Brazilian Wax: Ouch! Tips from Women Who've Been There Waxed That

image: Completely Bare Spa

Over the last several years, wax jobs have gone from being a risqué novelty to a basic grooming procedure countless women undergo regularly. Glamour shares info and tips on the Brazilian wax in this month's issue. In a new survey of 500 women by Schick, 73 percent said bikini-line maintenance is part of their normal beauty routine. Waxers across the country report that business is booming. In this economy, one spa owner observes, “there may be more wait time between waxes—some women come in every six weeks instead of four—but it makes them feel good without dropping a ton of cash.”

WAXING TIPS

Trim hair to a half inch ahead of time. No shorter, or it’ll be hard for the wax to grab it. “Long hairs take more time to pull out,” says Lisa, 23, of Palo Alto, California. “Who needs even another millisecond of pain?”




Book the appointment for at least a week after your period; the area can be sensitive the week before menstruation.



Apply a topical anesthetic 30 to 45 minutes before waxing. A popular one, and not just because of its name: Relax and Wax No-Scream Cream (left, $20, relaxnwax.com). Also take an ibuprofen before hitting the salon.




Get personal with your waxer…in another way. “We gossip and catch up on our lives as she’s working,” says Christine, 31, of Minneapolis, “and when I’m distracted, waxing hurts less.”




Other resources for information on waxing and best products for at-home treatments as well as spa experiences, visit Completely Bare and Bliss Spa.