Have You Heard Of The “Hollywood”?
Posted by: Erin Flaherty
Filed in:
style
11:30AM, Monday September 21st 2009
I was reading Daily Mail columnist Liz Jones’ latest crazy rant (today the subject is unwanted body hair) and it was just as bats**t and entertaining as usual, until I came across the following description in regards to a cousin of the Brazilian bikini wax:
“Then there is its more extreme stablemate the Hollywood, which takes away everything, leaving the bearer distastefully childlike. My waxing specialist in London now does ‘seven or eight Hollywoods a day’ - a 70 per cent increase on this time last year. Completely Bare, the American chain of spas dedicated to hair removal, has seen requests for a Hollywood quadruple in the past 12 months.”
How did I miss out on this terminology? Was I absent that day during beauty school? Now don’t get me wrong. I understand that some women are going completely bald down there, but I had no idea just how many of them were and that it was even called that. And I’ve even visited Completely Bare, the spa Jones is referring to (though not for that). What I need to know immediately is this: Are you getting this (presumably extremely painful) procedure done? And did you know it was called a “Hollywood”? Oh and dudes, are you like, into this or find it totally disturbing? [The Daily Mail]
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gloriafretz
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 11:02 am: [report]
Yes! I prefer to be completely bare down there. And, it is definitely not that painful.
CheeeeEEEEse
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 11:04 am: [report]
@gloriafretz: Vag of steel I tell you.
AjSeven
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 11:11 am: [report]
Fist I did not realize it was called “the Hollywood”...but I feel in the know now.
Personally, I also prefer it. The look of a landing strip always bothered me…why even leave it? It’s not as if we have landing strips on our legs. The part that grinded my gears was when Jones said ” leaving the bearer distastefully childlike”...pfft I think my 32DD’s should be indication enough. & to answer the last question after I had it done a few times, I can’t say it is painful @ all.
Claireific
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 11:19 am: [report]
When I was researching online before getting my first Brazilian, I discovered that my salon referred to an everything-off-but-a-landing-strip as a “Playboy”. I haven’t heard that too often since, but I found other uses of that term online with some probing. Other places just use “Brazilian” to describe that wax. The term I’ve heard used to describe completely totally bare is the “Sphinx”.
I Go To 11
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 11:27 am: [report]
This is a new term to me…of course, it doesn’t matter because I am not cool with the idea of wax coming near that general vicinity. I have horribly sensitive skin, and I know how much it hurts to have even my eyebrows waxed. So no, I don’t think I’ll be trying this or any variations, well, ever.
writergirl
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 11:32 am: [report]
I just looked and my spa calls it the “European Bikini”. Maybe because they are in Pennsylvania?
Squidtermz
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 11:33 am: [report]
I still dont get it… I thought a brazilian was everything… Oh how wrong I am
CheeeeEEEEse
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 11:39 am: [report]
All I can think of now is “Hollywood” from Top Gun. Dammit to hell.
lea322
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 11:41 am: [report]
I went to a spa near Vancouver, BC that called it a “west coast forest fire” because it “left no bush standing”. The humor alone was enough to make me book an appointment!
esmee
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 11:43 am: [report]
Am I the only person who’s too cheap to pay for waxing when shaving will suffice? Bit OT I suppose…
lostrun
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 11:46 am: [report]
Squidtermz, I thought it a Brazilian took everything off too..that’s what my salon calls it and they take it all. And personally, I prefer to have it all off, and it doesn’t hurt..my eyebrow waxing hurts more.
Little Lamb
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 11:46 am: [report]
Yeah…it’s a Brazilian. And I was actually under the impression that many women rolled that way…most of my friends do.
@esmee-
I also shave. Not only is the $$$ a factor, but letting someone else into my britches makes me a little uncomfortable. And I’ve heard you have to let it grow out quite a bit in order to re-wax.
retro chic
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 11:55 am: [report]
My sister’s an aesthetician and her salon won’t allow Brazilians anymore. I’ll have to ask her if the Hollywood is just to rename it under the radar.
emflow
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 11:59 am: [report]
@ esmee
I shave too. Aside from the $$ and privacy issues, I bleed and break out from having my eyebrows waxed. Can’t even imagine trying a more sensitive area.
