Whether it’s gingerly plucking a few strays, a modest bikini wax, the demure French, or the full Brazilian, removing hair in the nether regions is a real pain.
Still, a lot of women will put up with the grief to get beach ready for summer. Waxing is a popular choice because of its advantages over shaving. By removing the hair at the root with warm wax, that is spread on like butter and then pulled off like a bandage when it dries, the results are smoother and last longer with no itchy re-growth.
The good news is Wax Hair Removal Bar’s Jaden Stevenson says there are ways to minimize the suffering. She has a few insider tips, like using numbing cream 45 minutes before getting waxed. She also recommends taking an Advil about 30 minutes prior and says to avoid the cosmetic procedure entirely the week before you menstruate.
“Your hormones are really amped up, and they are doing lots of weird things and you’re a lot more sensitive,” Stevenson explains.
Also, don’t down a Venti Latte before a wax treatment – caffeine seems to make the pain more acute, she says.
“You’re just on edge, your nerves are hyped up, so you feel the pain more if you are overtired or getting sick. Your pain tolerance is really weird and affected by so many different things.”
What’s most important to a successful wax, Stevenson says, is before- and after-care.
To avoid in-grown hairs – unsightly little bumps that look like pimples – don’t do anything after the waxing that would get bacteria into the area, Stevenson cautions. This means no swimming pools, saunas, baths – basically, no bodies of water, and avoid sexual intercourse. So no showing off that cute new hair-do to your partner who might be a little turned on with your new fur-free look.
Also, steer clear of synthetically scented products, which can throw off your pH balance, making the area a breeding ground for bacteria. About two days after the wax, gently exfoliate the skin with an antibacterial solution – do this each time you shower, Stevenson says.
“Aftercare is the most important [part],” insists Stevenson, who is “immune” to seeing strangers’ genitals. “We do women and men, so I see all different parts.”
It's not just the ladies getting a little below the belt grooming these days. Men (and yes, many are straight) are going for Boyzilians, the male equivalent of the Brazilian, with hair being removed from whatever area the client wants, including the shaft, testicles, and backside.
“It’s super random; I get guys in their early 20s right up to their 60s,” Stevenson says, describing the varied male clientele. “Some guys don’t like the hair, some guys’ partners don’t like the hair.”
Wax Bar estheticians go through a lot of “training” before tackling a Boyzilians – because they don’t have first-hand knowledge of the equipment, Stevenson explains.
“Getting used to it is quite interesting, because you are not quite used to maneuvering that area,” she says, but adds that the novelty wears off. “After a while, we do so many of them, it’s nothing.”
For hair above the waist, Lure salon stylist Lisa-Marie Read recommends starting with Bumble and Bumble Beach Surf shampoo and conditioner, which enhances natural waves, and then spritz on the Surf Spray to get that salty beach look.
“The surf shampoo and conditioner give your hair texture … grit,” she says.
Diffuse or blow dry your hair afterwards, then taking a wand curling iron, and dropping it from the root – so you don’t curl the root – hold the wand vertically, wrap your hair around it and leave out the ends.
Do each section in different directions – so it’s not all going one way. “If you curl everything the same way you have a big old sausage roll,” Read explains.
Then finish it with your fingers, running them through the hair gently, shake the hair and spray it with an anti-humidity spray. Voila! You have the tussled hair, don’t care vibe, that looks gorgeous with a summer glow.
Finally, for makeup, BeautyMark co-owner Kendra Lovick says the most-basic mistake is wearing too much makeup. Instead, go for light, water-resistant eye makeup, like Geisha Ink mascara, to avoid Alice Cooper eyes. The Geisha Ink liquid eyebrow liner is another water-resistant favourite that fills out brows in a way that looks natural.
Lovick suggests the Ilia tinted moisturizer, which has SPF 20 sun protection. It feels light, but offers solid coverage. The Ilia multi-stick illuminator is both a lipstick and blush that can be easily dabbed on before you go from the beach to dinner.
“Everyone gets a little more colour in the summer, so you can usually do something a little more saturated and vibrant,” Lovick says about which hue to pick. Her suggestion: Fine Romance, a bright fuchsia berry colour that will enhance that beautiful summer glow.
Summer isn’t endless, so make the most of the beautiful beachy look while the sun lasts.
