by Jennifer J. Raymond

Created on: August 14, 2008

Are you fed up with having to shave your bikini line every few days, with the end result not looking that great? You may have thought about having a bikini wax as this removes the root of the hair, so typically leaves you smooth and hair free for up to four weeks. However, if you are not comfortable with baring all at a salon, then you may be interested in doing a bikini wax at home. If you are brave enough, doing your own bikini wax can be a lot quicker, simpler and cheaper.

Deciding when to wax:
1. Hairs need to be between a quarter to half an inch long, if they are too short, the wax will not stick. Also, trim the hairs if they are longer than this to allow a more even application of wax.
2. Avoid waxing when you are on your period as you are more sensitive to pain around this time.
3. Do not attempt to wax skin that is sunburned.

Preparing for the wax:
1. Take a painkiller fifteen minutes before waxing.
2. Prepare your skin, by cleaning thoroughly and exfoliating, as this will allow the wax to adhere better.
3. Apply baby powder to dry the skin as wax will not stick to wet skin

Waxing:
1. There are many different types of waxing methods to use such as hard wax, sugaring and ready-waxed strips. They are all based on the traditional concept of applying a warm wax to the skin, covering with a cotton cloth, pulling the skin taught, then removing the cloth quickly to pull out the hairs. Choosing which type of waxing kit to use is personal preference, so it is probably a good idea to experiment with a few brands to find the one that suits you best.
2. Read the manufacturers instructions thoroughly prior to starting so that you have a good understanding of how the kit works.
3. As tempting as it is to hold your breath, relax, as breathing in and out can actually help reduce the pain.

After waxing:
1. Remove any stray hairs with tweezers.
2. To soothe the waxed area, apply baby oil.
3. Wear loose clothing, this will not only feel more comfortable for the waxed area but will help to prevent ingrown hairs.
4. Avoid hot baths and swimming for a full 24 hours after waxing
5. Regular exfoliation of the waxed area will help to prevent ingrown hairs

If you are still worried about the pain, you could ask a trusted friend to help. Or if you have never waxed before, you could also go for a professional bikini wax just to get an idea of what is involved and what your pain threshold is like. Immediately after waxing, your skin will be a bit tender and resemble something along the lines of plucked chicken, but do not worry this is very temporary! You skin will soon be soft and smooth without a hair in sight and you will be wondering what all the fuss was about.

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