It's f*cking sore.

I was a bikini wax virgin until last year. I knew it would hurt. I knew to build myself up for a lot of pain, but MY GOD the fucking pain. It was so sore. Indescribably sore. I did not prepare myself enough. I'm heading away on holiday in a couple of weeks time and I want to get another one. However, this time I will be oh so very prepared. Of course, it's still going to hurt but I've scoured the Internet for the best tips out there and I'll leave them here with you. I'll also report back and tell you if they actually worked. Please god, work.

1. Wait until after your period

This is probably the first mistake I made the last time. I was about a week away from my period and half way through my wax the lovely woman doing the job asked, "how close are you to your period?" I completely panicked and thought my period had come early, but when I told her "about a week/10 days away," she sighed and said, "that's why you're in so much pain." So ladies, do not make the same mistake as I did. Look at your menstrual cycle and plan your wax a week after you get your period. You will be thankful.  

2. Exfoliate

Another mistake. How was I meant to know it was better if you exfoliate? According to numerous sources, by gently exfoliating the area the day before your appointment you'll get rid of any dead skin which means the wax will be able to pick up even the tiniest hair - making it easier for both you and your waxer.  

3. Hard wax

Most places do this anyway, but make sure to ask for a hard wax. This means that the waxer will apply a liquid to your areas which will harden and then be pulled away by hand. If you see them pull out waxing strips, run. RUN.  

4. Pop a few pain killers

I really don't know what I was thinking the first/last time I went for a wax. I completely went in there willy nilly, not thinking to prepare myself and just saying in my head, "OK, this is really going to hurt." I knew it was going to hurt, but did I do anything about it? Nope. So ladies, another way to ease the pain is to take some pain killers a half hour before your appointment. They won't take the pain away all together but it will definitely help. Also, if you think downing a glass of vino will help ease the pain, you are sadly wrong. Alcohol will tighten up your pores making it verrrry sore for hair to be pulled out of you.