I Go To 11
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 12:00 pm: [report]
@ esmee and little lamb: I’m with you both on the shaving thing. I’m way too modest to allow some stranger have access to that area. The only folks that should be in that area (other than myself) are my fiance and my gyno, as far as I’m concerned. And neither of them wield wax, or would care about my hair-removal methods for that matter.
bumbler
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 12:07 pm: [report]
Shaver here as well. I go completely bare as well. I don’t like the look of a landing strip and I don’t have the time to sit there and carefully shape. Being an adult woman there is nothing child-like about my appearance clothed or nude and my husband loves it, not because it makes me look like a little girl (don’t think he’s ever seen a little girl naked to even really have this association) he likes it because he finds it sexy to have everything visible and likes the feeling of my skin. But hey, way to paint us as pedos, Liz Jones.
Little Lamb
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 12:12 pm: [report]
For the shavers-
The only drawback is that I sometimes will get razor burn. Do you have any tips? I use a body scrub with salicylic acid, and that usually helps quite a bit.
theattack
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 12:18 pm: [report]
I’m a small-framed small-chested woman, and I still shave it all off and no one has ever told me I look like a little girl. I thought it was a fairly widespread thing to do too, since most of the people I know do that. It’s much cleaner to me.
theattack
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 12:19 pm: [report]
@LittleLamb: You can buy a special shaving gel just for that area that might hel[. I bought mine for just a few dollars in the razor aisle of Walmart. I think it’s called Bikini Zone or something like that.
Raugiel
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 12:20 pm: [report]
@ Little Lamb -
Also a shaver and I have found the best product for the delecates! I use japanese eyebrow razors similar to these (http://www.folica.com/Tinkle_Eyebrow__d1705.html - not my exact brand, which I couldn’t find on-line) that I get at my local asian grocery. They have ultra-thin plastic strips over portions of the razor to prevent cutting abd razor burn, and as an added bonus, you get more control than with a T-shaped razor.
resullins
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 12:33 pm: [report]
Yup… I’m also a shaver. $$, privacy, and PAIN all being factors in my decision. And I also take issue with the ‘distastefully childlike’ comment. I do it cause it doesn’t itch. I don’t like having itchy crap down there. And frankly, it looks neater and doesn’t get in the way during nooky-time!
CheeeeEEEEse
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 12:35 pm: [report]
Pedobear thanks you for your shaved lady bits.
effing hickster
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 01:15 pm: [report]
@Cheese: (previous post) For $5 more, you can get a “Goose” with your “Hollywood”.
I prefer bare as well, but don’t mind a landing strip. I do “trim the hedges”, but would gladly go bare for a woman if she so desired.
CheeeeEEEEse
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 01:17 pm: [report]
@hickster: I’d prefer an Iceman, just because I want to know what one looks like.
writergirl
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 01:19 pm: [report]
@CheeeEEEEse—wouldn’t that be an “ice pick”?
CheeeeEEEEse
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 01:24 pm: [report]
@writergirl: Would you prefer a “Wolfman”?
writergirl
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 01:26 pm: [report]
@CheeeeEEEEse—No. But I’ll take a “Wolverine” straight up.
CheeeeEEEEse
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 01:34 pm: [report]
@writergirl: Shnickty-Shnicty Shnick. “Shall I call you Logan Weapon-X?”?
writergirl
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 01:36 pm: [report]
@CheeeeEEEEse—Ok, I only saw the movie this weekend and I am missing that reference…..
*goes to hang head in shame at not being able to keep up her end of the conversation….*
CheeeeEEEEse
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 01:45 pm: [report]
@writergirl: I wasn’t referencing whatever you thought I was referencing. Much more obscure video called Clerks, btw.
writergirl
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 02:01 pm: [report]
@CheeeeEEEEse—I didn’t know WHAT you were referencing.
But that line came from “Clerks”? Never saw it.
CheeeeEEEEse
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 02:03 pm: [report]
@writergirl: Snoogins.
writergirl
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 02:10 pm: [report]
@CheeeeEEEEse—I give up.
resullins
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 02:12 pm: [report]
@ CheeeeEEEEse: I wasn’t even supposed to Be here today!
CheeeeEEEEse
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 02:17 pm: [report]
@Resullins: 2 words. Snoochie Boochies.
