Bare Down There By Carly Young
Go Bare Down There
Your Guide to a Fuzz-Free Bikini Line
By Carly Young, Special to LifeScript
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Bikini waxes aren’t just for strippers, coeds and Brazilian beach bunnies. Women of all ages have discovered this sexy beauty secret. Whether you want to raise your partner’s heart rate or feel less self-conscious in your swimsuit, defuzzing your southern hemisphere is fast becoming a grooming must-do. Read on for the facts about waxing and why laser hair removal is more popular than ever…
Waxing Styles
There are several popular waxing styles, which may be known by other names depending on the salon:
- Bikini: Perfect for a waxing newbie, this type cleans up the
sides, as well as a little off the top for low-rise shorts and pants.
It’s perfect if you’re shy; you can wear paper undies during the treatment.
- French: Similar to a basic bikini wax, this type takes about a
half-inch more off each side but, leaves a
thin “ strip” down the front that continues all the way to your backside.
- Full Brazilian: Most Brazilian waxes remove
all hair front and back (including labial lips and butt) however, some folks leave some hair on top "landing strip" and everything else is removed.
Also, don’t hesitate to tell the waxer specifically what you want (two
fingers’ width of hair taken off on top, inside lips, no butt, etc).
Some women even ask for shapes like hearts, lightning bolts or
boyfriend’s initials. There’s no reason to be shy with such requests –
the waxer has heard it all.
What to Expect
Whether you’re at a pricey day spa or your neighborhood salon, the
process is pretty much the same. The aesthetician will show you into a
treatment room, then leave while you undress from the waist down
(including the panties!).
The treatment then may differ depending on the type of wax. Most salons
still use “soft” wax, the warm, drippy stuff that is applied with a
small wood spatula, then covered with a cloth and ripped off. However, a “hard” wax that is also used in
some salons. With hard wax, the aesthetician applies the warmed wax to
the hair, waits for it to cool, then pulls it off directly – no fabric
needed. It is up to the service provider to choose which wax they use. It's usually the wax they have the best results with.
Depending on the style you’re getting, be prepared for the aesthetician
to move your body around. For a Brazilian wax, you may be asked to pull a
knee up to your chest (so the waxer can reach sensitive areas).
Pain Relief
Let’s be honest – waxing doesn’t tickle. But a little discomfort is
worth it for skin that stays smooth for at least a couple weeks. If the
“ouch” factor has you stressed, pop an ibuprofen 20 minutes before the
treatment to help with the pain. You can also try an over-the-counter
numbing cream.
Post-Wax
To minimize redness and bumps, try an after-wax product that contains
azulene, an essential oil derived from chamomile. Gretchen Hauer, an
aesthetician at Avia Spa in Santa Barbara, CA, also recommends applying
Tend Skin - a lotion that helps prevent ingrown hairs – the day after
your treatment. Cynthea's Spa reccomends Dermalogica;s Overnight Clearing Gel and for general soothing, you can use aloe vera gel, but the
best thing is to just leave the area alone.
The main thing you’ll feel post-treatment? “Clients have a real sense of
accomplishment after they’ve been waxed,” Hauer says. “They always feel
sexy and are excited to show their partner.”
With the fuzz now under control, you may actually be eager to don a
swimsuit and head to the beach. However, steer clear of the pool or
ocean for at least 24 hours – your freshly-waxed skin may be sensitive.
Ditto goes for hot showers and hanky panky.
Finding a Waxer
Rifling through the Yellow Pages is fine if you want a plumber, but to
find a waxer, ask a friend for a recommendation, search reviews on Google, and look for folks who have a passion for waxing. If she doesn’t have a
specific aesthetician or salon in mind, track down a day spa that
performs services like massages and facials – most also offer waxing.
Wherever you go, write down the name of your waxer so you won’t have to
bare all to another stranger in your next session (assuming you’re
pleased with the results).
Do You Like Your Female Anatomy?
If you like yourself just the way you are, congrats - that's one of the ultimate aphrodisiacs for both you and your partner.
Please let us know your thoughts or questions that may have been left out!
