Thursday, June 12, 2008
The Brazilian Wax: Part One
Okay so this isn't really a tangible something-you-can-buy, but it's something I've come to rely over the past few years. It's less irritating than shaving, feels cleaner, and you absolutely do not have to worry about stray hairs poking out or through of your swimsuit! So here is my story on my experiences with bikini-line maintenance, which may be TMI for some (in which case you'd do well with skipping the remainder of the post) but interesting and informative to others (I hope).
The Beginnings
I've been to three different salon/spas and have experienced the pain that is the pube-wax at the hands of five different aestheticians, but my very first taste of having my hair ripped out in chunks was right in my own home. That's right, me and a warmed-up jar of drugstore sugar wax. I was maybe 19 or 20 at the time and, being a poor college student, couldn't really fathom spending $50 of my library-bitch money (7 hours worth!) on a service I could do myself.
Long story short? Complete and utter failure. I managed to pull out about 10 hairs total before I assumed the fetal position and cried. Okay not really, but it really freaking hurts when you try to do it yourself! Not recommended. On the up side, though, I also learned which areas hurt the most and the least. Most? Front and center. The further down you go, the lesser the pain. Seriously.
Salon one
My little experience scared me off of waxing for a couple years before I decided to suck it up and rip it out again, but this time I was going to go to a professional. I was graduating college and was going to to on an excursion to Hawaii shortly afterward and didn't want to have to worry about shaving or stubble for the entire 12 days I would be there.
I looked up an Aveda salon (the familiar brand name was somewhat comforting) and found a place that wasn't too far away that had reasonable prices. I nervously called up the salon and made an appointment for a bikini wax. The fateful day came and I popped a couple of Advil and drove myself to the spa with all the enthusiasm of someone making their way over to the guillotine.
The aesthetician looked a bit like a cleaned up Christina Aguilera...when she had that super dark tan and black hair. She left me in the room to take off my shorts and situate myself on the table with a towel over my lap. She came back and did a "check" to see if the hair was long enough to be waxed (it was) and then asked me what I wanted done. She was confused about my request for a bikini wax since apparently I'm not that hairy. I explained that I wanted everything taken off and she said that next time I should request a brazilian when making an appointment (oops). Anyway, she got to work, leaving my underwear on and working around it. I held my breath while waiting for the first rip...and holy goddamn ouch it hurt. Thankfully, the first few strips were as bad as it got and the pain lessened as she moved further down.
After she was done she left me alone in the room to clean myself up. I checked out her "work" and observed that it wasn't as clean as I thought it'd be (still some hairs left) but it was far cleaner than shaving. Also, the pain was bad, but not nearly as bad as I thought it'd be.
So, here's some lessons learned after experience #1 and a little advice to keep in mind:
This is the time to bust out your granny panties
Not only will your lacy little thong chafe your freshly waxed skin, it will get covered in baby powder and whatever oil/toner/etc. they use to clean you up. And possibly residual wax. I'd advise comfortable cotton underwear. It'll be more comfortable, plus they're a cinch to wash.
Wear comfortable bottoms
I was wearing shorts that were a bit binding this particular time. Not pleasant.
Make sure your hair is at least 1/4" long before waxing
Most places won't wax you if it's not. Some places want it even longer. I'd ask if you're unsure.
Keep yourself clean!
Imagine being face to face with some stranger's crotch for 20-30 minutes. Now imagine this stranger has questionable hygiene and has not showered in 36 hours. I like making morning appointments so I can just take my morning shower and go straight to the salon. I'm sure the aesthetician would appreciate it.
Tip well
I believe that the more "personal" the service, the more the tip should be. I generally tip 30ish percent.
The cost of experience #1? $25. They were nice and charged me for a bikini wax even though I got a brazilian.
I'm going to have to make this into a two-parter since this is getting way too long. More later!
Labels: beauty, bikini wax, brazilian wax, experiences, salon, services, spa, waxing
