Hair removal has become an important step in beauty routines and “manscaping” alike. This trend has lead to an increase in the popularity of waxing. Shaving can cause nasty cuts and hair removal creams can destroy your skin. Before you go to get your first wax, this is what you need to know.

Don’t skimp on price

The cheaper the price, the worst your experience will be. There was a time when I would go to the cheapest possible nail salon or eyebrow-threading place to get waxed. The result, my body parts were waxed together, having someone cut wax off of my skin, and bleeding through my skin. Save yourself the pain and headache, go to a spa or waxing salon.

If you’re looking for a deal, check out Groupon, Amazon Local, or Lifebooker. These sites offer discounts at reputable spas and salons that are doing special promotions at a lower price.

Soft wax, hard wax, and sugaring

The three most popular types of waxing are soft wax, hard wax, and sugaring. Soft wax is usually a clear yellowish wax that is applied with a wooden spatula and removed with muslin strips. Hard wax is applied with a plastic spatula and the color is more opaque. The wax dries hard and can be pulled of with out a strip.

Sugaring is very similar hard wax except it’s made with natural ingredients. Sugar, lemon juice, and water are combined to make a paste. The area with hair is covered in paste and then the paste is flicked off.

It’s going to hurt

Beauty is pain and with waxing there is no way around it. You can try numbing creams or taking pain pills an hour before your waxing service, but they won’t work. It’s going to hurt at first, but after a while your hair will thin out and it will hurt less. Some places on the body are less sensitive than others; so depending on where you are getting waxed it may not hurt at all.

My two cents

For my eyebrow waxing I go to the Benefit Brow Bar at my local Ulta. I personally don’t like the feeling of hard wax on my face. For the rest of my waxing needs, I go to European Wax center. I love European Wax center. It’s clean, the staff is friendly, and they are great at what they do. They also have a lot of package deals to help you save money.