The Controversial Wax.

Bikini, Brazilian, or Bush?

I begrudgingly got the bikini wax several years ago now at the request of my husband. Tense and extremely perturbed… I lied on that table gritting my teeth thinking of what I was going to do to him for making me endure this. With every thrust of that strip ripping hairs from my follicles my anger increased. How dare he- and what has he done for me lately? Nothing that involved this amount of pain, that was for certain.

Then something shifted. I realized I liked it as much as he did. The pain seemed to become more bearable with every appointment.

Then I dumbed into the Brazilian. It was only $10 more and why not. That decision changed my life.

For those of you who may not know what a Brazilian is, it is a slightly painful procedure in which the pubic hair near a woman’s “privates”, “vajayjay, hoohaw, whatever term you deem appropriate here, is removed minus the razor bumps. If you’ve given birth- it’s nothing. Really.

Growing up it was not something we talked about (as in, off limits) and even to this day is not something that is a comfortable topic of discussion in my family, even amongst sisters.

All my siblings and I recently got together for my Dad’s 70th birthday. All four of us girls happened to be in the car together and somehow the conversation shifted to waxing. My sisters were appalled that I get the Brazilian. One mentioned that “the Lord put hair there for a reason and we shouldn’t remove it.” Another was just plain uncomfortable. Another mentioned that it just seemed wrong to have someone get “that up close and personal”. I love you girls, but geesh.

So, first things first.

What is the purpose of that annoying pubic hair anyways? (My research left me less than satisfied.)

Reasons given:

Your pubic hair is meant to make you more attractive to potential mates. Pubic hair traps your smell close to your body, and a huge part of attraction comes from smell (dissemination of pheromones).

[Seriously? Eew. Not buying it. And if that was the case it makes me want to get it all removed and PRONTO.]

Pubic hair is your body's way of providing a dry lubricant to keep the super-sensitive skin down there from getting irritated during sex.

[Hmm… not a problem.]

When you shave your pubic hair, you risk ingrown hairs and nasty red bumps, making the transfer of disease easier via the irritated skin.

[Duh- hence, the reason for waxing. And if you are monogamous, disease is not really a concern, so who cares.]

Pubic hair keeps the genitals warm. The purpose of women's pubic hair could be similar to that of the cilia in the nose, in that it prevents small foreign particles from entering the vagina.

[This theory doesn’t explain a man’s pubic hair. And we wear clothes that keep that area plenty warm and protected.]

Helps to prevent chafing when running.

[Never had that problem. And I’ve never heard of anyone being chafed to death either.]

Have I missed one? Please, by all means, cue me in.

The other comment was in regards to another person getting “that up close and personal”. I just want to point out that if you’ve ever gone to the OBGyn, they see way more of you than any aesthetician ever will. Aestheticians are trained professionals and this is what they do all day long. So, what’s the big deal? Gynos are way more up close and personal and visits are scheduled with them regularly.

I would ultimately love to get lasered, but until then the waxing will suffice. I found a salon that has amazing rates ($30) and a punch card. The 5th one is free. You can’t beat that!

It is especially nice through the summer months when the kids want to be swimming every single day. Who wants to fuss with that daily? Especially when they want to be out the door like 10 minutes ago.

In my opinion, I haven’t found enough evidence to prove that you should NOT do this.

If you are too scared to try the Brazilian, try the Bikini. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

I’m not really into the dying or bedazzling fads. That doesn’t mean it won’t float your boat. I’m more about the clean, cut look.

My aesthetician recently mentioned that she feels sorry for the older women who know no different. You know, the ones poolside hanging out everywhere. The ones that make you do a quick headturn so as to not stare too long.

Don’t be that person. Go visit your local salon today and get down to business.