We are way off topic, eh who cares. Some men like hair some don’t. Nobody likes it in their teeth. Case closed.
gevlife
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 02:23 pm: [report]
its not like this woman is the first to point out the connotations of hairless vaginas and girlishness… im pretty sure its an established feminist theory, so you know….. dont rag on her for doing her research.
cymbelene
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 02:40 pm: [report]
last time I got a brazilian IN hollywood, they waxed off everything—- and I do mean everything! I think this new “hollywood” shenanegans is just another way of reinventing the wheel, so to speak. but I’m all for shaving, too (unless it’s for a beach trip or something)—- who has the time and money to get a wax all the time? @little lamb—- I swear by “tend skin”. It burns like a mo-fo when you are putting it on but it leaves you razor burn free… although in my experience, nothing can guard you against a “friction” induced ‘razor-burn’ (if you know what I’m sayin…)
Lynn
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 03:57 pm: [report]
I thought this was pretty commonplace. My BF likes it totally bare so I do it for him (although I just shave or use a nair-type product), but when exes didn’t have a preference I kept a landing strip and a bit on the undercarriage, and I always got the impression that I was being kind of old fashioned and that I was in the minority. I still prefer a bit of hair though.
Humble Bee
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 04:44 pm: [report]
@Lynn,
I agree, I prefer some hair. I just trim it a bit from the sides, you know, keep it lookin’ fresh lol. You gals must really take care of yourselves because I know if I wax the whole thing, it’ll be itching like a motherfu*cker. I’ve never recieved any complaints, I’m not going all out if we’re just going to do it again tomorrow. Why do women have to tidy up and the men can just have these freaking hairy bushes. I call bullsh*t on that! I’m not going through the pain of brazilian ahem, hollywood just so the guy can be like, “nice pussy” pfffttt…. they like it regardless. Stop torturing yourself.
Miss Mia
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 04:50 pm: [report]
The second waxing visit I made to the salon was a brazilian wax. First off let me say it isn’t as painful as most women like to say it is. Secondly, I feel its more hygienic, you feel really clean.
I had heard the term “Hollywood” used to describe it but in essence its a brazilian wax. And whether or not guys are into it…everyone is different. I’m sure some like it while others don’t.
CaleeKay
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 05:14 pm: [report]
I would love to get a Brazilian some day.. but money is just too precious to me right now.
However, i would love for frisky to post a ‘top ** guide of best shaving creams/srubs to use or something of that sort’ because i too have begun to get razor burn, which is odd, because it was never an issue for me and ive been shaving down there for long enough to notice.
Or, if anyone else swears by something, that would be lovely.
(i saw some at lovers, koochy or something, but i just dont wanna buy something that may not really work.)
lea322
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 05:58 pm: [report]
Noxzema also makes a nice little bikini razor that’s inexpensive and really…helpful? It’s much easier than wielding a regular sized razor around those sensitive, hard-to-reach places.
effing hickster
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 06:19 pm: [report]
I’ve noticed that the burn or itching sometimes comes from petroleum-based products, especially ones with methylparabens. Look for some organic stuff that’s glycerine and paraben free, and it may work better.
theattack
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 06:54 pm: [report]
@lea: I love those little Noxzema razors! You can get everywhere you need to go with ease.
@HumbleBee: I shave, and I am definitely with you on how crazy it is that some guys expect you to do it but then don’t clean it up themselves. I don’t go for that either. If it’s a hookup (which I never have), fine, but for a relationship, he’d better trim up too if he wants me to keep things smooth.
effing hickster
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 09:46 pm: [report]
You know how the hipsters do it down there these days…with a reverse Mohawk.
whatshesays
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 09:57 pm: [report]
weird, I’ve never heard of the Hollywood but when I get the brazilian they always ask if I want to leave a landing strip and I usually say no. why would I want one?
brickhouse
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 10:57 pm: [report]
Yeah, I shave too…everything. I hate shaving cream and soaps with glycerine (always seems to have that too-squeaky-clean-I’m-sticky feeling. The best thing I’ve ever used is Dove bodywash or soap. I used to get razor burn/bumps any time I used shaving cream. But Dove is nice and moisturizing so it keeps everything silky smooth. That, and I read in some stripper guide book (don’t ask me why I was reading that) that lube is good to use too. Never tried it though. Yeah…
raqueleza
wrote on September 21 2009 @ 10:59 pm: [report]
Every Brazilian I’ve ever received has always entailed taking it all off…I was never even given a choice, though I had assumed (apparently incorrectly?) that a Brazilian took everything off, back and front.
Shavers: I used to be one too, but I get next-day stubble! With waxing, I’m super smooth for at least 3 weeks…so worth it!
