Like it or not, the bikini waxing trend is here to stay. But how do you know which style of bikini waxing is right for you?
Ashley Sanford, an aesthetician at Kozeta Salon in Toronto, passes along the low-down on the latest styles in waxing down under:
French bikini – removal of the hair that only shows when wearing a bikini bottom or underwear.
Deep bikini – removal of all hair on the top with the exception of a triangle or landing strip. Hair toward the buttocks is not removed.
Brazilian – full removal of hair from the front all the way to the buttocks. Sexy idea: ask your aesthetician to create a heart-shape landing with your Brazilian.
The nitty gritty:
- Allow your hair to grow in for four weeks before getting a bikini wax.
- Have work done at least two days before your wedding day or honeymoon to reduce any redness and ensure a smooth result.
- Exfoliate within 24 hours to prevent ingrown hairs.
- Hair should grow back within three to four weeks.
- The procedure should take between 15 and 45 minutes and cost from $20 to $60 depending on the style.
Ashley recommends taking a pain killer an hour before getting waxed. Then, during the waxing, stay relaxed and breathe.
Yes! I t can hurt!
Hair Removal
Do-It-Yourself
- Home waxing: Wax works. And it also hurts. Kits can be tricky and sometimes the pain is greater than the result.
- Razor: Cheap disposables can leave your skin red and irritated. Use a good razor with multiple blades and a moisturizing shave gel. Never use a razor on your face!
- Cream: Hair removal cream can have a dreadful odour (although new products are emerging with a better scent). Most creams are suitable for the legs, arms, bikini line and face. Be sure to read directions carefully.
Professional
- Salon waxing: Get eyebrows, lip and bikini line waxed at least a week before the wedding to avoid skin irritations on he big day.
- Threading: This is a traditional Middle Eastern technique that removes an entire row of facial hair at the follicle level. It’s fast, relatively painless and becoming more popular.
- Laser: Permanent but costly – it can add up to thousands of dollars. It is non-invasive, so less painful than electrolysis. Doesn’t work well on blonde, light red or light brown hair.
- Electrolysis: During electrolysis, a needle penetrates the skin into the hair follicle. It is painful but works on any skin type or hair colour. Compares in cost to laser treatments and will take several sessions to complete.
