This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Haverford chapter.
For some reason the topic of waxing still seems slightly taboo. I have no idea why, as I see it as the same thing as a haircut or pedicure, but most girls are not open about their waxing habits. This is probably why many people are afraid to try it, because they think it will hurt too much or are too embarrassed to ask what the different options are. So I have decided to de-code the waxing experience and encourage girls to try it out. Not only do I think waxing is much healthier for your skin, but also it can also give you a confidence boost similar to that fresh manicure or new pair of wedges!
The Options:
1. Bikini
I recommend starting here for anyone who is new to waxing! You will love not having to worry about shaving for weeks and getting a bikini wax is much better for skin that easily gets ingrown hairs. If you are nervous about the pain (no need to be!) then take two Advil about an hour before your appointment. Also, even though it seems awkward to make small talk with your Waxer it can help take your mind off of it and let you relax.
2. G-String
For those wanting to be a little more adventurous but aren’t ready for the full Brazilian, the G-String takes more off than bikini but less than everything (think “landing strip”). The G-String will hurt less than a Brazilian because you are generally not waxing the most sensitive bikini areas. I would definitely suggest this one if you are going on a beach vacation or want to transition from the bikini to Brazilian.
3. Brazilian
Now when I got my first Brazilian it was completely on accident. My waxer had a very strong Eastern European accent and I usually just got the same Bikini wax, so when she started asking me if I wanted a Brazilian I didn’t really understand and just nodded my head in confusion. How quickly I realized my mistake…but afterwards I was very glad! Maybe not in that initial moment of pain and getting used to it, but I have never gone back to the standard Bikini. Once you go Brazilian you never go back!! All it took was that little push into the unknown. I am not going to lie, the Brazilian hurts more than a Bikini and G-string because the skin is more sensitive in some areas. But, it feels similar to taking a band-aid off and if you can find a great waxer you will get used to the slight pain very quickly. At most places a Brazilian includes taking everything or mostly everything off (you can choose to leave a little on if you aren’t comfortable yet with baring it all).
4. Hollywood
I initially ran into the trouble of distinguishing between a Brazilian and a Hollywood when I got a wax in London for the first time. In Europe they usually have many more options for waxes. Whereas in the US it is mostly Bikini or Brazilian, with you specifying exactly what you want, in Europe the menu is extensive and confusing. A Hollywood means taking everything off (front and back), as opposed to the possibility of leaving some on with a Brazilian. In Paris they call this the “Integral” wax and trust me it is a very “integral” process that usually takes 45 minutes. This wax is not for the first-timers, but I recommend trying it out if you have waxed several times before and are used to the awkward poses and pain.
5. Bollywood
The newest waxing craze is something called “vagazzling” or the Bollywood wax. It seems completely ridiculous to me, but you can have little gems glued on in different patterns after getting a Hollywood wax. Not only does it seem utterly impractical, but also I can imagine it looks a bit ridiculous to guys. I don’t see the point in bedazzling down there, but if you have the time and extra bit of money then why not!
Top Tips:
1. Take an Advil or two an hour before the appointment.
2. Never get a wax around your “time of the month”—skin is much more sensitive even a few days before and after.
3. Wear loose clothing for the rest of the day—your skin needs time to breath and recover, plus it is a great excuse to rock some sweatpants.
4. Create a regular schedule—the more regularly you get waxed the less painful and easier it is because your hair will grow back softer (opposite from shaving!!).
Hot Wax vs. Strip Wax Debate:
As a rule of thumb I always find a Waxer who has hot wax when I am getting my bikini-line done. Hot wax is a thicker consistency and is peeled off without the use of paper strips. The wax is not only infinitely better for sensitive skin, but it also gets down to the root so that your hair takes longer to grow back and will be a lot softer. Always request hot wax when you are getting any of the Bikini, G-string, or Brazilian waxes. It might cost an extra 10 bucks, but it is completely worth it and will hurt A LOT less than strip wax. On the other hand, strip wax is often used for eyebrows, legs, arms…etc. It is perfectly fine for those areas that are much less sensitive and will be the cheaper option if you are looking to get a quick eyebrow fix. With this method, the wax is applied normally but taken off with strips of paper and it tends to be more opaque and thinner than hot wax.
Recommendation:
The best place I have found around Haverford is Mrs. Ken’s Wax and Nails. Mrs. Ken uses only hot wax and is always very friendly and quick. She is usually easy to get appointments with and will schedule a regular time for you to go every 4-5 weeks. I have only had a Brazilian wax from her and it was $55, which may seem pricy but it is really worth it as opposed to cheaper strip-wax places. Also, she will give you discounts if you recommend your friends! She is located behind the CVS on Country Line Road in a hair salon (it is very normal for Waxers to share space with salons). Click on the link above to see her Yelp page.
