If the thought of a bikini wax leaves you running in the opposite direction for a razor and shaving cream, think twice. Bikini waxes could be a great alternative to shaving if you have sensitive skin or if you are prone to razor burn. A few tips could ease your mind and some of the pain associated with the dreaded bikini wax.

Don’t be intimidated!

One of the most important things that will ease your stress before a bikini wax is trust. Be sure that you trust the salon or spa and ask around for recommendations from your friends. A great place to start researching is a “best of the best” issue of your local magazine if your town or city publishes one. Remember that the person doing your bikini wax has probably done ten bikini waxes that same day so although you might feel a little embarrassment, it’s probably all in your head. A great groomer will work to make you feel comfortable. If you have hesitations, be up front. Chances are they have heard it before and know how to put you at ease.

Ask questions before you decide what you want

If you’re reading what the spa offers and you don’t quite know what everything means, just ask. There’s no shame in asking what a Brazilian bikini wax is before you book an appointment. If you think you want a modified version of anything, don’t hesitate to talk it over. From what I’ve heard from my own bikini waxer, she gets some pretty unique requests. If you consider yourself a normal person, then your request is probably pretty normal as well.

Don’t underestimate the value of timing

I’ve been told that the best time to get a bikini wax is about a week after your menstrual cycle is over when your pain threshold is higher. I have gone at all different times in my cycle and nothing has been so excruciating that I didn’t want to go back, but I will admit that a week after my menstrual cycle has been the most comfortable.

Prep your skin

Let your hair grow a bit. Any hair too short will not be picked up by the wax which will leave you with an uneven wax or the need to tweeze stray hairs (not pleasant). As my bikini waxer tells me, she would rather hair be on the longer side than the shorter side. Also, gently exfoliating the area that will be waxed the day before will help to expose the hairs that will be removed.

Ask for the good stuff

Before you book an appointment, ask if they will use hard wax when waxing your bikini area. Hard wax is applied and then hardens. The edge is then pulled up quickly in the same motion that wax and paper would be pulled, but it is much more comfortable. I have been waxed using both methods and although I’m never exactly excited to get a bikini wax, the hard wax is ten times less painful than the paper and wax in my opinion.

Go with your gut

If for some reason you didn’t like the person who was waxing you, or you don’t like the salon or spa in general, don’t go back. There are probably several other professionals in the area that can do better. You should never feel as though you didn’t get your money’s worth because in general, bikini waxes aren’t cheap.