As a teacher of Intimate Waxing for the last 8 years, I am very passionate that this treatment should be done correctly and using the correct products, as believe it or not, a Hollywood or Brazilian wax is not very painful and will leave NO irritation afterwards, if done properly.
I have been asked to write this blog by one of my clients, as she wanted to have the treatment done but was scared because of what one of her friends told her.
So here we go........
Myth 1 - It's really painful and you can't go to the toilet afterwards as it stings
Truth - Of course everyone has a different pain threshold and feels pain differently, however, if this is done correctly and non strip/ hot wax is used, it really shouldn't hurt too much, only when the hair is removed. Afterwards, as this wax doesn't stick to the skin, the skin is intact and not sore, with absolutely no discomfort in the loo!
Myth 2 - You have to be naked from the waist downwards and on all fours!
Truth - There are some therapists who prefer the 'on all fours' technique but it really can be done very efficiently without assuming this very vulnerable position. Also a paper disposable thong is perfectly OK and doesn't get in the way, so you should never feel totally exposed, if that worries you.
Myth 3 - You can't have a wax if you have your period
Truth - As long as the area is clean and fresh with a tampon in place, the only reason restricting treatment is your own sensitivity, in which case it might be better to wait until you are less sensitive.
The difference between Hollywoods and Brazilians
A Hollywood wax is generally all the hair removed from the front of the pubic area, underneath and around the anal area, where there is usually very little hair, but it would be silly not to remove it.
A Brazilian basically leaves hair on the pubis, front of bikini area, in a line, a triangle or maybe heart if you prefer! All of the underneath is still removed.
A high bikini line wax leaves a 'landing strip' from the front and underneath.
There is often a lot of confusion with the definitions of bikini waxing, and salons do make up names for the different treatments. My advice is just to make sure what the treatment involves before the therapist starts.
The difference between waxes
Warm wax/Strip wax - This wax can be honey, creme or any colour really and is usually very sticky. It is removed with paper or muslin strips. This is the perfect wax for legs, arms, chests & backs, as it is quick and efficient and relatively painless. However, in my opinion, warm wax should NEVER be used on sensitive intimate areas as it can cause skin lifting, soreness and often bruising. The outside of the bikini line is fine if the skin is toned and taut ( ie. younger skins).
Hot wax/ Non strip wax - This type of wax is used at a much lower temperature ( despite being called hot wax! ) and is a setting wax so no strip is used - it is just flicked off. It doesn't stick to the skin, only the hair, so is much better to use on sensitive areas, like the face, underarms and bikini area, leaving the skin perfectly smooth and comfortable, with minimal irritation and redness.The wax is very much like chewing gum texture so there is little breakage.
The treatment procedure
On the treatment couch should be wet wipes, preferably Tea Tree wipes, a disposable paper thong and a small towel. You are welcome to cleanse before the treatment and can use the paper thong if you feel more comfortable.
You will be asked to bend your leg out like a frog, for easy access to the bikini area. Also be prepared to bring your knees to your chest at some stage to reach the underneath. At no time will you be overly exposed when wearing the thong, and all of the hair can still be removed effectively, without removing your underwear completely.
Aftercare
When the wax is finished, make sure you are given aftercare advice about how to look after the area. It is very important that there is no friction or tight clothes in the bikini area for at least 48 hours, so no spinning classes, heat treatments or a passionate session with your partner!! It is best to refrain for a while until the skin settles down. Use a perfume free shower wash and apply a suitable soothing lotion. This advice should make sure you have the best wax.
Your next treatment should then be booked in the next 4-6 weeks. Regular waxing can really slow the growth rate down, so it makes good sense to have the treatment on a regular basis. It will also be much less painful!
Why do women have this treatment done?
Of course there is the argument that we were born with hair on our bodies so why should we remove it, especially intimately, which is there for protection. There is also the thought that this type of waxing is purely a trend and requested by a partner to be removed for sexual reasons. In my experience working with clients, this treatment is definitely not a trend and is usually done for hygiene and cleanliness reasons.
Once you have experienced the results of an intimate wax done correctly, it is rare to go back to full growth.
If you are thinking about taking the plunge and trying an intimate wax, please do some research and make sure your therapist is experienced, properly trained and uses non strip wax or hot wax on the sensitive areas. This should guarantee you a better, more comfortable treatment.
