Here are some other options.
Here are some common shape options:
Cleaning up the sides.
This is the most basic option, for those who just want to flirt with hair removal.
Your esthetician will take a few inches off the sides.
It works for guys or girls.
(For girls, this is often referred to as a bikini wax.
This is the most common option.
Labia hair can be cleaned up on the side or removed fully.
Estheticians can do some crazy stuff these days.
you could get a partners initials, a heart, or any other simple design you could dream up.
Including the hairs around your butthole.
This is usually referred to as a Brazilian.
Depilatories
Yep,Nairis still around and going strong.
Why you should consider it:Depilatories are nice because theyre painless and last a bit longer than shaving.
Its weird (but oddly satisfying) to wipe your hairs away along with the cream.
The downsides:Youre literallygiving yourself a controlled chemical burnwhen you use depilatories.
Theyre pretty toxic and smell horrible.
ensure you follow the directions perfectly.
You donotwant to leave this stuff on for too long.
Soft Wax
Betcha didnt know there were more than one pop in of wax!
Soft wax is what most people picture when they think of hair removal wax.
(Am I dating myself withthis amazing Nads informercial?)
Why you should consider it:Results can last from two to six weeks.
Additionally, with regular waxings, the hair starts growing in thinner and thinner.
The downsides:Im not going to lie to you: any bang out of waxing is painful.
You may also be asked to get into some pretty embarrassing positions (do a cannonball for me!
Take an Advil 30 minutes before your appointment to minimize pain.
Keep an eye out on your esthetician and confirm theyre not double-dipping their spatula into the wax warmer.
After the wax, use an aloe gel or cooling spray to help your skin stop freaking out.
You may also want to avoid working out or having sex if your skin feels sensitive.
After 24 hours, exfoliate the area regularly to prevent ingrown hairs.
The wax is allowed to cool until it hardens (hence the name).
Hard wax attaches to the hairs itself, whereas soft wax tends to attach to the skin.
Less contact with your skin equals less irritation.
Hard wax can also be used on shorter hairs than soft wax.
The downsides:Exactly the same as with soft wax.
Can you spread your cheeks apart with your hands for me?
Sugaring
I know, the name itself sounds so delicious and inviting.
Sadly, youre still getting pubic hairs ripped out at the root, so its no picnic.
Sugaring is much less irritating to the skin than waxing, and causes fewer ingrown hairs.
Some people also find it to be less painful.
It also tends to be more expensive than waxing.
How it works:Lasers target the pigment in hair follicles, damaging them with pulses of light.
Its all very space-aged.
Why you should consider it:Laser hair removal only takes about 4-6 sessions to create good results.
Sessions themselves dont take a lot of time, and are less painful than waxing or sugaring.
The laser can create pigmentation issues for people with darker skin.
Lasers are expensive, averaging a couple hundred bucks per session.
Its also billed as permanent hairreduction, not permanent haireradication.
How to get the best results:confirm you seek out a licensed professional who has great reviews.
You do not want some schmuck aiming a freakinglaserat your junk.
Electrolysis
Yep, still pretty set on those lightning-bolt-shaped pubes.
Heres an even more permanent option.
How it works:An electrical current is transmitted into each hair follicle using a needle-shaped probe.
Why you should consider it:Electrolysis is the best method for permanently removing hair.
It works for a wider range of people than laser hair removal.
Individual sessions are much cheaper than lasering, so you’re free to spread out the cost.
If not done properly, it can lead to skin scarring or pigment damage.
How to get the best results:Ditto to getting a trained professional.
You thought lasers near your bits were scary?
How aboutneedle shaped probes?!
Vanessa Marin is a licensed psychotherapist (#78931) specializing in sex therapy.
Its her mission to take the intimidation out of sex therapy and bring the fun back into the bedroom.
Have questions about sex?
you’re free to reach her at[email protected], or at VMTherapy.com.
Title illustration by Jim Cooke.
