Why leave hair in?  For most folks, it’s because that part of the skin is considerably more sensitive than the rest of the pubic area.  Waxing it can mean too much pain, particularly for some people who are more sensitive to the sensation.

If you’re not familiar with the pubic mound, it’s that part of your crotch area the consists largely of fatty tissues, right above the pubic bone.  It forms the front of the actual vulva.  Yep, it’s that area that shows up bulging during “camel toe” shots.

In case you opt for this a Full Bikini Wax due to extra sensitivity of your pubic mound, do note that you can still trim the hair in that area.  Most women I know who are afraid to get waxed there, choose to either shave or cut down the hair there instead.  After all, it’s the hair there that usually catches female excretions, so a close trim helps makes sure that it stays clean.

Given that setting, your bikini wax will likely cost between $30 to $100, depending on treatment.  My friend gets a Bermuda Triangle wax (that variety where you leave a triangular patch - not my thing) for $25 at our favorite salon, while my own procedure at the same place costs me 80 bucks (a full Brazilian bikini wax).

Your own nearby establishment will likely vary.  Unless you’re going to upper-class salons (where the attendants act like they’re better than those from other places), though, just bring a hundred dollars along and some change (for tips, just in case).  That should about cover your costs.

More than the money, though, the real cost of a bikini wax is five minutes of stinging pain.  Ouch.

While the attending cosmetologist will likely apply a cleansing solution before proceeding with your bikini wax, you should do your own part to guarantee cleanliness around the area.  Make sure to perform your regular cleaning regimen before you come in for a bikini wax.  As much as possible, get it done immediately before leaving for the salon.  The longer the period is between your cleansing and the actual hair removal, the more opportunities you will have to sweat and consequently develop impurities in your sensitive areas.

At least three days before the session, use an exfoliating face wash (e.g. glycolic acid cleanser) on the hair in your bikini area.  This will help remove dead cells that make it extremely difficult (not to mention, painful) to wax the hair off.

When you accumulate stretch marks in your thighs and bikini area, your skin grows thinner and more sensitive.  That’s because stretch marks are a separation in your skin tissue, which manifests when your skin gets stretched too far.

The more stretch marks you incur in any particular area of your skin and the thinner it becomes, the harder it will be to remove hair that grows from there.  Because of the scantier skin, pulling on the strands causes a more intense and consuming pain.

If you have plenty of stretch marks, make sure to get in touch with your aesthetician before the session.  Ask them about any preparations you can make before the scheduled time.  Most likely, you’ll be told to exfoliate your bikini area right before coming in for the waxing and instructed to take an over-the-counter painkiller.

Of course, there are ways to make sure that you suffer the least amount of pain during your actual procedure:

• Schedule your “painless” bikini waxing after your period.  Your pain threshold will be highest at this point than at any other time.
• Start off conservatively.  If this your first time getting a bikini wax, go for something less drastic than a Brazilian procedure.  One that clears off your panty line should do the trick to break you into the activity.
• Exfoliate down there to remove dead skin cells.  This should help loosen your skin’s grip on the pubic hairs a considerable lot.
• Ask for a hard wax.  Hard wax is way, way, way gentler than soft wax.  If your salon doesn’t offer it, find another one that does.
• Breathe deeply.  Make sure to follow breathing instructions as described by the professional doing the procedure.  It helps.  Believe me.

A less-painful pulling out of your hairs sure doesn’t sound as attractive as a painless bikini wax.  Seriously, though, this is the best you can hope for…at least for now.

2. Less pain.  Trained aestheticians will generally know how to best scrape off hair with the least amount of pain.  Note that we’re not saying there won’t be pain - just that it can be better controlled.

3. Safety.  Some clients just aren’t meant to be doing bikini waxes (and should probably just shave instead).  Licensed professionals should know better whether you’re a good candidate for one.  Pubic hair, as unsightly as it may seem, is there for a reason - usually to protect your skin.  Waxing it off can strip away that top layer of protection (albeit temporarily).  For individuals who are prone to infection (such as diabetics), a waxing may not be the best idea in the world.

Simple. No complications. Or is there?

While bikini waxing carries no major problems, it can cause some minor irritation.

An untrained attendant can pull without enough force that it will end up a painful process. Worse, a bad waxing can leave you with a burn that can last for a couple of days. It can also leave ingrown hairs, making for an extremely itchy and undesirable next few days.

You will usually be applied with a soothing antiseptic after the procedure to calm any irritation. Make sure to bring your own lotion as well in case the effect of their compound begins to wane after a couple of hours.

Lately, I’ve been thinking of getting my waxes done with a small lot of hair left on top but in unusual shapes such as hearts, arrows, stars, lighting bolts, lips, or butterflies. It wasn’t something I saw in a dream. It’s actually something I saw in a store.

A company called Beekini Shapers is selling these bikini wax stencils in all sorts of fun and girly shapes. You can stick it on the hair to keep it untouched during waxing and just trim it later on according to desired results. I just got a set of 12 yesterday but haven’t done anything with it yet. I’m afraid husband will freak but, knowing him, he’ll probably want to get one too!

With most men, this growth follows a narrow straight line from the pelvis goign up to the chest area although with others, this may appear accuminated or dispersed. Some women will grow a small line. It is usually immediately waxed or removed in other ways. It is often considered undesirable in most cultures.

There are four general growth patterns of abdominal hair - horizontal, sagital, acuminate, and dispersed. With most men, it is usually either the second or the third type The last type is usually reserved for extremely hairy men - perhaps descended from Werewolves or Hyenas.

Forgive the last statement. I watch too much Buffy reruns.

I really recommend you try it. Look for a spa that uses hard wax instead of soft wax and fabric strips. Hard wax dries to a hard finish around the hair and not the skin. As a result, they can scrape it right off with little pulling and yanking. Way less pain, promise! You end up with much less redness, irritation and bumps too. Even better, you can walk like normal right after. LOL!