**Today's post contains information regarding the waxing of a sensitive area. I don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable, just wanted to forewarn you.
As many of you know, I'm pretty much an open book here on It Is What It Is...Life Happens - Make It Work. I really try to walk the talk. When I try new things, I feel compelled to share with all of you these experiences. Perhaps, you've experienced the same thing. Perhaps, you've been thinking about the same things, or maybe you've never given what I'm about to share a darn, second thought. Anyway you slice it, maybe you can get a little chuckle out of my personal shenanigans.
I'll admit, I'm a girly, girl. I'm not afraid to get dirty, but I love my salon, my stylist and all that she stands for....while at my last hair cut, we were discussing waxing. Bikini/Brazilian waxing to be more direct. Specifically, the landscaping that I needed to consider since swimsuit season was upon us.
Have you seen the movie, Sex and the City? Loved that movie...favorite line in the whole movie came from Samantha to Miranda as they were lounging at a pool....
"Honey- Wax much?"
Frankly, I didn't want to be Miranda. One of my sister-in-laws is an aesthetician. She is a waxing machine. There isn't a family gathering that she doesn't' espouse the virtues of the brazilian wax. Seriously, I was at a dental show and a hygienist I was talking to goes to my SIL. She shared with me, in intimate detail her positive experiences with the brazilian. (I will spare you the details, suffice it to say, I didn't know her well enough to know all the things she shared with me.) This hygienist wanted to know if I went to SIL for the brazilian. Uh- no. Let's just say, I try to keep our relationship above the neck and fully clothed. I don't do the brazilian- but I'm happy to share with you what I know- because frankly- I've learned alot.
Exhibit A-
This should be pretty self explanatory. The last one is the "Full Brazilian." Yep- naked as the day you were born. This was not on my personal list of choices. If might work for some, but for me, not so much. I bet you didn't know there were so many shapes to choose from. I know, this was new territory for me too. Might I also mention, they have one of these diagrams for men as well. (Way too much information...) Plus, for what I was looking to have done, I didn't think I needed a chart.
So, back to my stylist. While we were discussing waxing techniques, I told her I thought I'd like to keep our relationship pretty much contained to the hair on my head. She totally understood and recommended a sweet little girl who's working for her. I've never had anything professionally waxed, other than my eyebrows. I know that I"m pretty lucky in that way. I have numerous friends who have become one with their aesthetician's and have to maintain areas other than their bikini zone. This was new territory for me. I was a bit nervous, but I forged on in the interest of sharing with you, my friends and of course not embarrassing myself while at a public pool.
Well, sweet little Jessica was a doll. She made me feel completely comfortable. She knew I was a waxing virgin and treated me as such. First, we go into the room. It's very zen like in it's decor with waterfall music playing in the background. Jessica hands me a robe that I am free to change into- or not, whichever I feel most comfortable with. (I chose not to wear it- call me a prude but I didn't feel the need to be fully undressed for this.)
She hands me two different pairs of disposable panties. She said "Wear whichever you'd like, this is to protect your clothing. It also serves as a guide, so to speak."
One of the pairs looked like a g-string thong like thing. The other was more like a scaled down version of a bikini bottom. Full coverage for the backside- and almost an upside down triangle for the front. I hope you can guess my choice. (In this particular instance, the adage, less is more was not applicable.) I chose the modest bikini bottoms. Once I was changed, I hopped up on the table and waited for Jessica.
It was like waiting for the gynecologist without the stirrups. Jessica knocked lightly on the door and waited for my reply before entering. "Ready to get started?" She quipped cheerily. "Nothing to be nervous about. I'll tell you what I'm doing the whole time." First, she sprinkled some sort of powder that was supposed to help with lessening the pain of the pull. She then started applying the wax to one side, applying the fabric strips and then holding my skin and pulling up quickly.
How bad did it hurt? Well, considering I was expecting torturous type pain- I would say not too bad. It was uncomfortable, no doubt about it. It didn't bring tears to my eyes. After a while, I got kind of use to it. (I know that just sounds so wrong...) I felt completely comfortable. I didn't have to contort my legs in any weird positions. Depending on the side she was working, I just had to bend my leg a little.
I will say she was thorough. She even brought out the tweezers for a few pesky strays that did not want to cooperate. (That probably hurt the most.) When she was done, she put some sort of cooling lotion on the exposed area and after getting changed, off I went. It didn't feel strange at all. (My stylist said it might feel a bit different, but I was fine.)
So- to recap- bikini wax- not so bad. I will probably do it again. The results have lasted. If you're thinking you might be inclined to try, don't be afraid. I will say, if you're thinking brazilian, be prepared for full exposure, spread eagle and then up on all fours. Those instructions are from my SIL. I don't think I'm inclined for that type activity at this juncture. Good on you-if you are.
This concludes today's tutorial.
They say learn something new everyday.
Posted by: LAF | July 22, 2009 at 12:47 AM
Thanks for the very informative tutorial. I can't call to order a pizza...how on earth could I possibly do this?? Anyway, all my swimsuits are skirted. I'm glad this was a good experience for you though!
Posted by: lam | July 22, 2009 at 09:34 AM
Haha, great tips! It'snice to have a good dermatologist, right? They'll give you a lot of useful tips like these. I even tried waxing at home because of my derma's advice. It turned out to be a bad decision, haha.
Posted by: Justine Cricks | October 18, 2011 at 06:42 PM
I've heard a lot of first-time hair wax stories, and some of them were dreadful. Hehe. Yours didn't sound too bad at all. I'm sure the next session would be pain-free, and you'll feel a lot more comfortable. Well, everyone has a different experience. You're lucky yours turned out pretty fine. =)
Posted by: Kai Buncle | February 20, 2012 at 02:17 PM