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Wax On Wax Off

A pro tells all: 5 things to know before you bare your bikini (line).

bikini wax illustration1) Don’t believe the hype.  “ ‘Sex and the City’ did a number on bikini waxing,” says Alayne White, of her eponymous spa in Bristol and Providence. “They made it look like the most painful thing in the world. I’m not saying it feels great, but it’s over in a nanosecond. Think of it as removing a duct tape-like band-aid.”

 2) Go to a reputable spa. Let’s just say you don’t want a novice down there. A bad bikini wax can cause bruising. A good one, which lasts anywhere from three to six weeks, and costs around $25 (depending on, how shall we say, the work involved) equals no stubble and smooth, clear skin.
 
 3) Brace yourself.  The first time is the most painful, says Alayne, because the hair is coarse from the razor. The ouch factor lessens the more you do it—so long as you don’t shave between appointments. Make sure there are no cuts or sores, and don’t hit the beach or booth prior to your appointment—a tan changes the texture of your skin.

 4) Plan ahead. Three weeks of hair growth is the optimal amount to wax off. If the hair’s too short, you won’t get a good wax (a good spa will tell you to come back). If the hair’s too long, some salons (Alayne’s won’t go there) will trim. Consider, um, heading up this project yourself prior to your appointment.

 5) Know what you want. Are you more of a granny pan-ties or low-cut thong kind of gal? Alayne’s “basic wax”—think Lands’ End swimsuit—is for the conservative at heart (and body). The “Too Close to Call” goes more in depth—a little, or a lot, off the top, sides and back near buttocks—without crossing any lines: no cute shapes, no frog position, no being mistaken for a stripper.

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- October, 2008

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