Let us set the scene for you: A complete stranger dripping hot wax to your awkwardly exposed nether regions, with intent to rip off your hair down to the roots. Are you running away in terror yet?
We don't want to sugarcoat it: Getting a bikini wax is painful as hell, period — not to mention, potentially embarrassing. Still, depending on your personal grooming preferences, it may be more or less a necessary evil.
And there are a lot of good things about bikini waxes, too: First off, you'll get more mileage than you will with shaving. It can also help exfoliate your skin, and at the end of the day, who knows? It might just give you an extra boost of confidence, especially for the upcoming summer. So, if it's something you're thinking of trying for the first time, read on. Here's everything a first-time waxer needs to know before heading to the salon.
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Know what kind of wax you want
You've got different options when it comes to the style of your bikini wax. There's the basic bikini wax where they only take off the pubic hair on the sides, the Brazilian wax popularized by "Sex and the City," and more. There's also the option to remove, uh, all the hair, front and back.
You can also tell your aesthetician which kind of wax you prefer. There's the soft wax used for thinner hair and hard wax which is directly applied to the skin. Most salons use a combination of the two, but you can make a request if you prefer one.
It's better if you know what you exactly want beforehand to avoid going back and forth with the aesthetician. You'll save yourself from extra pain and have your waxing session done faster.
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Schedule at the right time
Scheduling around your menstrual cycle in mind is important when getting bikini wax. Technically, you can get it done when on your period (as long as you use tampons or menstrual cups). However, we strongly advise against it: Your skin is extra sensitive during this time which will make the experience more painful.
You also shouldn't do it three days before or after either because your pain tolerance is generally lower at this time — and lord knows we don't want the pain to be any worse than it already is.
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Check your insecurities at the door
One of the main insecurities of women when going for a bikini wax is being too hairy. If that's the case, relax: It's normal and nobody's judging you. Plus, it's recommended to go to the salon when your hair is at least a quarter of an inch long.
Oh and don't even think about shaving before going. Aside from defeating the purpose of waxing, your skin will become extra sensitive to the wax, which will increase your risk for irritation and inflammation.
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Plan your outfit
Wear something light and loose when you head to the salon. Ditch your leggings and skinny jeans as tight clothing may cause friction. You'll also want to skip those sexy lace panties since they may lead to itchiness and irritation. Go for that comfy underwear instead — and maybe a breezy, breathable skirt or dress?
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