N.J. may ban "Brazilian" wax

TRENTON, N.J. - March 13, 2009 - (WPVI) -- Just in time for summer, the New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling may ban the "Brazilian" bikini wax.

New Jersey allows waxing of the face, neck, arms, legs and abdomen. Genital waxing has always been illegal in the Garden State, officials say, but not enforced.

INTERACTION: Read what viewers have to say about the possible "Brazilian" bikini wax ban in New Jersey.

That means salons have been breaking the law for years.

A proposal to specifically ban genital waxing was prompted by complaints to the board from two women who were injured in bikini waxing sessions.

"Just because two people complained the whole state has to suffer?" said Harriet Phillips of Willingboro.

Waxing is big business for salons, especially in the summertime when more people head to the beach.

At the 800 West Spa and Salon in Cherry Hill, where more than half of the 1800 waxes done were "Brazilian," customers were surprised by the proposed ban, and annoyed.

"Why would anybody dictate to you what you can and cannot do? This is something personal," said Monica Rivera of Hainesport, N.J.

"I think the state has a lot more issues to deal with," said Ivy Cabrera of Mt. Laurel. "I just think it's ridiculous."

"It's a woman's body. If she wants to get it completely waxed then that's up to her, it's her choice to do that, so I don't know why it would be illegal," said Carol Betting of Cherry Hill.

Linda Orsuto, the owner of the salon, says this is a service that doesn't need government intervention.

"They're used to the girls that do it, it's a very private situation, and really it's no one else's business," Orsuto said. She wants the state to figure out a way to certify technicians or re-consider the "Brazilian" wax ban. "To strip it away from us is ridiculous. No pun intended."

"I've never had any problems with it. As long as you don't re-dip your stick, and constantly get a new one, there shouldn't be any problems," said aesthetician Amanda Guidotti.

The Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling next meets on April 14th.

RELATED LINK: New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling.

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