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.

Image: Suat Eman

If this is the first time you are shaving your pubic area, trim the hair to about a quarter of an inch. This will keep it from jamming your blade and blunting up your shaver. Similarly, take a warm bath to soften hair and render easier to remove. Dry it thoroughly before starting.

If you’re using a razor to shave, use a good quality one designed for women. An electric razor, set to zero, can speed up the process. Change the blade if necessary. Apply a shaving foam or gel made for shaving leg hair. In its absence, baby soap or a gentle facial cleanser can be substituted.

You can take whichever position allows you maximum access to the area. A popular stance is to stand with one leg on a chair or stool. Shave lightly from back to front in the direction of hair growth, being careful not to go over the same area more than twice as this can cause razor burns.

Rinse the blade frequently if you’re using razor. If you want a closer shave and you’re not prone to ingrown hairs or other skin irritations, you can shave against the direction of growth too. If you’re using an electric razor, follow the instructions that came with it. A back and forth motion is usually advised.

When you’ve finished, wash away all the hairs and gently dry the area. An application of aloe vera will help prevent itching. For a regularly smooth shave, doing the same activity every few days can be done.

For first time shavers, itching will be a problem when hair begins to grow back. However, stick with it and after a few cycles, regrowth should provide no more irritation.

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.

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.

* Extremely soft underwear: You will want to wear very soft, unintrusive panties that won’t rub your bikini area the wrong way. Bikini waxes are painful and the more tender the cloth is on your skin, the more comfortable it will be for you.

* Old underwear: Old, well-worn underwear is highly-recommended when getting a bikini wax because they are often soft and tender. Additionally, there is a good chance that excess wax may be left on your skin after the treatment and it may ruin a good, expensive bikini.

* Easy-to-wash panties: Because of possible leftover wax, you want an underwear that won’t be ruined by it. A piece that washes off easily will help finish the waxing mess-free.

Image: ahmet guler

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.