Dare to Go Bare? Go Bikini Waxing

Quickly gaining in popularity, Brazilian waxing was first introduced to the US in 1987 by a group of sisters from Brazil- hence the name. Here is the insider info to help take the mystery out of this intimate treatment:

What it is:
Unlike a bikini wax, which removes hair from the bikini line and inner thigh, a traditional Brazilian wax strips all pubic hair, from top to bottom.
Most spas offer the option to leave a strip of hair down the center of the bikini area. Many spas even offer to create shapes: commonly a strip, triangle or even heart-shape patch.

What to expect:
# You will need to undress from the waist down. Some spas offer a paper thong or drape cloths for modesty, but in general, this treatment requires you to bare it all - so be prepared. Remember, your esthetician has seen it all before!
# Hair that is longer than a quarter inch will be trimmed.
# Warm wax will be spread onto the hair and skin. A cloth strip is applied to the wax, pressed firmly and pulled off in the opposite direction of hair growth so hair is removed from the root.
# Active participation is usually required- lifting and spreading your legs in certain ways so that the esthetician can remove the hair.
# Stray hairs are usually removed with tweezers at the end.

Tips:
# Let hair grow out 2 to 3 weeks, or about a quarter of an inch before your appointment.
# Exfoliate the areas that will be waxed one day before prior with a body scrub, followed with body oil or lotion to soften the hair follicle.
# The pain of this treatment depends on the individual, and most women report that waxing becomes less painful with each session. Tylenol or other pain relievers, taken one hour before your appointment, can ease pain.
# A traditional Brazilian strips all hair- and we mean all. From your front to your backside and everything in between. If you are concerned about keeping some of your hair in tact, be sure to ask your esthetician before she begins for details on what exactly will be removed.
# If skin is sensitive after waxing, apply an antibiotic gel with pain relief, like Neosporin.
# Stay out for the sun/tanning bed 24 hours before and after your waxing appointment.
# The best time to schedule waxing appointments is at least one week prior or several days after your menstrual cycle, when skin is the most sensitive.