TresSugar

How Young Is Too Young to Get Waxed?

DearSugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0700

I'm all for the Brazilian Bikini wax, but according to a recent article on MSNBC, mothers are taking their young girls as young as 8 years old into salons to get waxed. I'm sure most of you are in shock reading this, just as I am writing it, but according to Melanie Engle, a Philadelphia aesthetician, “For waxing, 12 years old is the ‘new normal.’"

As we all know, everyone develops at different ages, but even if you get your period or develop hair early, this is still a disturbing trend. Dr. Doris Pastor, a clinical associate professor of pediatrics at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, feels, “the waxing itself is not an issue; the bigger issue is whether they are encouraged to engage in risky behaviors.”

While girls sure don't want to be teased if they develop earlier than their friends, Dr. Pastor has a great point. So how young is too young to get waxed?

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Hair Down There? Don't Despair!

GiggleSugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0700

We're living in an age that seems frightened - nay, terrified - of crotch hair, or, to put it more delicately, hair on the "bikini area." In the '70s, hairy everything was the rage and now? Nothin'. Even dudes wax their brows! Well, this hilarious parody of Japanese-style commercials, complete with B-movie scare tactics and awesome sound effects, turns that fear of hair down there into a commercial that could be a horror flick. (I wish our ads were this good! And FYI, I don't think that's really Japanese being spoken, but I could be wrong.)

Dear Poll: Do You Groom Down There When You're Single?

DearSugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:00:00 -0700

Women take bikini waxing very seriously. Even if there's just one hair that shouldn't be there, we somehow manage to find it, especially during bikini season or when we have a boyfriend. But what about when you're single? Sure, some women are just as neurotic when they're unattached, but others use their single status as an excuse to skip out on tending to their bikini lines altogether. So where do you fall? Do you still groom down there when you're single?

Do Tell: How Do You Feel About Men Who Manscape?

DearSugar — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 07:00:00 -0800

Women spend a lot of time and money taking care of their hair down there. We trim, shave, endure the agony of Brazilian bikini waxes, do electrolysis, even undergo laser hair removal.

It takes a lot of dedication to have a well maintained bikini area, so do you think guys should do the same? Do tell me, where do you stand on guys who manscape?

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The How-To Lounge: All About the Brazilian Wax, Part 2

DearSugar — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 06:01:00 -0700

Now that you know how to prep for your Brazilian, here's everything you need to know for game time.

If you're embarrassed about being pretty much naked in front of an aesthetician, try to remember she's a professional who sees many naked ladies all day long. It's personal and private to you, but it really is just work for her
Be sure your waxer does not double-dip the wax stick. They should use a new stick with every application of wax
You need a quarter inch of hair growth for a good wax, so it's best to wait 3 to 5 weeks between waxes, depending on your growth rate. Use your best judgement, but there does need to be enough hair for the wax to grab

Click here to read more

Brazilian waxes can be painful, especially the first few times, so I recommend taking an anti-inflammatory (like Advil) an hour before your appointment. As with your eyebrows and lip, the process is fast and the pain is fleeting. Frequent visits will cut down on the pain factor, but I won't lie to you: the first time hurts
If your skin appears a little red and swollen after your wax, don't be alarmed. Removing the hair at the root can 'shock' the area; however, after a few hours, the redness goes away
After she's finished, your waxer should give you a cream to apply immediately, which will help soothe the skin. Definitely use it!
Be prepared for the bill: Brazilians can cost up to fifty dollars, depending on where you live and where you go. Don't forget to add a gratuity; a good waxer definitely deserves it

I hope I've eliminated some of the anxiety and the mystery around the Brazilian. Thanks to everyone for the comments on Part 1; it's really helpful to have as many points of view as possible!

The How-To Lounge: All About the Brazilian Wax

DearSugar — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 06:31:00 -0700

Many of our readers wonder out loud about the Brazilian bikini wax, so let's cover this subject thoroughly in a two-part series. The Brazilian wax has seen a lot of American converts in the past few years, but many women still don't know all the details and remain a little shy about asking the proper questions.

Click here to read more

Many different styles of Brazilian exist, so you need to be very clear with your waxer about what exactly you're getting. One style includes removing every bit of pubic hair from the top, the bottom, and everywhere in between, while another leaves a "landing strip" or a small triangle of pubic hair. There's the "Mommy Brazilian", which entails leaving your frontal pubic hair natural but removing everything from the bottom and between. Then there's the straight Brazilian, which simply involves getting a nice wax around your bikini line.

It's uncomfortable; there's no way around it. Every one's threshold for pain is different, however. From all accounts it's about a million times less painful than electrolysis. I'd say, if asked, that it's more painful than eyebrow waxing but less painful than a lip wax, but I really can barely stand having a lip wax. Hopefully, I can tell you everything you ever wanted to know but were too afraid to ask. Let's begin.

