I'm a waxing virgin, and I want it all off. What do I need to know?!

[KatpissEverdeen]

Want to whip it all off downstairs, as a surprise for my DH as we're going on a romantic weekend away next week.

I have never waxed or been waxed and I'm worried, not only about the pain, but also the indignity (although I've had a child, so I guess that went years ago!) and also the regrowth uncomfortableness, particularly around the a-hole and the bits closer to the inner vulva.

Any tips, tricks or general advice?

Also, should I have it done today/tomorrow for best results next weekend?

I have a regular Brazilian and don't find it painful; everyone's pain threshold is different. However, DO NOT go when you have a period due! The pain was off my chart 😳

As a newbie, I wouldn't have it done too far in advance because you'll be itching while away! 🤣 I've been having them so many years now that I don't itch.

I was in Paris when my DH discovered my ´baldness' and it's a weekend that has wonderful memories; not just for the tourism! Have a great time 😀

Google - Brazilian wax definition and healthline.com appear. Their advice is spot on.

Decide if you want a Brazilian or a Hollywood... different results so you wont get a surprise then 😅

Go to a specialist intimate waxing place not a generic beauty place- it makes so much difference in terms of results, pain, how comfortable you will feel and also regrowth!!

I personally dont feel like the pain is horrific apart from the 2 big inner strips on a hollywood where you might need some deep breaths 😅😅

When I was 16 I tried to wax my legs at home by myself.
I stuck my legs together for 10 days and never tried again.

It took 2 hours of scrubbing every evening for more than 2 weeks to get it off...

Take painkillers beforehand. Chew a mint to take your mind off the pain. I find the first wee after an intimate wax is a but all over the place - like the hair was directing the flow.

Exfoliate the day before - minimises the chance of ingrown hairs as they come back.

No lotions or creams the day of - they make it harder for the wax to stick.

If it's your first time, I'd leave it until Thursday-ish next week rather than today or tomorrow - you don't want the start of regrowth already showing.

Wear loose clothing and massive pants – you won't want to be pulling tight knickers or leggings up immediately afterwards!

As PPs have said, go to a proper waxing place and insist on hot wax, not the roller and strips. It's far less painful. Tell them it's your first time, too – so they can talk you through what's going on.

Afterwards, don't use any hot water on the area for 12 hours to let the skin calm down - if you want to use some aloe, that can help cool and calm.

Hurts like a bitch having it done. Itches like a bitch growing back. Never again.

Hurt like hell, looked v odd (imo), DH was nonplussed with my efforts, and the itchy regrowth was horrendous - imagine the worst possible itch and not being able to scratch it when you want to.

Never. Again.

Had it a few times and not good for me. I like to think I have a pretty good pain threshold but it did hurt. Also the results were not good. I came out in lots of angry red spots that didn’t go down. Then regrowth. So. All that pain for nothing. Maybe my body is just not meant for waxing 🤣. All I’m saying is don’t be thinking I’ll be lovely and silky smooth after because I never was and if this is the first time you’re getting it done, you don’t know how your skin is going to react .

I have a Brazilian every few weeks and the pain really doesn't bother me to be honest, but I have been doing it for years so the regrowth has really thinned - there are a few teeth clenching moments, but nothing unbearable.

For your first time, I would advise taking a couple of painkillers beforehand, I also use Tend Skin after I shower each day to avoid ingrown hairs.

Re the indignity, they literally do it all the time and have seen it all - the first time I went I was a little embarrassed but they usually give you some paper pant-things to preserve some dignity if you need them.

Is it ok to have it done from the point of full growth? Or do you need to trim beforehand?

They need a good inch of hair for the wax to get a good grip. I would trim a bit as it is slightly more painful with long hair. They will trim it if necessary though.

I always get very red afterwards, and I do get a few spots so I tend to get waxed a few days before needing it to give everything a chance to settle down.

No itchy regrowth for me, so so much better than shaving.

You do have to push your dignity aside though!

My first one, I was surprised that I had to get on all fours with my bum in the air. Just wasn’t expecting it. Then turned over for the rest. I didn’t find it that painful apart from a couple of moments. Don’t worry about the indignity (easy for me to say, I know.) Waxers are professionals and have seen it all.

I found if anything the sensitivity afterwards to be enjoyable The pain honestly isn’t that bad (I find the bit above the hood the worst where the mons meets everything and the hair is deeply rooted) and I have even waxed myself before. They have seen it all before so don’t worry about your dignity. Ask them to apply pressure after removing each strip to reduce the pain. Good luck!

I hear this from people often – and in years and years of going to lots of different waxers, I haven't once been asked to get on all fours!

I won't say I'm disappointed, but I do wonder how I've managed to miss it...

Trim it down to about an inch before the appointment. Be aware they'll ask if you want to do 'underneath' which is polite for all fours with bum in the air. You'll want baby oil for after and it will probably be red for a good few hours.

Agree about not before your period, very painful! Also about painkillers - paracetmol and ibuprofen or similar.

Waxers are professional and they definitely have seen it all before. They'll know how to 'manage' you and make you feel comfortable.

Good luck!

Had it done twice. Would never do it again. Whilst it looked fab and made my holiday much better due to not having to keep checking for regrowth, it isn't a pleasant experience,

i used to just do Brazilian, then my waxing lady suggested i try hollywood and i've never looked back. i've also never had to get on all fours either.

my lady is specialised in sugaring. so if you can find someone who does that then it's slightly less painful than wax - as it doesn't pull as much. it's not totally pain free, but it's also easier to get the stuff off - i foudn that when i was getting wax occasionally there would be small bits left behind. the sugar just washes off easy.

also as its applied by hand it never gets as hot as wax does.

my advice:

find a specialist salon - or someone who only does waxes;
trim hair beforehand - too long and it will hurt more;
take painkillers if you think you're going to need them;
tell the beautician that it's your first time so they know!
make sure to speak up if it's getting too much and ask for a break;
dont be self conscious. they literally do this all day long and are used to it. nothing they haven't seen before.

I don't think it matters how many years you've been waxing for. Although ive never waxd my bits, I wax my own face once a month and have done for at least 4 years. I imagine the face is less painful than your bits! It still HURTS LIKE HELL every single month. More if approaching period. I have to hold my breath every time.

Why aren't I used to it yet?! Plus the hair isn't weakening at all.

I also use the hot stuff that shrinks onto the hair rather than the strips. It does make my skin less raw I find.

I had it done once about 17 years ago and absolutely never again!! The pain was awful and it left me bright red and covered in whiteheads. I’ve stuck with a razor after that!

Have you had other bits waxed before like armpits? Just I’m horribly reactive to waxing and the whole area puffs up and I need to take antihistamines for days. Obviously I’ve only tried armpits once! But just don’t assume a patch test means you will be OK!

Trim it first. Go to someone that uses hot wax. All fours is completely unnecessary if you go to someone competent.

Don’t be a drama llama. It’s fine. I don’t find it remotely painful. A good therapist whips it all off it no time.