The Bikini Files Part 2: How to Survive a Bikini Wax Tips
Hollywood. French. Brazilian. Waxing and travel are linked in more ways than one; there’s nothing worse than throwing on a bikini, only to discover that it looks like they found bin Laden hiding inside your panties. Hey, we’re all for women’s rights here at Purple Travel, but ladies – come on – that’s just gross.
On the other hand, preparing for your first bikini wax, especially if its a Brazilian, can be incredibly nerve-wracking. But don’t worry, generations of women have gone before you and lived to tell the tale. And, unless your lower half is of Attack of the 50-foot Woman proportions, it shouldn’t take more than an hour to complete. If you have any more bikini wax tips we’d love to hear them in the comments below!
The first step is to which wax you would like to choose. The cost, length, and pain of the procedure depend on that decision, so be sure you know what you’re in for. Your options are:
Traditional Only those hairs that grow outside of your bikini line will be removed. Perfect for first-timers and wimps.
Full bikini wax Hair is removed up to two inches inside the bikini line.
French Removes all hair off the in the front (except a small strip) and continues to right before the back. It doesn’t take hair off from the back like a Brazilian (see below).
Brazilian It’s painful, uncomfortable and many women won’t go more than four weeks without it. The Brazilian leaves no crevice unexplored, leaving only a thin strip of hair pointing towards your bellybutton.
Hollywood Same as above, only with no ‘landing strip’.
FAQS
What is the exact process? First, you’ll remove all clothes below your waist. Depending on which wax you choose (see above) you may have to don one of those hideous paper thongs, but bear with us, the worst is yet to come. You will then lie down and your waxer will investigate the area – if your pubic hair is too long (i.e. more than about 5mm), your waxer may first trim it with scissors. She will then use a stick or spatula to apply hot wax to your pubic hair in patches, and then use a clean cloth to peel the wax and hair off your skin. Repeat until smooth as the day you were born.
How bad is the pain? We’re not going to lie; waxing is a pretty aggressive technique and tensing up makes it worse. Bear in mind though that the pain and the experience are only temporary. It will all be over soon.
Can I take pain killers beforehand? You could take a standard dose of OTC pain reliever before your appointment to dull the pain, but nothing will totally get rid of it.
How do I get rid of ingrown hairs? Some women may experience ingrown hairs as their hair grows back in. You can reduce this risk by gently exfoliating and moisturizing the skin – stay tuned for next week’s Bikini Files for more on this.
Will I get an allergic reaction? Most women will not have an allergic reaction. You may experience some chicken leg appearance afterwards, but it’s nothing a cooling moisturiser shouldn’t solve. However, if itching, dryness, or redness last more than a day or so and cannot be eased by moisturizing, you may need to consult a dermatologist.
TIPS FOR BIKINI WAX SURVIVAL
1) Take some medication
2) Wear lose clothing so you don’t irritate the area afterwards
3) Ask for numbing gel afterwards
4) Close your eyes so you can avoid seeing the hairs coming off
5) Make fists and think about something else
6) Stay calm
You don’t have to avoid bikini waxes, but you should exercise caution. You don’t want to wax more than once a month, assuming that your hair has re-grown enough, about one-quarter inch, for waxing to work effectively.
If you’re still nervous, you may want to start slow, with minimal hair removal, and work your way up to your full hair removal goal.
Click here for PART ONE: THE ULTIMATE BIKINI DIET PLAN
Click here for PART THREE: HOW TO GET RID OF RAZOR BURN
Click here for PART FOUR: HOW TO BEAT CELLULITE
Click here for PART FIVE: FIND THE PERFECT BIKINI FOR YOUR SHAPE
