Your Complete 'Down-There' Grooming Guide - Part 2

 

Photo courtesy of thirdage.com

Different Waxing Options:

At-home Waxing: A good waxing kit isn't hard to find and you'll soon find yourself seasoned at the process. However, be sure to thoroughly read the instructions and don't be afraid to look up videos providing demonstrations.

• Warm the wax, allowing it to take on a honey-like consistency. You can alsopurchase wax strips to avoid the mess!
• Before getting started, make sure the area and your hands are clean and sanitized.
• Until you feel comfortable with the process, try practicing with the wax on your forearm or calf. One thing is certain though: always be sure to test the temperature of the hot wax before applying it to the pelvic area! No need for a burn down there.
• Dip the utensil—typically a flat wooden stick—into the wax and apply the wax to the area. Try not to smear too much onto the skin and always be sure to move in the same direction. At-home waxing is completely feasible; however, if you're looking to go any further than the basic bikini wax, be prepared to continue pulling those strips despite the obvious pain.
• For any stragglers, pull out a pair of tweezers and snag them. Do not, I repeat, do not apply wax on the same area twice. Bleeding and scabbing can result otherwise.

This is a great video to help you get started with a simple bikini wax.

Salon Waxing: With such a sensitive region, it's no wonder many go to a salon for waxing.  Alana, junior at Syracuse University, confesses, "I tried waxing at home, but I just couldn't bring myself to actually continue pulling away at strips!" When dealing with such a personal part of your body, choosing an esthetician is just as important as choosing the salon!

• A lot of women tend to go to frequent salons recommended by word of mouth. Ask around and you'll definitely find a salon your friends trust or check out yelp.com for reviews from past and present customers.
• Don't be afraid to stop in and ask some questions and meet the staff. If it's your first time, speak up! Specialists are more than willing to guide you through the process so there are no surprises.

Feeling awkward? Just remember, waxers are seeing old and new customers everyday for appointments—they have seen just about everything. Kristie, senior at Rutgers University, first started visiting the salon for bikini waxes, and she "just felt really comfortable with [her] waxer right from the beginning. She would discuss everyday things like how classes were going, but would still make sure I was aware of what was going on."

Beginner:

Bikini Wax: hairs outside the bikini/panty line are removed.

Full Bikini Wax: hairs outside and a bit deeper within the panty line are removed. This style can also look to create a more definitive triangle shape by eliminating some of the hair resting towards the top of the pelvic region.

Intermediate:

French Bikini Wax: A more thorough wax, all of the hair in the front of the pelvic region is removed, expect for a small strip, which can resemble a landing strip.

Experienced:

Brazilian Bikini Wax: All of the hair, from the front of the pelvic region to the back (including the area leading to the butt) is removed. Typically, a small strip is left behind. Foresee a thong bikini in your future? This might be just the style for you.

Hollywood Bikini Wax: results in the pelvic region, including the labia and area reaching the butt, becoming completely hairless. The Hollywood is probably the most physical of the waxing styles—requiring a team effort from you and the waxing specialist. Expect to twist and turn into different positions to ensure a smooth result. You will be asked to lay on your stomach in order to remove the hair around your butt.