1. Keep It Clean
Body waxing has become as routine as brushing the teeth in most major cities. It eliminates hair at the root unlike shaving, which only removes it from the skin surface and leaves stubble. The aesthetician applies hot wax to the body, usually the legs, underarms or bikini area and spreads it over the hair in the direction of the growth. The hair becomes entrenched in the wax as it cools. The aesthetician then pulls the wax off in the opposite direction of the growth. Body waxes last from two to six weeks.
2. Grin and Bare It
The traditional bikini wax has taken a back seat to the barely there Brazilian wax. A traditional bikini wax removes hair from the upper thighs and above the panty line. A Brazilian wax removes all the hair from your naughty bits, expect for a landing strip in the middle of the pubic area. Hair can also be removed from the buttocks and labia. The aesthetician then removes any stray hairs with tweezers and soothes the area with aloe vera or calamine lotion.
3. Get Ready for the Beach
Diabetics and people suffering from psoriasis and other skin conditions should avoid a bikini wax. Menstruating or pregnant women shouldn't get a bikini wax either, but other types of body waxing, like full leg, half leg (from the knee to ankle) or underarm waxing, are safe. Bikini waxes are painful, especially if you've having a full Brazilian wax, so take ibuprofen an hour before the procedure to avoid intense pain during or after the waxing. Shave your pubic hair about three weeks before the waxing, and then let it grow out. It needs to be at least a 1/4-inch long so the wax can grip it. Wear a thong or other skimpy panty, one that can be easily washed or discarded, since some residue will get on the underwear. Don't swim or sunbathe the day of the body wax. A leg wax doesn't require much preparation except to keep the area dry and avoid the sun.
4. Do It at Home
If you are shy and don't want a stranger to see you in your undies, use a home waxing kit. There are several types on the market, including cold waxes, wax strips, sugar waxes and hot waxes. Make sure you're comfortable with the procedure before beginning, and read the directions over a few times. Always remember to pull them off in the direction opposite the hair growth.
5. After Your Waxing
Even if your aesthetician has years of experience and you're one tough cookie with healthy skin, expect to have tenderness and some red bumps for a day or even a few days after a bikini wax. Wear loose pants or a skirt the day after the waxing. Luckily, there's no recovery time for leg or underarm waxes.
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