Ever considered removing all your hair from down there? Here's the lowdown on the infamous Brazilian, why you should consider it and what to expect.

A Brazilian bikini wax is a hair removal process that removes hair from the entire pubic region, including the labia and the area that reaches into the buttocks. As for the top, you can either opt to leave a small strip of hair, a petite triangle or remove it entirely.

Why go Brazilian you ask? Brazilian waxes are becoming more and more popular. If you want to be prepared for swimsuit season, get 'honeymoon ready' or head for that tropical paradise and want to leave your razor at home, the Brazilian wax may be just what you need. Maybe you're tired of the rigors of daily shaving or suffer from frequent ingrown hairs.

Many women request a Brazilian because it gives a smooth, clean, close wax and the freedom from daily shaving. Besides its aesthetic appeal, waxing is better than shaving because it doesn't grow back as thickly, nor does it itch or poke thru your undies. Many women consider it hygienic because it doesn't absorb sweat and odor. It takes several weeks for regrowth to appear and you can wear the most revealing bikini or lingerie without embarrassment.

Before the Brazilian, it's a good idea to shower and exfoliate. A gentle sugar scrub or even a washcloth can gently lift any ingrown hairs on the triangle area of your cha-cha. Avoid any vigorous scrubbing though as it will only sensitise the area. Your hair should be at least 1/4" long when you get waxed otherwise hairs that are too short will not be left behind.

As for the process, you are usually asked to remove your clothes from the waist down. Some women aren't comfortable with this and you can keep the panties on if you prefer. The fact is, underwear needs to be moved all the way over to do the job correctly, so you'll end up pretty exposed anyway. Those of us performing this service have typically seen lots of naked chicas and prefer you naked for the mere fact that it makes our job easier, no worries about spilling wax on your $25 Cosa Bella underwear.

First any hair longer than about 3/4" is snipped with scissors so the wax can reach the base of the hair. The technician will then put a little powder on you to insure the area is dry. Then, using a wooden stick, a technician spreads a thin coat of soft wax on the area a little bit at a time. As with a regular bikini wax, cloth strips are placed over the wax and pulled away from the skin. The hair is removed and the procedure continues.

Most experienced estheticians use hard wax to remove hair from the labia. Hard wax is a stripless wax that is used in delicate areas where there is a risk of damaging the skin. A light coating of oil is smoothed over the skin, the wax is applied and as it cools, it shrink wraps the hair so when you pull it(no paper needed because it becomes plasticy) it removes the hair but keeps the skin from getting irritated.

After your labia is hair free, your technician may have you get on your hands and knees or pull your legs to your chest for the bum wax. This part is quick and rarely painful. Then your waxer may tweeze stray hairs, remove any wax residue and apply a post-wax cream to the newly waxed area to sooth any irritation.

I always advise clients not to have the nookie or a workout immediately after a wax because the pores need a chance to close and perspiration(yours and your someone elses)will tend to irritate the skin. Keep the area clean and dry and enjoy your smoothosity.

Are there any health risks? Humans may have needed some protection down there due to climate at one time, but there's really no reason you need pubic hair anymore. Clothing provides ample protection. As long as the establishment you frequent is clean and responsible when it comes to hygiene, there's absolutely no harm in getting a Brazilian. I like to use disposables in my waxing services to ward against the risks of cross-contamination. Disposable sheets(like those used in doctor's offices) and disposable wooden spatulas are a must. Stay away from waxing establishments that don't look meticulously clean. It's like a bathroom in a restaurant, if the areas they know you see are dirty, imagine what's lurking in the areas you don't see.

Things that Brazilian waxing virgins need to know first: Not a "yellow page" referral task. The best way to find out about a good waxer is word of mouth or if you already have an esthetician, inquire if she performs this service. A lot of waxers still refuse to do this type of waxing, as it is highly personal.

If you are looking for a good waxer, ask around. Embarrassing yes, but many women are getting waxed and have already tried a couple to find a good one. Also check review websites. Steer clear of nail salon/spas-not generally great on the wax front. If you call to make an appointment, ask how experienced the waxer is. Tell them you're picky and you've been getting waxes for a long time and you've had bad experiences before(even if you haven't). If they suck, this will be enough to scare them off and they'll probably tell you they are not so great. Also look for the eastern europeans, these estheticians are generally big on the waxing, it's very common there too.

Ask the receptionist or esthetician if they use hard wax, ask if they do a full brazilian including your bottom, ask how often they perform brazilians. If they don't answer these questions easily and without thinking too much, they don't do many. Additionally, check websites of salons/spas, see if they have a faq on waxing, brazilians, what to expect, if they address brazilians specifically, good chance you are going to get a better wax. If you feel dumb asking these questions and then making an appointment right away, ask and then call back at a different time.

Your Brazilian waxer will know you at least as intimately as your gynecologist. You will be asked to strip down to nothing and spread your legs into all kind of very embarrassing positions. Your best defense is to appear as though you think it's as normal as your waxer does.

Do not expect a picnic, though many women say it is less painful then they imagined. It does hurt and there's no way around this! The best practitioners are the quickest, most effective ones. A Brazilian bikini (no legs, no underarms, just the bikini) should take about a half hour.

Don't attempt waxing the three days prior to, and the first three days of your menstrual cycle, at least until you are a seasoned waxer. You skin is much more sensitive at that time, and waxing then can be much more painful. Some people like to take an anti-histamine before waxing to prevent bumps or irritation. Also, some waxers swear by a pre-treatment Advil or two. Consult with your physician if you have any questions.

Do not under any circumstances wax if 1) you are sunburned 2)you are taking or have recently taken Accutane or used Retin-A. Both of the above medications are keratolytics and increase the rate at which you skin exfoliates. If you take a chance and wax, you may remove skin as well as hair! Don't do it.