The waxing debate - what I learned and wish I knew ahead of time

She started with the left bikini area, so I would know how it felt and if I wanted to continue. It felt like any other wax, but just a larger area. It stung and then went away in 5 seconds. She then did the top left, right bikini, top right, middle left and middle right. Yes, the middle hurts, but it hurts for like 3 seconds. My waxer did three good tugs and each hurt, but nothing unbearable and as soon as the wax is off it was fine. I asked her ‘wait, was that the worst part?’ when she said ‘yes’ I just laughed. I had freaked myself out about the whole thing – readings tons of articles and watching youtube videos of people’s reactions. They were are crazy.

Once she was done she did had to go over a couple areas as touch up. This is why I say the wax really doesn’t stick to your skin so much, because this part really didn’t hurt at all. With the Brazilian it did include two butt strips, which didn’t hurt at all. I took sweat pants with me, but I honestly felt fine and put my jeans back on.

I thought I would be out of commission after this, but I ended up running to the mall and a couple other errends. It didn’t hurt so much as more just sensitive. Yesterday when I showered I could tell I would still a little sensitive, but only by touch, anything during the day I couldn’t tell at all. To me, the day after spinning for the first time in a while is a million times worse.

So, things I wanted to pass on. Make sure you go to someplace people have suggested. I first called a local salon in my area that does waxing as well. When I called I was speaking to the girl that does the waxes, but when I asked a couple questions and said I was nervous she said ‘I would be too’….NOT the response I wanted! She also said she would block 45 minutes off for me. So, I don’t know how it would’ve turned out. Maybe it would’ve been a lot more waxing sections. The 6 main were perfect for me, quick and done.

The other thing I really wanted to pass on is, make sure to get a couple before the wedding. I didn’t know this. Even if someone had told me it would’ve been too late for me by the time I made my appointment. My waxer told me that when we shave the hair isn’t all on the same growth cycle, so even though I got waxed, there are hairs that weren’t yet grow out and will start growing it. She said it takes 2 maybe 3 for them all to be on the same page and have the constant smoothness throughout. I’m a little bummed by this because I know that my results won’t last as long as I hoped. She said I could tweeze if I wanted if I notice some growing in. I’m hoping I won’t have to on the honeymoon!

Also she said no shaving again or else the next wax will hurt as bad as the first, trimming is fine, but if you shave it will hurt. Otherwise, if you stop shaving apparently it doesn’t hurt nearly as bad…I don’t know the science behind that, but that’s what she said.

Sorry for the long post, just wanted to pass on my experience and info. If you are debating having it done, just do it. It really wasn’t bad at all – and I’m a total wuss. I tear up having my eye brows done and had zero tears throughout this!

Oh also – it was $47.00 at the European wax center, but if it’s your first time it’s half off

Jillian, I just got my first wax a couple weeks ago and I'd say I was pretty smooth for a lot longer than I'd expected. Even now it's still about what I'd have only a few days after shaving. You shouldn't have to worry about it for your wedding and honeymoon.

I started going to European Wax Center 6 months ago and i am finally starting to not get too bad of ingrowns that i was getting in the beginning and when i was shaving.

i think its totally worth paying the money. i wont ever shave again.

I dont get a brazilian i get the bikini full and its just what i want.

And i really like going to the same girl all the time, i guess its a comfort thing since i am used to her now.

ETA: I can usually go 5 weeks in between waxes

Thanks Rebecca!! That makes me feel better!

Im glad you had a pleasant experience! I know my first wax was HELL. lol but ive been waxing since I was around 15 and as much as you "get used to it" that middle part always makes me want to punch my wax lady!

I totally agree on your advise, its definitely best to go somewhere that someone has recommended! As far as your hair growth, I dont know how fast your hair grows back but I got about every 4-5 weeks. so yo Miiiight be able to squeeze in another wax before your wedding,

EDIT: haha woops My coffee was still kicking in.. DUH this weekend is your wedding lol! You should be totally fine!

I agree with your post 100%. I had gotten a regular brazilian wax and it was the worst experience ever. About 2 years ago I started going to european wax center and it was a whole different experience. It does hurt at the moment but once it's done, you're fine and mine lasts a month which is great. I bought their ingrown hair serum & now it's seriously smooth like a babies butt lol. Totally worth the 10 minutes or so of discomfort

@ Jade - I just went this past Saturday and my wedding is Friday, so there won't be time lol. As long as I can get through the honeymoon I'll be happy

Wow, thanks for all the information! I have also been wanting to try this for my wedding.

Thanks for the info! Makes me a little less terrified of this haha.

Thanks for the info! I'm super nervous about doing it but hearing that you survived makes it a little easier lol

I was just talking to my friend who started doing this a few months ago and she said she loves it....I'm going with her in a few weeks. She said exactly what you said so thank you for confirming I wasn't sure if she was just saying it because she wanted me to get wrangled in with her. LOL.

The main thing I hate about waxing is that after about 10 days I start having regrowth and then have to wait another week or 2 for it to be long enough to wax again. I just wish mine lasted a bit longer. I don't have the money right now, so I've had to break down and shave twice, so that sucks

Glad you like it though, it really is preferable over shaving if you can afford it and have a good person.

Same as Laura...I get MAYBE 2 weeks of smoothness and then I'm waiting out the next appt. again. I haven't waxed in almost a year now but I'm gonna begin doing it monthly again starting tomorrow...wish me luck! haha

@Valarie- i feel that way too, i just give the girl a really good tip. BC hey i dont need to look at other Girls privates all day.

Valarie, I feel the sane way. Don't know if I'll get it done or not. But Jillian, thanks for the info!

@Valarie - I thought I would be nervous, but when she said to take my pants off, I just did it and was fine. Once I laid down I was like, well whatever. At the place I went the waxers wore scrubs. I know it's dumb, but I think it gave me more piece of mind like they are professionals and know what they are doing verse going to a salon where they just wear whatever they want. Also the fact that it wasn't salon and that's all they do. I just figured, that is their job. I'm not the worst or best they've seen and just left it at that lol.

It's surprisingly not as awkward as you would imagine to be half naked in front of the waxer. Just think of how many people they have seen! I agree that the hard wax is so much better than the soft wax. I wish I could afford to solely wax, but it's almost $100 a session here, which is just way too much.

Thanks for this Jillian, good info! One of my friends at work is hellbent on getting me into waxing... I barely get my eyebrows done, much less the rest of it. I'll certainly keep this in mind though, something to think about...

Oh, that sounds way less scary then I imagined. I guess I should get around to going here soon if I am going to do it.

Thanks for the PSA, this was definitely something I was considering.

My biggest concern was that I heard you have to let it grow out a bit so the hair is long enough for the wax to hold grip it. True or false? I just really don't want to let it get out of hand...