s define what a “Brazilian wax” really is and look at the different styles people are actually asking for.
Key Takeaways
- A 2024 esthetician survey shows that when clients ask for a “Brazilian,” over 60% of them mean everything off, all pubic hair, including from the labia and peri-anal area.
- The classic “landing strip” (a small rectangle of hair left) is still a very popular choice, making up about 25% of all Brazilian requests we see.
- About 10-15% of clients go for the “triangle” style, where the hair is shaped into an inverted triangle for what many feel is a more balanced look.
- Always tell your waxing pro exactly what you want before they start, because the definition of a “Brazilian” can change from one salon to the next and you want to avoid surprises.
- No matter the style, aftercare is non-negotiable. You need to gently exfoliate and moisturize to prevent ingrown hairs and keep your skin smooth.
The 60% Full Removal Standard: Beyond the Basic Brazilian
When a client walks in and asks for a Brazilian wax, most of the time they mean they want everything gone. A 2024 survey from the National Esthetician Association (NEA) backs this up, finding that over 60% of clients are looking for complete removal of all pubic hair from the front, labia, and back through the peri-anal region. This is absolutely the standard expectation now, and I see it constantly, most first-timers just assume “Brazilian” means a totally bare result. People love the clean, smooth finish that lasts for weeks, and many say they feel more confident with that particular look. Plus, it makes picking out a swimsuit way easier without having to worry about anything showing.
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Find a Studio Near You →The Enduring Appeal of the “Landing Strip” (25% of Requests)
Even with so many people going completely bare, the “landing strip” is still holding strong and accounts for about 25% of the Brazilian wax requests I see. With this style, we take everything from the labia and back, but leave a tidy little rectangular strip of hair right on the pubic mound. It’s a classic for a reason. Lots of my clients prefer it because it feels clean and groomed without being as extreme as full removal, giving them a tidy look that still feels a little more natural. It really just comes down to personal taste. Creating a perfectly straight and even landing strip takes a steady hand, and it’s definitely a good way to see the skill of your waxing professional in action.
The Aesthetic Choice: “Triangle” Coverage (10-15% of Clients)
The “triangle” is another option you’ll see, chosen by about 10 to 15% of clients. Like the landing strip, we clear the labia and peri-anal area, but instead of a rectangle, the hair on the pubic mound is shaped into a neat, inverted triangle. People who choose this are usually going for a specific aesthetic. They find the shape symmetrical and flattering. For some, it doesn’t look as severe as a landing strip and has a softer appearance while still being very groomed. Even though it’s a smaller group, that consistent 10-15% shows that people want more custom shaping options beyond just “all off.” Getting that triangle just right requires good communication and a pro who knows how to map it out properly.
Beyond the Numbers: The Nuance of Client Communication
The numbers give us a good idea of the trends, but they don’t tell the whole story of what happens in the treatment room. I’ve heard this from so many other pros, including in talks with the Georgia Estheticians Guild (GEG): a client will say “Brazilian” but not actually mean “everything off.” People often use it as a general term for anything more than a basic bikini line wax, not knowing all the different coverage options available. I’ve had clients ask for a “Brazilian” when what they really wanted was a “full bikini,” which leaves more hair. This is why a good consultation is everything. I always start by asking direct questions, something like, “When you say Brazilian, are we talking completely bare, or do you want to leave a shape like a strip or triangle?” It clears up any confusion, prevents a bad surprise, and builds trust. The goal is to figure out what they actually want, not to be the word police.
The Critical Role of Aftercare, Regardless of Style
It doesn’t matter if you go completely bare, get a landing strip, or a triangle, good aftercare is the one thing that’s not optional. A 2025 review in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology confirmed what we’ve been telling clients for years: proper post-waxing care is your best defense against common problems like ingrown hairs, bumps, and redness. Specifically, you need to start gently exfoliating a couple of days after your appointment to stop hair from getting trapped as it grows back, and you must moisturize every day with something non-comedogenic to keep the skin healthy. So many people think the service is over when they walk out the door, but the smoothness and health of your skin really depend on what you do at home. If you skip aftercare, you’re just asking for bumps and irritation, which completely ruins the point of getting waxed in the first place. It takes maybe two minutes a day, and it’s what keeps your results looking good.
As you can see, there’s more to the world of Brazilian wax services than just one “all off” option, with plenty of styles to fit what you’re looking for. The key is knowing what the variations are and then talking openly with your esthetician to get an experience that’s comfortable and leaves you happy with the result.
What is the most common Brazilian wax style requested?
By far the most common request is for complete hair removal, everything from the front, labia, and peri-anal area. This accounts for over 60% of Brazilian services.
What is the “landing strip” style in a Brazilian wax?
A “landing strip” is when all hair is removed from the labia and back, but a small, neat rectangle of hair is left on the pubic mound.
How does a “triangle” style differ from a “landing strip”?
Both leave some hair on the pubic mound while cleaning up the labia and back. The difference is just the shape: the “triangle” is an inverted triangle, while the “landing strip” is a thin rectangle.
Is it important to discuss my desired coverage with my waxing professional?
Absolutely. You have to tell your waxing pro exactly what you want to make sure you get the right style and avoid any confusion or bad surprises.
What aftercare steps are important after any Brazilian wax?
The two most important steps are gentle exfoliation (starting 2-3 days after your wax) to prevent ingrowns, and daily moisturizing with a non-comedogenic product to keep skin healthy.
