How to Survive a Bikini Wax

If you’re like me, there are two reasons to put off bikini waxes: One, you’re busy, and two, it hurts like hell! But at the start of bikini season a waxing session is an absolute must for a lot of us, which is why I’ve developed this checklist to make the whole experience practically pain-free:

1. Schedule the appointment mid-cycle. Your body’s threshold for pain is much lower right before, during, or after your period.
2. Do not go out for margaritas before your wax. Though it dulls your senses, alcohol also thins your blood and increases your chance of bleeding. OUCH!
3. Trim before you go. Waxing short, even hair hurts less (but make sure it’s still at least 1/4-inch long—the optimal length for waxing).
4. Pop two ibuprofen one hour before you walk into the salon.
5. If you’re not up for the totally bare look, just skip it. Waxing is not a one-size-fits-all experience.
6. Bring your iPod so you can distract yourself with your favorite tunes, or strike up a convo with your aesthetician.
7. Be sure to pull your skin taut and exhale when your aesthetician rips off a strip.

Do all of the above and I promise you’ll make it through the torture. And if you still can’t? Grab your razor and the Gillette Venus Bikini Trimmer ($26.20 for 3 on amazon.com). It trims everything evenly, never nicks the skin, and requires no batteries. It’s a lifesaver!