ELLE gives you the low down and tips on being hair-free for bikini season!
Waxing 101
The deal: By placing strips of warm wax on the skin and pulling back, hairs are removed from the root, leaving a baby-smooth finish.
Cost: $$
Expert's Tips:
• To ease the pain try taking a Tylenol 40 minutes before waxing. Avoid taking Aspirin because it thins the blood and could cause bruising.
• Wear loose clothing -- your skin may be irritated after and will need room to breathe.
• Don't hit the gym beforehand -- it can cause irritation.
• Because the area will be sensitive after the waxing, don't tan for at least 48 hours, or it could leave you with a nasty burn!
• If you do experience discomfort after waxing, apply gentle pressure to the area with your fingertips. Ice also works to decrease sensitivity.
• Use a loofah or gentle exfoliant before waxing to get rid of dead skin cells.
• Because pores are very soft after a shower, wait several hours to allow pores to close before waxing.
• Try not to shave in between treatments -- it will cause in-grown hairs.
• Because skin tends to be more sensitive right before and right after your menstrual cycle, waxing can be more painful. Try to avoid waxing 3-4 days before and 3-4 days after your period
• Make sure the hair in your bikini area is at least ¼ inches long so the wax can grab a hold of it. If it's longer, trim it back.
Expert's advice: "The best wax to get for wearing a bikini is definitely completely bare! When laying on the beach or by the pool you want there to be no chance of any hair peeking out of your bikini in the front or the back!" says Bishop. You will also feel much more sexy and confident in your teeny-weeny.
Get Laser 101 tips on the next page ...
Check out Lucian Matis's Fall 2010 backstage beauty report
Find out what's on ELLE Canada's beauty hot list
Vanessa Paradis is all about Chanel's latest lipstick line
