• Want to wear skirts again - waxing & tanning? 4/06
• Bikini Waxing Lowdown 4/05
• Brazilian Wax for Men 11/04
• Brazilian Wax in SF 7/04
• Place to get a FULL bikini wax 8/03
• Bikini Wax in Monclair/Rockridge 3/03
• Brazilian Bikini Wax 9/02
• Eyebrow Waxing
• Does waxing make hair thicker?
• More advice about Hair Removal

Bikini Waxing Lowdown

I think I'm finally ready to have a professional binkini wax done - just enough to look good in a swimsuit - but I would like to know what to expect, given the body parts involved. So tell me, those of you who have done it, what do I need to know? Do you wear underwear during the procedure, and are there underwear selection criteria to be aware of? Any other tips and tricks you have learned from experience? Getting ready for summer

First, I go to a salon at the bottom of Solano Ave, about half a block up from the Albany movie theater. I can't remember what the salon is called, but the number there is 510-528-5528 it's reasonably priced -usually $15 per wax but occasionally $20- and the women who work there work very quickly and professionally.

I usually just wear regular underwear and they tie it in order to earily reach where they need to wax. Last time I was there, though, the woman asked if I was ok with taking my underwear off. I'm an extremely modest person but I didn't mind because the women there are so easy going. It does hurt, for sure, but not as much as I had expected. They'll take off as much or as little as you want, just be clear with them.

I hope I've helped - when I got my first wax I became a convert and have been going ever since. Good luck! anon

At Festoon (MLK @ Rose) they're very professional, and I've had much better experiences there than at About Face and Body (College @ Alcatraz). At Festoon, they'll have you show them what kind of line you want by moving aside your underwear to the line you want. Or, you can wear the bathing suit under your clothes when you go in, and just tell them that's what you want. They're great there! wax advisor

BTW, I was REALLY sensitive to ripping the hair off in that region. Far more so than for legs/brows.

I didn't notice this in the archives, so here goes:

**Don't ingest caffeine a day prior to your visit. I hear it makes you more sensitive **Take an aspiriin or ibuprofen about an hour prior to the appointment.

**Trim your pubes to a reasonable length.

**Wear a skimpy thong backwards, to cover your privates, but to come in far so the gal can get enough hair. (not a thong with a tiny string in the back, but one with a strip) **Do try to relax during. The more tense you are, the more you will notice pain.

I don't think it's wrong to be nude, but some of us are probably a little private and don't want a stranger 1 foot from and staring at our crotch. :) The gal I had used a draping sheet over the parts she wasn't working on at that moment. Would have been far easier if I'd just worn a skimpy thong. Ali

Waxing FAQ

What is waxing? It's the removal of unwanted facial and body hair by the root. Warm wax, the consistency of honey, is applied over the hair to be removed. A cotton strip is pressed over the wax, then the strip, wax and hair are removed together in a quick pull.

Does it hurt? It's most uncomfortable at first since it's a new sensation. Any discomfort dissipates quickly and decreases with regular treatments, as less hair is removed each time. Caffeine, menstruation and pregnancy increase skin sensitivity.

How long does it last? Hair typically grows back several weeks after your treatment. For best results waxing should be repeated every 4-8 weeks, although once a year before your warm-weather vacation is fine, too!

How long does my hair need to be? 1/4''-1/2'' long, or at least 3 weeks growth. If too short, hair won't come out. If too long, hair will break and the service will be less comfortable. I suggest either shaving three weeks before your appointment, or trimming bikini line hair just prior to your appointment.

Will my hair grow back thicker? No, but after removing hair lightened by the sun darker re-growth may appear thicker. Often hair grows in sparser after regular treatments and since waxing removes hair by the root, a soft new hair with a fine tip grows in, eliminating razor stubble.

Is waxing okay for everybody? It's fine for most everyone, but isn't appropriate for those on certain medications such as Retinoids and Accutane, or for people with diabetes or particular skin conditions. If this is the case for you, I'll be happy to discuss other options.