Anniushka
wrote on September 22 2009 @ 01:11 am: [report]
I’ve never gotten a bikini wax of any sort. I tried a home waxing kit that was supposed to work for the bikini area, and I gave up early on in the process. It’d be better in that regard if I had a professional do it, but I kind of don’t want a stranger messing around down there. I’m even putting off my required pelvic exam (thank God they changed the age standards to 21 for your first exam…) as long as I possibly can.
Anyway. I read that article and man, do I feel her pain. Being hairy is such a bloody bore. I use an epilator on my lower legs, belly, and armpits (and shave bikini “line”—ha, more like “field”—and thighs), and at least that allows me to wear most clothes. Not under close scrutiny, though. When I save enough money I’m going to try laser hair removal, though with all the sessions I’d have to do, it’d be a hassle, too…
emerica789
wrote on September 22 2009 @ 07:55 am: [report]
our company calls it ‘the playboy’ and a super surprising population of women get it!
*sam*
wrote on September 22 2009 @ 09:51 am: [report]
I’ve always heard taking everything off was just called a “full-Brazilian” and a regular Brazilian left a landing strip
I’m a shaver as well. I take it all off b/c like others have mentioned, I feel cleaner. Plus, I know how much I, hate having to bury my head in the “great unknown” when going down on a guy, so I always make sure to keep mine easy access. (oh, and FTR, my SO takes a trimmer to his, so while it’s not completely bare, it’s close enough. He’s also been known to pluck any stray hairs that would get in the way while I’m doing my, uh, thing. He’s so considerate
)
But, my biggest problem w/ shaving is that I refuse to go more than a day w/o it, so I tend to get the wort razor burn/bumps/ingrown hairs EVER. Do those creams/soaps/razors that others have been espousing work for the ingrown hairs as well, b/c I’m DESPERATE!!
lawyrgrl
wrote on September 22 2009 @ 10:31 am: [report]
@little lamb and *sam* Also a shaver. The Cool Fix by Shavewoorks is really helpful for the red bumps/razorburn/ingrown hairs. The Frisky did a review a few weeks ago on it that you can probably find if you type Cool Fix into the search function. It does burn but not as much as some products and it really helps.
I have yet to find a product that totally eliminates the problem though so any suggestions from others would be great!
GreenAura
wrote on September 22 2009 @ 10:39 am: [report]
@ shavers: I heard that porn stars use Visine for razor burn. It doesn’t get rid of the bumps, but it “takes the red out”! Never tried it myself, but if you do it, let us know how it works out!
I Go To 11
wrote on September 22 2009 @ 10:48 am: [report]
@ cheeese: I don’t remember that line being in “Clerks”; I remember Jason Lee said that in “Mallrats”, when Brody and T.S. first encounter Jay and Silent Bob for the first time in front of the pet store.
Yeah, I am a total nerd…who tends to memorize the most random crap.
CheeeeEEEEse
wrote on September 22 2009 @ 11:59 am: [report]
@I Go To 11: Yep, you’re right.
ootie
wrote on September 22 2009 @ 01:14 pm: [report]
I shave it all off. I wouldn’t mind leaving a landing strip, but I don’t simply because shaving it all off is easier because I don’t have to worry about making it even.
ciao
wrote on September 22 2009 @ 04:48 pm: [report]
I’m a shaver too, but recently have been getting super bad razor burn and bumps. Plus it ends up stubbly the next day.
Do any of you know if at-home waxing kits are any good? Hair removal creams never seem to work very well in my opinion.
Sara.B
wrote on September 23 2009 @ 01:18 am: [report]
I’ve done the full waxing thing but only on the rare occasions I do a spa day, and I prefer it all off too.
At home, I shave legs and all in the shower with hair conditioner and very rarely get razor burn. Having fine blond hairs might contribute to my lack of discomfort though.
Being very dry skinned, I always moisturize after a shower. I found that a little under eye cream, like Aveeno’s, works best around the v-jay though. Again, Maybe it’s just me, but continued use seems to keep any stubble soft and less noticable.
remembercedricdiggory
wrote on September 24 2009 @ 05:50 pm: [report]
I wasn’t even aware people who got waxed left anything there.
I mean, I knew there were different hairstyles, but I assumed when you said you were getting a brazilian wax, you were taking it all off.
Also, the names for the styles really vary from salon to salon, and in different areas. I first became aware of this when reading “The Naked Woman” by Desmond Morris.