Never done waxing before. Have questions.

dawnie204

I've never had anything waxed before, but I'm thinking of doing it for the wedding/honeymoon.  The areas I'm considering are legs and under arms.  I know it hurts, but I'm thinking it will be worth it?  But, what do I need to know going into this?  Do I have to grow out my hair so it can stick to the wax?  How long does it stay smooth?  Should I spend time checking out places that do it, or is any place that offers waxing good enough?  Anything else you guys think I should know?

Thanks!

saturninus

Are you going on a honeymoon right after?  If so, I suggest it.  I will be getting my bikini line done.

- Yes, you do need to grow your hair out
- It should stay smooth for 1-2 weeks
- I would check reviews on yelp of places that do it, a bad wax can be extremely painful and leave little hairs
- Don't come in with a sunburn
- Take an advil before your appt

meagandal

I plan to as well.  It does hurt but not unbearable.  You need hair to get it done like 1/4 inch, for me I need to not shave for about a week to 10 days to be good to go.  I exfoliate a couple days before (not day off) and you definitely don't want to have a sunburn.  For me it was a good 2 weeks before I had any regrowth, and it was minimum and I was shocked how much smoother and less noticeable it was after only one waxing.   I get my arms waxed as well and they last longer like almost a month.

I would say that if you don't need it then only wax to your knees or at least only mid thigh.  I had the backs of my upper legs done once and it was brutal.  I do bottom half of legs and about  6 inches above knee on the outer/front part of  my thigh.

I've only done bikini once, I HATED it- I mean the result was great but it was painful, granted I was 20 and lived in Philly and went to a place a sorority sister recommended and I have no idea if they were legit I had nothing to compare it to, so I'm not sure if I will do this again or not? 

BMcLeodTeam

I have been debating doing this before the wedding for that and the honeymoon, never done the waxing on anything but my legs and eyebrows before...

volleygurl0306

Agree with what the ladies above said but one thing I learned the hard way was once you pick a place, well before the wedding, get a small area tested.  I once tried a drug store wax and had a terrible reaction....tried to do my upper lip and I blew up and looked like a duck for days.  Then I had a friend recommend a place saying they use all natural wax and don't use strips and thought I'd try it in my bikini area.  Well I still reacted!  I was swollen, red, itchy...most uncomfortable thing to have down there next to a yeast infection.  I have super sensitive skin so I am not the norm so don't be scared.  I just would not want this to happen for your wedding.  Read reviews to find a place that knows what they are doing...then ask them to test a small patch so you know how your skin reacts.  Good luck!

dawnie204

Thanks for the info! 

@saturninus -- Yes, the honeymoon is right after and we are going on a cruise, so I would really like to not have to shave in that tiny shower!

@meagandal -- I don't plan on doing the bikini area........I'm not that brave!  Thanks for the info about the thighs.  I hadn't even thought about that.  I think I will do the top front like you suggested.

smartlypretty

Not all waxes are created equal!!!! You NEED to go on yelp and find not only a good salon, but also a good waxer. I went to a high end salon/spa once for a bikini wax and left with practically bruised skin. For anyone who is in Philadelphia who might see this, I *highly* recommend Mila at Saturn Club in University City. She's GREAT. She's quick, she knows what she's going, she won't hurt your skin, and it's not even that expensive. I'd never go anywhere else. 

mandy10er

I STRONGLY recommend you get hard wax. It is literally the best invention ever. It hurts significantly less than any other kind of wax. You should see if there's a salon near you that has it. Also, I suggest if you're doing it for the honeymoon, you start doing it before. When you shave, your hair grows back all unevenly (as a pose to waxing). So, it takes a bit to even out. But then you can go at least 3 weeks without needing to shave, depending on hair texture.

prettypictures

I'm going to wax everything in the bikini area... I don't mind shaving my legs and underarms, but I really don't want stubble down there on my honeymoon! 

I don't think it will be too bad for you... the bikini though... eek!

QueerFemme

I would say do a test run SOON, like, now and see how your skin reacts.  I have to get my eyebrows waxed at least 1 week, but preferably 2 before I am photographed.  My skin is red & puffy for at least 3-4 days.    I have tried a bunch of different salons, and it's all the same.  My skin isn't typically sensitive to anything.. lotions, makeup, etc.  But, waxing almost causes welts on my skin.

So, go get waxed now... see how it works out for you. 

morenachica110

I haven't been waxed before, but I've heard really good things about this salon near my house from multiple people. I'm planning on doing legs, eyebrows, underarms, and bikini. They have a deal where you can get one wax service (besides legs) free to try it out so I'm going to do my bikini. If my bikini is good then everything else is good. I'll probably try out my eyebrows too since I want to find someone who does a good shape.

ltleen

If you were in my area, I could recommend a great waxer. Alas! But as someone else said, the true key is to find a competent waxer. Definitely do some research before you pick a place. The more experience they have, the less painful it will be for you. 

I've only ever done full Brazilians (I'm brave :P) and my waxer says there needs to be three weeks of growth down there before anything can be done. I'm not exactly sure what length that equates to, but a quarter inch sounds abour right. It does hurt, but it's not totally unbearable, and I think the results are worth it. I couldn't do it consistently because of the cost factor, but it sure is a nice treat. It lasts about two weeks or so.