Bikini Waxing: Things You Need To Know Before You Go

Though it’s probably most popular in the summer months, bikini waxing is an effective way for women to keep themselves well-groomed and confident about their body throughout the year. However, even with its growing acceptance, many women are hesitant about jumping on the table and baring it all at the salon. With it being such an intimate and sensitive procedure, it’s important to know what to expect and understand exactly how a bikini wax goes down before you decide if it is, or isn’t, for you.

Know the Difference Between Waxing Styles

Not all bikini waxes are the same, so make sure you know which style you want and specify that to your esthetician. Keep in mind that versions of each style can vary from salon to salon, so be certain to find one that will be the most comfortable for your own personal taste.

A basic bikini wax allows you to keep your underwear on during the procedure and just removes the hair on your inner thigh that is found outside of your swimsuit lines. This is usually a good place to start for someone who has never experienced a bikini wax before. A full bikini wax gives more definition to the area by going in on the sides a little further than the basic and also shortens the hair on top. French bikini waxes are favored by those who prefer to be especially smooth but don’t want to be completely bare. This style leaves a strip in the front and stops before pulling out any hair in the back area. A Brazilian wax is reserved for the bravest of waxing patrons as it will leave you hairless from front to back.

Find an Esthetician You Can Relax With

Bikini waxing is an especially private experience for most women, so if you want to feel at ease during the procedure you must find an esthetician that you can be comfortable with. It’s normal to be nervous disrobing in front of a stranger, but it helps to remember that estheticians are trained professionals. Get recommendations from friends and family, and if it will comfort you, schedule a consultation where you can get a feel for the person that will be performing your wax. Be open and honest about your concerns and any allergies or particular sensitivities that you may have.

Be Wary of Unsanitary Salon Conditions

Just as with any public facility, your salon should be held to a high standard of cleanliness and you should have peace of mind knowing that all tools are sterilized. Keep an eye out for any esthetician that dips the same stick more than once into the pot of wax (known as double dipping). That same wax will be used on another client and is contaminated after double dipping occurs. If you schedule a consultation, this would be a good time to check things out and ask questions in regards to the salon’s sterilization and safety procedures.

Prepare Before Your Wax

In order to make your waxing experience as pleasant as possible, there are several things you need to do to prepare. Be sure to leave a substantial amount of hair growth for your appointment so that the wax may grab on to it, exfoliate the day before you are scheduled to see your esthetician, take a pain reliever and plan to wear soft underwear and clothing.

The Waxing Procedure

Each esthetician will probably have their own specific waxing procedure, but you can count on some basic steps wherever you go. Talcum powder will be applied to the area so the wax won’t attach itself to the skin. The wooden waxing stick is then dipped into the hot wax and spread over a patch of hair. A cloth will be pressed down firmly over the skin, hair and wax, and once the wax has cooled, the cloth will be ripped off in the opposite direction of hair growth, taking the unwanted hair with it. This is repeated until all the hair is removed that you desire.

After-Care Treatment

There will also be specific after-care instructions that your esthetician will go over with you to ensure minimal irritation and swelling and to prevent any infection from developing. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions that are given to you after your waxing session is complete.

Bikini waxing is a great alternative to shaving for those who want longer-lasting results and a smooth look and feel. If you follow these suggestions, you should have a great waxing experience.

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source
•  License: Image author owned