Swimsuit season is descending upon us, and that gets all us gals thinking about removing unwanted hair.  Being an esthetician, I have picked up a few tips and tricks of the trade.  Hopefully, these can help make your own waxing experiences more pleasant and productive.

1. Consult a profesional – This is very important, and look for someone appropriately licensed and experienced.  Some people make some pretty ambitious waxing attempts at home.  I have heard clients tell terrible tales of attempting their own bikini and Brazilian waxes.  Seriously, seek the help of a pro.
2. Take ibuprofen – A couple of ibuprofen 30-45 minutes can help take the edge of the discomfort of waxing.
3. Numbing creams/sprays – I like No Scream Cream.  These creams/sprays are generally applied 30-45 minutes prior to your waxing session to minimize pain.  Everyone’s pain tolerance is different.  Some people swear by these; yet, others claim they don’t see much benefit.
4. Exfoliate – Frequent exfoliation (the more the better!) will help prevent ingrown hairs and will make your esthetician’s job easier.  I recommend using St. Ives Medicated Apricot Scrub (containing natural exfoliants and salicylic acid) with exfoliating gloves.  For you Brazilian waxers, do not exfoliate your more delicate parts for 72 hours prior to your wax.  You may resume exfoliation 48 hours after waxing.  Another post care product that’s great for helping to prevent ingrowns: Bliss Ingrown Hair Eliminating Peeling Pads.
5. Trim – Again, this can make your esthetician’s job easier.  The easier their job – the less pain you generally experience.
6. Warmer skin waxes better than cold skin – A warm shower prior to waxing, warm compress, or running your hands over skin to be waxed can help keep skin warm and primed.
7. No caffeine or alcohol – Drinking caffeine and/or alcohol can sensitize your skin causing you to more readily feel the sting of waxing.
8. Book a return appointment – Everyone’s rate of hair growth varies, but waxing should probably be scheduled every 3-6 weeks.  Having a regular schedule of waxing will mean that each time you visit your esthetician – you are only waxing the limited new growth.  Less hair = less pain.