Brazil Carnival and spring break are upon us, so it is time to put that body on display pool or beach side, and it is definitely time to tidy up that bikini line. Waxing is one of the most common and favored methods for bikini hair removal because it lasts and leads to softer hair regrowth.
Here are some great tips to consider to maintain your Intimate Fitness™ when removing hair from such a sensitive and let’s admit it, miraculous area.
When making your waxing appointment, be sure your spa/salon has sensitive skin wax specifically for use on the bikini area. Exfoliate, moisturize and hydrate at least 24 hours ahead of your appointment. Clean the area before waxing using a wipe like AfterGlow or a baby wipe – for your protection and as a favor to your aesthetician. Avoid alcohol consumption and consider taking your own unscented corn starch body powder with you to apply prior, if that is the waxer’s method. Your own bottle of AfterShave post hair removal treatment to apply post waxing to soothe, calm and moisturize is a great idea too. AfterShave has the added benefit of removing residual wax and diminishing ingrown hairs.
Waxing may be more painful a few days before and during your period, so perhaps plan around it. A big exhale when the wax strip is being removed helps the body relax to reduce pain sensations. Advise your aesthetician of skin treatments you are on like Retin-A or Accutane.
Waxing and other hair removal methods are very stressful to skin, so pamper it post hair removal. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize and hydrate. Consider wearing lose clothing and cotton panties or perhaps go commando under a fabulous maxi dress so waxed skin has a chance to be friction free. Be cautious of sun exposure for about a day following and be sure to apply sun screen when you do hit the lounge chair. Any bikini hair removal should also be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance of a sexual encounter………even delightful sex friction can cause serious irritation and leave you more vulnerable to STDs.
Waxing tends to cause more ingrown hairs than other removal methods so exfoliating with AfterShave, Tend skin, a loofa, or a gentle scrub to diminish dead cell build up which leads to ingrowns.
If shaving is your preferred grooming tool, be sure to use a fresh razor every time. Viruses (like warts) can be transmitted on razors around the body. And the sharper the edge, the less irritation to the skin.
Deciding how much to remove is up to you of course, but for those of you who are very sensitive, have vulvodynia or recurring irritations/infections in that area, please forgo the Brazilian style and just groom outside the labia. Consider that nature put hair down there for what must be a very good protective, health related reason, so be mindful of that when deciding whether you are going to trim the hedges, or pull the entire plant out by the roots.
