By Michelby Whitehead
A bikini wax should be on every woman’s bucket list. It’s got all the makings of a good thriller: suspense, excitement, and a great climax (yes, studies show that women have actually had orgasms while getting a bikini wax). But, before you take the plunge, do your research on how to make the experience a happy one, not a horror story. Consider these tips, as suggested by Byrdie.com:
Get the scoop before you schedule
Whether it’s from friends, family, or reputable review sites, a referral is a great way to ensure you’re working with a professional. Waxing salons are another great place to start, as this is their specialty. You might want to get something less invasive first, like a lip wax, just to make sure you’re comfortable with the facility and the technician.
Aunt Flow may be in town
Your skin is often more sensitive around the time of your period, so waxing can be more painful than normal. Make appointments at least a few days before or after your period. Some places will not (or prefer not to) perform this service while you’re on your period, so it’s best to call in advance.
Keep it clean
Exfoliate and lightly moisturize before your appointment to remove dead skin cells and prepare the hairs for waxing. Between appointments, keep up the same regular exfoliation (about once a week) and daily moisturizing game: “Great skincare is the best post-treatment—it’s essential for keeping your skin soft in between waxes,” says Noemi Grupenmager, founder and CEO of Uni K Wax Center.
Lose the lubricants
Skip any extra add-ons when it comes to your bikini area. Moisturizers can interfere with the wax process by not allowing the wax to adhere well to the hair.
Length does matter
Don’t even think about getting a wax until your hair is about 1/8- to 1/4-inch long. “This is the ideal length for hair that’s getting waxed because it allows the wax to get a better hold on the hair and pull it directly from the root, preventing the hair from breaking,” Grupenmager says. Hairs that are too short will not get waxed and therefore grow in sooner. If your hair is longer than 1/4-inch, trim it to ensure optimum wax adherence at your next appointment.
Beauty hurts
Take Advil, Tylenol, or a similar medication 30-45 minutes before your appointment if you’re worried about discomfort. Aspirin and ibuprofen may not be the best choices, however, as they both are known to thin blood. Numbing creams are another option to make skin less sensitive during the process, but avoiding moisturizers is suggested.
Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash
