It's the class we've all been dreading at college....the bikini line wax. We practice everything on each other and we begrudgingly take it in turns to model for the tutor to demonstrate on first. Guess who modelled in front of the entire class on this occasion?! Yours truly, of course!! Think visiting the gynaecologist with 14 medical students looking in with horrified faces. CRINGE.
Now I am no stranger to a wax down below. My undercarriage has touched down in Brazil and Hollywood several times and I've learnt to shake off any nerves and just lie back and think of England - but this was an altogether different experience. Lying down under the bright, harsh lights of our classroom, my tutor demonstrated to the class a step-by-step method for bikini waxing. Embarrassing, yes, but I scored some serious kudos from my classmates who consequently avoided a public-arena wax.
Waxing is ideal for your nether-regions. It may be a little bit painful the first time you try it and depends on your personal pain threshold (nerve endings in that area can have long term sensitivity following pregnancy, for example), but it gets better each time and there's no contest when you compare the smooth, clean feeling to that of shaving, and the results can last for a couple of weeks. Yes, you'll then have to let it grow for a couple of weeks (hair should measure about 4-8mm) but you'll always think it's worth it post-wax, trust me!
Whether you're a fan of the au naturale, more of a landing strip kinda girl, or simply happy to remove any rogue curlies from peeking out from behind your knickers - whatever your preference, whatever your thoughts, intimate waxing is big business and can be good fun. Here's a run down of the various styles and trends in case you ever fancied trying something new...
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Now I am no stranger to a wax down below. My undercarriage has touched down in Brazil and Hollywood several times and I've learnt to shake off any nerves and just lie back and think of England - but this was an altogether different experience. Lying down under the bright, harsh lights of our classroom, my tutor demonstrated to the class a step-by-step method for bikini waxing. Embarrassing, yes, but I scored some serious kudos from my classmates who consequently avoided a public-arena wax.
Waxing is ideal for your nether-regions. It may be a little bit painful the first time you try it and depends on your personal pain threshold (nerve endings in that area can have long term sensitivity following pregnancy, for example), but it gets better each time and there's no contest when you compare the smooth, clean feeling to that of shaving, and the results can last for a couple of weeks. Yes, you'll then have to let it grow for a couple of weeks (hair should measure about 4-8mm) but you'll always think it's worth it post-wax, trust me!
Whether you're a fan of the au naturale, more of a landing strip kinda girl, or simply happy to remove any rogue curlies from peeking out from behind your knickers - whatever your preference, whatever your thoughts, intimate waxing is big business and can be good fun. Here's a run down of the various styles and trends in case you ever fancied trying something new...
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Bikini Wax* Basically your standard short, back and sides. Removing the hair you can see outside of your knickers - bit from the sides, bit from the top and a little bit from underneath. | Extended Bikini Wax* Same as a bikini wax, but a little bit more from all the sides leaving a smaller triangular shape. |
french bikini wax* | brazilian wax** |
 Looks like a Brazilian with a small triangle or a small line known as a 'landing strip' at the front, but the hair underneath remains. Ooh la la! |  The most common style is a 'landing strip' but it can also be a small triangle, a 'postage stamp' square, a heart, etc. All other hair is removed (undercarriage and bottom). |
hollywood wax** | go wild! |
 Everything off, clean as a whistle! Many people rave about the no hair look but I think it's very much a personal opinion. (I once had a Hollywood wax done in Hollywood - had to be done right?!). |  Be creative and try out some different shapes, colours and vajazzles! Therapists have heard it all so there's no need to be embarrassed in asking for what you want (sparkly rainbow anyone?) |
*Position - Lying on your back, legs bent outwards, no need to turn over. You will most probably be able to keep your knickers on or they will provide you with paper knickers to avoid getting any wax on yours.
**Position - Lying on your back, legs bent outwards, you will need to turn over for your therapist to gain all round access...You don't tend to wear knickers for these waxes but you may be provided with a teeny weeny paper thong.
**Position - Lying on your back, legs bent outwards, you will need to turn over for your therapist to gain all round access...You don't tend to wear knickers for these waxes but you may be provided with a teeny weeny paper thong.
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What about men?!
Let's not forget to mention intimate waxing for men. 'Back, sack and crack' waxes are fast gaining momentum for exactly the same reason as women having any intimate waxing - it's much smoother and feels cleaner and is less risky than shaving. Often hot wax is used, as the skin is quite sensitive and 'baggy' around the testicles and hot wax only clings to the hair rather than the skin and allows for a much safer and more effective treatment.
For any male readers considering it then here's a good description of the treatment - click here.
It also doesn't stop there - there are Boyzilians, Pejazzles, the list goes on....
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the questions you've always wanted to ask...
Check out these Q&A from Notting Hill's amazing wax bar Strip. They've waxed over one million people, including lots of celebs, so they know their stuff.
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So there we have it. Whether you care to bare or prefer some hair, it's a completely personal thing, but hopefully you'll feel better equipped for when the occasion arises.
I will only be offering a basic bikini wax in my salon, as intimate waxing is not currently included on my course. I will require models for an assessment in college soon (it will be relatively private and discrete)...any takers....anyone?!
Laura x
P.S. I can't write a blog about intimate waxing without mentioning the Wonder Waxer I still go to in London, despite having relocated from there over a year ago! Angel Nails and Tanning Salon on Chapel Street in Angel is THE place to go. The lovely Vietnamese lady is without doubt the best waxer I've ever had, super speedy and thorough and it's only £15 for a Brazilian wax, which is the cheapest I've found! Go see her, I recommend her highly.