More information and advice
For more information and advice, or to book a waxing treatment, please call me Carol Paterson on 01252 781077 or
07789 993393.
I have been asked to write this blog by one of my clients, as she wanted to have the treatment done but was scared because of what one of her friends told her.
So here we go........
Myth 1 - It's really painful and you can't go to the toilet afterwards as it stings
Truth - Of course everyone has a different pain threshold and feels pain differently, however, if this is done correctly and non strip/ hot wax is used, it really shouldn't hurt too much, only when the hair is removed. Afterwards, as this wax doesn't stick to the skin, the skin is intact and not sore, with absolutely no discomfort in the loo!
Myth 2 - You have to be naked from the waist downwards and on all fours!
Truth - There are some therapists who prefer the 'on all fours' technique but it really can be done very efficiently without assuming this very vulnerable position. Also a paper disposable thong is perfectly OK and doesn't get in the way, so you should never feel totally exposed, if that worries you.
Myth 3 - You can't have a wax if you have your period
Truth - As long as the area is clean and fresh with a tampon in place, the only reason restricting treatment is your own sensitivity, in which case it might be better to wait until you are less sensitive.
The difference between Hollywoods and Brazilians
A Hollywood wax is generally all the hair removed from the front of the pubic area, underneath and around the anal area, where there is usually very little hair, but it would be silly not to remove it.
A Brazilian basically leaves hair on the pubis, front of bikini area, in a line, a triangle or maybe heart if you prefer! All of the underneath is still removed.
A high bikini line wax leaves a 'landing strip' from the front and underneath.
There is often a lot of confusion with the definitions of bikini waxing, and salons do make up names for the different treatments. My advice is just to make sure what the treatment involves before the therapist starts.
The difference between waxes
Warm wax/Strip wax - This wax can be honey, creme or any colour really and is usually very sticky. It is removed with paper or muslin strips. This is the perfect wax for legs, arms, chests & backs, as it is quick and efficient and relatively painless. However, in my opinion, warm wax should NEVER be used on sensitive intimate areas as it can cause skin lifting, soreness and often bruising. The outside of the bikini line is fine if the skin is toned and taut ( ie. younger skins).
Hot wax/ Non strip wax - This type of wax is used at a much lower temperature ( despite being called hot wax! ) and is a setting wax so no strip is used - it is just flicked off. It doesn't stick to the skin, only the hair, so is much better to use on sensitive areas, like the face, underarms and bikini area, leaving the skin perfectly smooth and comfortable, with minimal irritation and redness.The wax is very much like chewing gum texture so there is little breakage.
The treatment procedure
On the treatment couch should be wet wipes, preferably Tea Tree wipes, a disposable paper thong and a small towel. You are welcome to cleanse before the treatment and can use the paper thong if you feel more comfortable.
You will be asked to bend your leg out like a frog, for easy access to the bikini area. Also be prepared to bring your knees to your chest at some stage to reach the underneath. At no time will you be overly exposed when wearing the thong, and all of the hair can still be removed effectively, without removing your underwear completely.
Aftercare
When the wax is finished, make sure you are given aftercare advice about how to look after the area. It is very important that there is no friction or tight clothes in the bikini area for at least 48 hours, so no spinning classes, heat treatments or a passionate session with your partner!! It is best to refrain for a while until the skin settles down. Use a perfume free shower wash and apply a suitable soothing lotion. This advice should make sure you have the best wax.
Your next treatment should then be booked in the next 4-6 weeks. Regular waxing can really slow the growth rate down, so it makes good sense to have the treatment on a regular basis. It will also be much less painful!
Why do women have this treatment done?
Of course there is the argument that we were born with hair on our bodies so why should we remove it, especially intimately, which is there for protection. There is also the thought that this type of waxing is purely a trend and requested by a partner to be removed for sexual reasons. In my experience working with clients, this treatment is definitely not a trend and is usually done for hygiene and cleanliness reasons.
Once you have experienced the results of an intimate wax done correctly, it is rare to go back to full growth.
If you are thinking about taking the plunge and trying an intimate wax, please do some research and make sure your therapist is experienced, properly trained and uses non strip wax or hot wax on the sensitive areas. This should guarantee you a better, more comfortable treatment.
More information and advice
For more information and advice, or to book a waxing treatment, please call me Carol Paterson on 01252 781077 or
07789 993393.