The cardinal rule for any kind of wax is knowing where you are in your cycle. There's nothing more painful than waxing right before or right after your period; your skin is extra sensitive, which increases the pain and might increase the likelihood of major irritation and bumps. Just don't do it
Before your appointment, exfoliate all the areas you plan to have waxed. I recommend buying Tend Skin to use between waxes as another preventative measure against ingrown hairs
Brazilian waxes are not for everyone, so if you're not ready to be bare down there, take it slow and start off with the "mommy Brazilian". There's nothing wrong with keeping things a little natural and comfortable. Pace yourself
Most women I know absolutely do not regret removing all the 'bits and pieces' from between and behind, and that's usually the part most beginners are nervous about exposing and waxing. It doesn't hurt like you think, and everyone seems to prefer how fresh they feel afterward
In order for your waxer to remove all the hair, they'll ask you to get in some very 'compromising' positions, so make sure you find someone you like. Ask your friends for recommendations. I bet your hairdresser knows someone really good and really professional, too
If you're uncomfortable being completely naked during your wax, you'll have the option of wearing a disposable paper thong, which you'll be asked to hold taut during the waxing. Once you get to know your waxer, none of this will feel quite so awkward

That's the first installment, ladies. Come back tomorrow to read the rest of our Brazilian wax basics!
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Bikini Waxing Reaction Shots

GiggleSugar — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 11:30:00 -0800

Oh, the things women will do for "beauty." The Brazilian Bikini wax, made mainstream by Sex and the City, may be the most painful non-surgical procedure outside of childbirth that women unnecessarily put themselves through. This video, much like a horror film, leads up to the moment the waxer pulls the wax off, and then shows each woman's (and one guy's) expression of pain. Enjoy!

Brazilian Bikini Waxes: Why Do We Do This Again?

GiggleSugar — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:00:00 -0800

Watching this compilation of women's faces as they get the wax strips ripped off their lady parts is much like watching a horror film. You know, when women are wandering around in the dark, as the psycho is right behind them with a machete? You want to say, "Don't do it!" but all you can do is watch. I love how one of the waxers says, "This will be absolutely painless." Ha! Riiight.

Hump Day: Sex Makes Her Uncomfortable

TresSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:30:23 -0800

Welcome to Hump Day, TrèsSugar's sex advice column. If you have questions about sex, send them to TrèsSugar, and our friend Dr. Charlie Glickman from Good Vibrations will offer his sound advice!

Today's Question:
I'm 24 and in my first relationship. I really like the guy, we've been going out for six months, but I get nervous whenever he slips his hand under my underwear. He gets the hint and stops. I don't mind him doing other things (we haven't slept together yet), but I wish I wasn't such a prude. I don't know what he expects and I worry that he will be grossed out, as I only shave/wax the bikini line but not the whole thing. What if he thinks it is ugly? I also don't know what I should expect; he knows I'm a virgin, but I don't know how to speak to him about why I get uncomfortable, and I don't know how to overcome it! I also have a few stretch marks and worry that he will be grossed out by them. Please help?

To read Dr. Glickman's response, read more.

Thank you for sharing this challenging situation. I know that it can be scary to talk about things like this, but these are all really common thoughts.

One of the things that can help when you’re on the edge of your comfort zone is to take it very slowly. It’ll probably help to tell your guy about your discomfort, even if you can’t tell him why it’s there. You could simply say "I have a lot of discomfort around sex." You also might want to do a little solo exploration. It takes the pressure off because there aren’t any partner expectations. Check out the wonderful book Becoming Orgasmic. If you’re looking for tips or ideas for techniques, Tickle Your Fancy is full of suggestions. Once you know a bit more about what you like or dislike, you and your boyfriend might be able to find something that you both like to do.

It’s worth mentioning that vulvas come in all different shapes. (The vulva is the external female anatomy. The vagina is the inside part.) There’s a long history of negative attitudes towards the vulva, but each one is unique and beautiful in its own way. A lot of women have the idea that there’s something wrong with their vulvas because they don’t look like what we see in porn or because they have hair, and I think that’s unfortunate. I strongly recommend getting to know your parts and Scarleteen has a great site about that. It’s geared towards teens, but there's lots of amazing info about sex, bodies, and pleasure.

Another option would be to explore some of these concerns with a therapist. When you have an itch on your back, you need someone else to scratch it. Therapists help us by reaching the spots we can’t reach on our own. Lastly, depending on where you are, you could join a body-image support group. While they tend not to focus on sexuality, they can be an incredibly helpful way to work through our concerns about our bodies and how we (or other people) feel about them.

Working through these challenges isn’t always easy, but it can be very rewarding. Whatever route you choose, I hope you find the pleasure and joy that you deserve.

Is There An Age Limit For Bikini Waxing?

DearSugar — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 09:58:23 -0700

Dear Sugar
During gym time in the locker room, I've overheard that some of the girls in my grade are getting bikini waxes.

I've always thought there was some kind of age limit to get this done. Is there any possible way that I can get one without my mother finding out? Landing Strip Layla

Dear Landing Strip Layla
I've checked some renown salons and no - there is no age limit for getting bikini waxes. However, what kind are we taking here? Sides, and little off the top - or full on bare brazilian?

Hear me out because the DearSugar in me feels the need to be a tad overprotective.
If you are in middle school, I wouldn't suggest waxing. You are still going through puberty and I think that area should be left Au Natural for the time being.

However, if you are in high school I think that "Nairing" or shaving the sides (so there's nothing visible in underwear or a bathing suit) is the way to go.

By the time you are a senior I think you've pretty much fully developed. I understand why you would want to get it done - besides the pain of it feeling like you are plucking your nose hairs out one by one it looks great.

Just wait till you are at an appropriate age for it. Don't mess with mother nature until she's finished messing with you!