A few weeks ago one of my cousins posted her views about Brazilian waxing on social media. She insisted that this was something every woman should do. As soon as I saw it, I had to add my two cents.

I totally agree that every woman should consider getting a Brazilian wax. Now – those of you who are reading this who have never experienced a bikini wax of any form…I must warn you, it hurts immensely. I vividly remember my first bikini wax. For some reason, I was very interested in trying it. Prior to getting waxed, I shaved, or I used Nair to remove the hair from her. Even though I was fairly pleased with the results of shaving and Nair, well, maybe not the burning and stinging pain, or the horrific odor of Nair…but, it got the job done. Nevertheless, I was still curious about waxing.

Back then, I was still living in Miami, and I convinced one of my friends to take the plunge along with me (I’m laughing as I’m writing this). I was late arriving, big surprise – and I could hear my friend over the wall murmuring, “Oh my God!” And I immediately asked myself, “what have I gotten myself into?”.

The very sweet and nice lady assigned to “trim my hedges” took me into a private room to find out what I wanted. I proceeded to tell her that I wanted a little bit of hair left – a little landing strip if you will. She said, “Ok, one finger or two fingers?” Wait, huh?!? I didn’t know bikini waxes came with “Happy Endings”. But, then I realized what she meant. Thirty excruciating minutes later, I wanted to see the results….so, I went to the mirror to take a peek. I looked, but I was puzzled…so, I looked again, still puzzled. So, I touched it. OMG!! I was bald as the day I was born, and I learned to love it!

Now that I have given you some of the details of my first waxing experience let’s look at what to do once you decide to take that plunge.

Make sure the salon you choose is clean. I would suggest selecting a salon that specializes in waxing. I say this because waxing can be a bit pricey. However, most waxing salons offer packages that will make it a little easier to let go of those dead presidents. And in most cases where a particular service is all that is offered, they tend to be excellent in that craft.

A good aesthetician will make you feel comfortable about exposing your goodies. Don’t be shy about talking to your aesthetician if your nervous or scared. This is their profession, they will get you through it. It is a good idea to trim your hairs prior to waxing; a well-trained aesthetician will trim the hairs to make the process a little easier. It is important to relax. I know what you’re thinking.  Yes, it’s painful…but it’s quick. As my aesthetician says, “go to your happy place.” It is a good idea to picture something you like in your mind right before that paper is pulled.  My happy place is a secluded tropical island – it helps.

Once you make waxing a routine, it becomes a lot easier. The hair becomes finer and softer, so it is not as difficult to remove. It also takes longer for the hair to grow back from waxing compared to shaving. Make sure your aesthetician is wearing gloves and not double dipping in the wax – that is very unprofessional and unsanitary.

It is also important to listen to the directions you are given. When you’re asked to hold your skin – do it. It makes it less painful when that paper or wax is pulled – trust me!

Now that I have given you my two cents on waxing think about giving it a try – you might like it. Yes, it is painful. But, I enjoy the result, it makes me feel fresher down there. And why wouldn’t you want that?

-B.B.