What about ingrown hairs? Most people experience some, since as a new hair grows in it may become trapped under the surface of the skin causing slight irritation. Exfoliating regularly helps. To remove ingrown hairs, rub ice over irritated areas to draw hair to the surface of the skin, then gently remove with disinfected.

After Care: If possible, avoid sun, chlorine, steam, hot water, deodorant and scrubs for about 12 hours after waxing. Some redness, small spots or bumps are normal and should subside within a few hours. A cool, damp towel may be applied to the skin, especially on the bikini line and upper lip or for persistent irritation. Apply sunscreen to areas that will be exposed after waxing.

P.S. You can wear an older pair of panties that if you like, just in case a little wax gets on the edges. Francesca

However, I recently relocated to Oakland from SF, and rather than driving back to the city to get a bikini wax I thought I would try somewhere on this side of the bridge. I tried About Face & Body after hearing good things on the list, but I wasn't as happy as I had been before--let's just say ''fast'' isn't always better.

Not to go into too much detail, but if the person doing the waxing does small sections at a time, it is better (in my experience) because they don't have to go over the same section more than once. Make sure to speak up if that happens--going over the same section of skin over and over to get the hair off HURTS, and my skin kept hurting for a day or so.

(Also, smaller sections=less breakage=you don't have to go back as soon because all the hair came out by the roots!) And if you have a bad experience, try a different place before you give up on it entirely, and know that each time, it hurts less & less as the hairs get weaker. anon

Brazilian Wax for Men

Any suggestions on where my husband can get a good brazilian wax? We're looking for a salon that is both comfortable performing this procedure on men and experienced performing this procedure on men.

In my office, we are using the Coherent Gentlelase, the most effective hair removal laser currently available. The RN who works with us is very comfortable treating men and has over 6 years experience in laser hair removal. The patients are very comfortable with her. Feel free to call the office if we may answer any questions.

Elizabeth Lee, MD
Plastic Surgery
510 704-2170
www.artfulsurgery.com

Brazilian Wax in SF

I would like to give a friend a gift of a Brazilian Wax. She lives in SF. Does anyone have any recommendations? A

Place to get a FULL bikini wax

Hi, I'm looking for a place that gives a FULL bikini wax . I've seen previous recommendations for a brazilian wax at Face and Body in Berkeley. But I was wondering if they do The Full Bikini Wax? Or does anyone know of a place that does the Full Bikini Wax in the east bay. THanks jul

(1) Line Bikini, which takes off any hair that would show if you were to wear a regular bikini,
(2) Extended Line Bikini, which leaves you with a strip of hair, and
(3) Brazilian Bikini, which removes all the hair.

Regular prices are (1) $21, (2) $26, and (3) $62. If you get a series card, or walk in without an appointment, the prices are (1) $17, (2) $21, and (3) $50. These are prices that I have from a recent pamphlet. I doubt that they have changed. kath

Bikini Wax in Monclair/Rockridge

Can anyone recommend a good place for a bikini wax in the Montclair/Rockridge area? I've searched the archives and there was nothing... I don't really want to go to the Claremont and pay $65 for it, but I want someone who knows what she's doing. Thanks!

Brazilian Bikini Wax

I'm looking for a place that does Brazilian bikini waxes, preferably in the East Bay. I've never had any waxing done to my ''nether regions'' so I'm a bit trepidatious. How much does something like that cost? Is it worth it? I read a story in salon.com years ago (see http://www.salon.com/health/feature/1999/09/03/bikini/) and I have been intrigued ever since. Any recommendations and/or advice greatly appreciated.

Zary is trained in Europe as an aesthetistician, and is the best I have been to, and I have been to some ''shee-shee'' spas/hotels in my lifetime. I also think that her prices are more reasonable because she works out of her Berkeley apartment. The friends I have sent to her are thrilled with her as well.

Her phone number is 510-841-4860; you might need to use my name (Danna) as she is working out of her home. Good luck.