7 Things Your Bikini Waxer Wants You to Stop Doing
Even if you've done it a million times, going to get a bikini wax can be a harrowing experience. Do you trim beforehand? Should you chitchat while they're doing it or just stare at the ceiling? So many questions! Because of all the unknowns that go along with getting a bikini wax, Cosmopolitan.com asked several waxing professionals what they wish their clients would stop doing before, during, and after waxing so you'll wonder no more.
1. Stop worrying about whether or not you shaved your legs or if you need a pedicure. Celia Anaya, 28, who has been waxing for eight years and works at Wax Addict San Francisco, says a lot of clients feel embarrassed about having not shaved their legs or having rough feet or something, but she says, "That's the last thing we notice. We're so used to seeing privates we're desensitized, just another day at the office! So relax, breathe, and take it like a woman!"
2. Don't think you have to cancel your appointment just because you have your period. Anaya says she'd rather have clients stay on their waxing schedule, even if they're on their period. She says that although your skin might be more sensitive to waxing during your period, plenty of people still come in anyway. She just recommends coming in with a fresh tampon.
3. Don't shave for a long time before you come in. Rachel Deikman, 33, who has been waxing for 10 years and also works at Wax Addict San Francisco, says that even though it may be inconvenient, you shouldn't shave for four to six weeks before you wax. Deikman says, "We know it's hard, but trust us, it's worth it. We can always trim if it's too long, there is not much we can do if it's too short." Shobha Tummala, Founder of Shobha, seconded this, saying, "We wish clients would stop shaving between bikini wax appointments ... [It] can throw off your waxing schedule and prevent you from getting the cleanest results from your wax. Also, uneven shaving can lead to stubble after waxing ... as some hairs may be too short for proper removal." Lindsey Blondin, 34, spa director for George the salon Chicago, recommends having about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of hair because otherwise, "the hair is too short and there's not enough leverage for the wax to grab it and pull it out."
4. Don't have sex right before you come in to get waxed. Ana Cristina Pitts, owner of The Brazilian Beeswax and a bikini waxer for over 20 years, says you shouldn't have sex before you come in for a wax and they can tell if you do. Pitts says if you do, "You are swollen and drippy! It won't affect the wax, but spare us please." TMI? Yes, but good to know.
5. Stop apologizing for your vagina. Annie Nicolette Hellmuth, 23, who has been waxing for three years and works at Garnet Lash Studio Monterey, hates it when women say sorry for something like how hairy they are. Hellmuth says, "Stop apologizing! It's my job to wax you."
6. Don't use your phone while it's happening. Hellmuth says she's actually had clients who have FaceTimed with their mom for moral support while she was waxing them and would prefer it if you, you know, didn't do that. You know, because rudeness and awkwardness.
7. Don't have sex, swim, or do any heavy exercise right after. Hellmuth says, "Your pores stay open for 24 hours after a wax and swimming, doing heavy exercise, or having sex could all allow bacteria to get directly into your pores. You want to treat freshly waxed skin as an open wound and keep it as clean as possible."
