Shave vs. Wax

Every method of hair removal has its own pros and cons, but the pros of waxing over shaving are pretty undeniable.
 
Considering the fact that one should never shave with a dull razor (this increases your chances of nicks and cuts, and no one wants that down there) nor without a good shaving cream, plus hair grows back way faster after a shave, shaving every week turns out to be a lot more costly than a wax every 3-6 weeks.
 
Shaving removes the hair at a surface level, meaning your hair grows back quickly and coarser, whereas waxing pulls the hair from the root, weakening the hair follicle and causing your hair to grow back slower, lighter and more sparse. The curves of your bikini area are hard to navigate with a blade and injury is a serious risk. Hair removal creams are essentially the same as shaving as they simply remove the visible parts of the hair, not the root.
 
If you're still not convinced to bin the razor then at least do the job properly: exfoliate before to prevent ingrown hairs, make sure your razor is super sharp, use a shaving cream, and shave in the direction of hair growth, not against, for best shaving results.
 

Don't be shy

Showing your lady bits to someone who isn't your significant other is scary for most of us. Remember that your beautician has seen it all before and isn't judging you.
 
Find a beautician you trust and feel happy with and it'll make the whole process easier and more comfortable for you. Many women are put off from going to get a wax as they're worried the look weird down there or are too hairy. We can assure you that there's no such thing as too much hair and your waxer would rather deal with lots of hair than a bad shave job.
 
The perfect hair length for waxing is 0.5cm. Hair that is too short might not take to the wax properly, meaning your beautician will have to do loads of painful tweezing, while anything longer can be trimmed down, just ask! While the Brazilian is most women’s go-to style don’t be shy to be vocal and discuss exactly the look you would like beforehand.
 
Related Article: How to Chill Out with a Blissful at Home Spa Day
 

Preparation is key

Like you would brush your teeth before a trip to the dentist, have a shower before your visit to your bikini waxer: she'll appreciate it! Because waxing removes the top layer of skin anyway, it's not advised that you exfoliate for 48 hours before or after a wax (but after 48 hours you should definitely go for it as this should keep ingrown hairs at bay). For extra pre-wax cleansing care, try HairGo Pre-Wax Cleansing Gel. Also, remember to use the bathroom just before you go in; no one wants to have to get dressed halfway through a wax to go to the toilet.
 
Don't let the painful element of a wax put you off. Remember your first time will be the worst but every time you go in it'll get less painful and soon you will barely be flinching. Take a painkiller or apply some numbing cream like Anthisan 30 minutes before your appointment if you're nervous. Some girls swear by having a drink before but not only is this a bit disrespectful to your bikini waxer but alcohol actually makes your skin more sensitive.
 

Timing is everything

While pain is different for every woman there is a general rule that you should not get waxed five days before or after your period and most girls wouldn't dream of booking one during their period either. Most beauty therapists, however, don’t have a problem with waxing someone on their period, simply let them know so she can be aware of it.

Take your social schedule into consideration when booking your appointment. Those girls with sensitive skin can remain red and blotchy for two days afterwards while some of the lucky ones can be beach ready mere hours after their wax. If it's your first time give your skin a few days to recover as you never know quite how your skin will react. If you need a little help we recommend stocking up with HairGo Post Wax Soothing Lotion.
 

After Care

Heat stimulates hair growth so while you'll be going for waxes more regularly in summer there are a few tips you can try to prolong your wax. For 48 hours after your wax avoid heavy exercise, saunas, tight-fitting clothing, hot baths and sun exposure to keep your body cool and keep bacteria at bay (your newly waxed area is sensitive and thus more prone to infection at this stage).
 
Treat your bikini area with the same care you would your face by using a moisturiser to keep your skin and hair soft. Soft hairs are more supple and less likely to break, meaning your next wax should go quicker and smoother.
 
Trust us, you don’t want to be wearing lace panties and skin-tight leggings after a wax, so make sure you wear light and flowing clothes in breathable fabrics (think a skirt and sensible cotton panties).
 
The beautician will apply a soothing cream afterwards but if you want to apply more at home use a hydrocortisone cream or ESI Aloe Vera Hypoallergenic Gel to soothe and cool the area. Good old Prep Cream will also do the trick.
 
In the shower use a glycerine-free body wash to reduce redness and keep pesky bumps at bay. A good option available locally is the Natures Gate range - check the ingredients for glycerine/glycerol.
 
Related Article: Did You Know You Need to Switch Your Skincare for Summer?
 

Maintenance

Avoid doing any in between waxing quick fixes like tweezing or shaving before your next appointment. Your waxing therapist will agree that they'd rather someone with too much hair than someone who has been shaving. When you shave you are undoing all the progress made to your hair follicles through waxing, which means your next appointment is going to be painful. If you have any ingrown hairs try gently exfoliating until they go away or use Mandy's Ingrown Hair Serum . If they're being extra stubborn, resist squeezing or pinching at them and rather get an aesthetician to do the job properly.