A Smoother You for Summer: The Inside Scoop on Body Waxing

I was grocery shopping at the yesterday, and while waiting for my order at the deli, I glanced over at the woman standing next to me. We made eye contact so I flashed my usual "hello stranger" smile. 

Keeping with my standard practice of discreetly checking out what anyone who crosses my path is wearing, I began to look her up and down. But when my eyes got to her legs, I could not move them back up. 

She had hairy legs! And I don't mean, "Oh, I haven't shaved in a couple days" hairy. I'm talking long, dark, probably hasn't shaved in ten years, if ever, hairy!   

I cannot wrap my head around the idea of wanting to be hairy. The idea is more foreign to me than eating bugs in China. In fact, I would rather eat bugs than not shave my legs! 

During the summer months, I am an avid poolside lounger. Just like most people, I work out all winter, shop for the perfect suit and patiently wait for that first pool weather weekend. I also get Brazilian waxes. I know what you're thinking, but it sounds much worse than it actually is. I started getting them about three years ago, and for me, it was the best thing I ever did.  

For the men out there who are worried about that funky patch of hair on your back, or women battling razor burn, waxing is the way to go. As far as hair removal goes, there are different options out there besides shaving. The smelly creams and expensive laser treatments were not for me. 

I chose waxing because it's quick, cost effective, and not too painful. Any part of the body can be waxed, and yes, even men can be waxed anywhere they choose. Just make sure to ask ahead of time, as some technicians do not provide this service.    

I realize that “The 40-Year-Old Virgin’’ ruined it for most people in the scene where Steve Carell's character is getting a chest wax. I'm here to tell you that was done on purpose for dramatic effect. The wrong type of wax was used on purpose to make him bleed and scream like he was being axe-murdered.

In a real body-waxing situation, a type of wax that does not require the use of those muslin strips, usually referred to as "hard wax," would be utilized. The wax that is pulled off using muslin strips is usually referred to as "strip wax." Strip wax is better suited for facial waxing where the hair is much finer and easier to remove. Hard wax is thicker and designed for the purpose of gripping the more coarse hair growing on the body.  

The great thing about waxing is that the more you do it, the easier it gets. Over time the hair becomes finer and grows in less and less. After getting Brazilians for three years, my growth after four weeks is what it would have been after one week from shaving. It also gets less painful. I would be lying if I said it didn't hurt, but it really only stings for a second. Taking an ibuprofen an hour before your service will help take the edge off.

Not everyone's skin reacts well to waxing. If you have sensitive skin and are prone to breakouts, you may want to have a patch test done first. Have your technician wax a small area. Wait a few days and if you have no reaction go back and finish the job.

There are a couple salons in the area that offer great waxing services.  I go to Brazilian Wax by Andreia , which has quite a few convenient locations. In Vinings, there is a salon called Sweet Samba, that won Allure's Best Brazilian Wax in Atlanta. Wherever to go, make sure your technician is professional and able to answer all your questions. Don't be afraid to let them know it's your first time and that you're a little nervous. And finally, enjoy being a smoother you this summer!