By Editorial TeamA 2024 survey from the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) found that 70% of people getting intimate hair removal are doing it for aesthetics, specifically, how they look in swimwear and lingerie (https://www.aad.org/news/new-study-reveals-trends-in-hair-removal). As a practitioner, this isn’t news. Matching a wax style to a swimsuit cut is a practical decision that has a huge impact on your comfort and confidence, especially when you’re out in public.
Key Takeaways
- A 2024 survey shows 70% of clients get waxed to look good in swimwear and lingerie.
- The landing strip is still very popular, making up 35% of partial hair removal styles.
- The Brazilian is dominant: over 50% of regular clients choose full hair removal.
- High-cut swimsuits like French bikinis or thongs pretty much require more extensive waxing.
- Boy shorts or retro-style bottoms give you the option for more conservative hair removal.
The 70% Aesthetic Driver: More Than Just Smoothness
That 70% statistic makes perfect sense when you consider the actual construction of modern swimwear. It’s all about the practicalities of the garment. Swimsuit styles for 2026 are all about narrower sides, higher cuts, and less fabric overall. So when a client buys a new high-waisted bikini or a bold monokini, they’re already thinking about the waxing they’ll need to go with it. I have clients bring in photos of their new suits all the time, asking for a wax style that guarantees no hair will peek out. This is purely about feeling secure and confident by the pool or on a packed beach. Having a clean line under a swimsuit is a functional need that stops you from having to do that awkward public adjusting.
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Find a Studio Near You →| Feature | Full Intimate Wax (Brazilian) | Landing Strip Wax | Conservative Hair Removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prevalence (Regular Clients) | ✓ Over 50% | ✓ 35% (partial removal clients) | ✗ Not specified |
| Best for High-Cut Swimwear | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Best for Classic Bikini Bottoms | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Best for Boy Shorts/Retro Swimwear | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Aesthetic Driver (70% of individuals) | ✓ Primary consideration | ✓ Consideration | ✓ Consideration |
| Versatility with Swimwear Styles | ✓ High | ✓ Moderate | ✗ Limited |
| Confidence in Minimal Coverage | ✓ High | ✗ Low to Moderate | ✗ Low |
The Enduring Appeal of the “Landing Strip” for Classic Silhouettes
Even with the Brazilian’s popularity, the “landing strip” is still holding its own. Industry reports from the 2025 Professional Esthetics Conference in Miami, Florida, showed that 35% of clients who get partial removal go for this style which tells you people still want a balanced aesthetic. A landing strip, that small, rectangular shape, is a great match for classic, moderate-coverage bikini bottoms like your standard triangle top with tie-sides. It looks neat and intentionally groomed but isn’t completely bare. For clients who think a full Brazilian is too much but still want to be absolutely sure nothing is showing over the edges, it’s a solid, reliable choice. In my experience, it’s a go-to for people who own a variety of swimsuits, from wider briefs to standard cuts, because it just works with most of them.
The Dominance of Full Intimate Hair Removal: Over 50% Choose “Brazilian”
The numbers don’t lie: over 50% of our regular clients are getting a full intimate wax, or “Brazilian” style. It’s a huge trend, something you see in market analyses from suppliers like Cirepil (https://www.cirepil.com/us/). The appeal is total freedom with swimwear. You can wear a high-cut French bikini, a thong, a g-string, or some complicated cutout design and never have to think about visible hair. You’re not making any compromises because there’s simply no hair to manage. A lot of my clients also say they feel cleaner and more comfortable, especially in hot, humid weather. Given all the minimalist swimwear designs out there for 2026, that kind of confidence is a big deal. The fact that people commit to regular appointments for this style shows just how much they value the results.
High-Cut Styles Demand Extensive Hair Removal
A swimsuit with a high-cut leg, like a throwback 80s French cut or any modern thong, basically requires more extensive hair removal. It’s simple geometry. Those styles are cut to make legs look longer by using less fabric, which means more skin is exposed around the groin. If you try to wear one with just a basic bikini wax, you’ll likely be dealing with awkward adjustments or visible hair. The fabric is just too narrow and the angles too high. So, my advice is direct: if you love high-cut swimwear, a full intimate wax is your best bet for peace of mind. It solves the problem completely, letting you wear whatever you want without worry. This is true no matter the brand, from designer suits to fast fashion, because the cut is what matters.
The Underestimated Versatility of Conservative Swimwear
While everyone talks about taking it all off, conservative swimwear styles are incredibly versatile. Things like boy shorts, retro high-waisted briefs, and swim skirts are popular again and give you much more flexibility with hair removal. Their extra coverage on the sides and bottom means a basic bikini line wax or even just a neat trim is usually all you need. For anyone who prefers keeping more hair or just thinks a full wax is too much, these suits are a fantastic solution. You don’t have to get a Brazilian to feel good at the beach. The better option is to pick clothes that work for you and your comfort level. This approach offers a great alternative to feeling pressured to go bare, letting your personal style guide your grooming. The goal is always to match your grooming to your wardrobe for total comfort and confidence.
Bikini vs. Brazilian: What’s the Difference?
A bikini wax cleans up the sides and top, anything that would show outside a standard bikini bottom. A Brazilian wax takes off almost everything from the front to the back, though some people leave a small strip or triangle of hair up front.
How Long Does a Wax Last?
You can expect your wax to last anywhere from three to six weeks, but it really depends on how fast your hair grows. The good news is that with regular waxing, the hair tends to grow back finer and slower, so you might be able to go longer between appointments over time.
Is Intimate Waxing Painful?
I won’t lie, there’s discomfort, especially the first time. But how much it hurts is different for everyone. A good professional using quality hard wax and giving you the right aftercare instructions makes a huge difference. Most of my clients say it gets much easier after the first appointment because the hair is finer.
How Should I Prep for My Appointment?
Make sure your hair is at least a quarter-inch long, about the length of a grain of rice, which is what the wax needs to grab. Gently exfoliate the area a day or two beforehand, but don’t put on any lotions or oils the day of your appointment. Drinking plenty of water and skipping caffeine can also help reduce sensitivity.
Can I Go Swimming Right After a Wax?
No, you should definitely wait. Hold off on swimming, hot tubs, saunas, and heavy workouts for at least 24 to 48 hours. Your skin needs time to calm down, and waiting helps prevent any irritation or infection you could get from chlorinated water or bacteria.
