We're going to call it like it is: bikini waxing is a real pain. But knowing how to prepare for a Brazilian wax can make your hair removal session more bearable. From growing out your hair weeks in advance to last minute diet changes, there are a number of small tweaks that can seriously reduce the pain.

Shaving, laser hair removal, and doing nothing are all perfectly good grooming options, but for anyone considering a bikini wax, I strongly recommend that you keep reading this article. waxing experts at the European Wax Center, Melanie Coba, wax specialist at Daphne Studio, Samantha Garlow, and esthetician Marta Camkiran of Haven Spa (opens in new tab) on how to make a bikini wax less painful.

Believe it or not, the pre-wax process is just as important as the aftercare to ensure a seamless and easy experience. Before undergoing waxing, there are several important steps.

"It's important to make sure your hair is long enough," Koba explains. 'It should be about the length of a grain of rice. If you think your hair is too long, there is no need to trim it. If necessary, a waxing specialist can trim it for you.

"If your hair is dry or your skin is dry, it will break easily when you epilate," says Kova. 'For the smoothest, longest-lasting results, your skin and hair need to be healthy and moisturized.' Preparation includes not shaving, exfoliating and moisturizing on a daily basis."

Kamkiran stresses that exfoliation is also essential the day before waxing. She recommends "exfoliating the day before waxing with a scrub to remove dead skin cells; Herbivore Coconut Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish (opens in new tab) ($36) is a scrub she always keeps in rotation.

"Take a painkiller two hours before waxing," Kamkiran suggests for those with a low pain threshold. 'It helps reduce skin irritation and relieve pain.' Garlow concurs, adding that Advil or ibuprofen can help soothe the skin after waxing and relieve pain.

Starbucks Rewards members, I know it's tough, but try to avoid caffeine a few hours before waxing, Garlow says, as caffeine can further induce nerves and increase heart rate.

"Products containing lidocaine are useful because they temporarily numb the area and prevent pain," Garlow says; if you're looking for an OTC numbing agent, consider Pomada Dragon Pain Numbing Cream (opens in new tab). If you're looking for something a little more robust, consult your physician.

"The first thing is to be as relaxed as possible and communicate with your wax specialist," Cova advises. "Feel free to ask questions and share your preferences so they can best serve you."

"During the service, the esthetician should keep the skin taut to relieve pain. If performed by a proper esthetician, waxing should not take more than 30 minutes."

"Do not exercise or wear sweaty clothes on the same day," recommends Kova. 'The skin after waxing is very fresh, and the pores are still open and susceptible to bacteria.' Instead, take it easy for the rest of the day."

Kamkiran also points out that the friction from working out at the gym can irritate the skin in the future.

"If you use a spray tan or apply self-tanner, wait until the day after your wax appointment," Koba says. Or, if irritation occurs, wait until the irritation subsides." The freshly waxed area will absorb the pigment better, so the skin will look smoother and the color will last longer if you do it the next day.

"This is because trying to pull the hairs out tears the skin, causing scarring and hyperpigmentation," explains Kova.

"If waxing is done too early or too late, the hairs are more likely to break on the surface of the skin, so regular waxing every four weeks is effective," Koba explains. "When the hairs break, they tend to become ingrown. I always recommend doing it every three to four weeks."

Kamkiran recommends not waxing five days before and five days after menstruation.

"Wait a few hours before getting into a hot shower to avoid a reaction," says Kova.

"After a while of waxing, your skin gets used to it and is less sensitive to this sort of thing."

Garlow agrees: "Avoid soaking in bathtubs, jacuzzis, saunas, or anything with high heat, as the area is more sensitive. Kamkiran also states that one should wait at least three days, as the salt water from the beach and chlorine from the pool will certainly irritate the skin.

"Avoid touching skin that has just lost its hair," advises Kova. 'This only clogs the pores and transfers bacteria from your hands to the freshly waxed skin.' Skin-to-skin contact should also be avoided. Garlow adds that tight clothing should also be avoided. After waxing," she says, "it's important to wear loose-fitting clothes that allow the skin to breathe.

After waxing, wait a full 24 hours and then exfoliate daily." After 24 hours, it is important to exfoliate your skin daily to avoid ingrown hairs," Garlow recommends. "Salicylic acid is a great ingredient to look for in exfoliating products. Vitamin E and aloe are great options for moisturizing the skin after a treatment."

"Vitamin E and aloe are also great options for moisturizing the skin after a treatment.

The real answer: it's complicated. Waxing is not a panacea. "Pain during waxing generally depends on your mindset and general tolerance for discomfort. Koba's rule of thumb is to try a Brazilian wax twice - the second wax is more comfortable, meaning the results are smoother and longer lasting.

"In the short and long term, regular waxing can transform your skin and hair," Koba explains. 'The exfoliating nature of waxing helps your skin to be softer, smoother, and more radiant, and your hair to grow much softer and sparser.' I am always amazed at how quickly the hair grows back."

Kamkiran explains that over time you will know what to expect and the shock factor will fade. 'With regular waxing, the amount of hair that grows back is significantly reduced. Within a few months, 40% of the hairs will stop growing."

"Exfoliation and skin moisturizing between waxes is important, especially for sensitive skin types," Cova advises. 'Ingrown hairs are common in wrinkled areas like the bikini line, where the skin is pressed together for most of the day. Taking extra time to exfoliate these areas regularly can really help prevent ingrown hairs."

If waxing still doesn't feel right, you should consider sugaring as a healthier alternative. This hair removal method uses organic wax and is gentle on the skin. Sugaring still removes hair from the root, but according to Garlow, most people find it less painful than waxing.

"Sugaring does not adhere to living skin cells, only to hairs and dead skin cells, so there is less irritation and discomfort," Garlow explains. With sugaring, the entire hair is removed, including the follicles. With sugaring, the entire hair is removed, including the follicles. Over time, the blood supply to the hair follicles is reduced, resulting in slower hair growth. Sugaring thins the hair and eventually kills the hair follicle altogether. Compared to waxing, it has less force to pull on the skin, so it is less irritating overall and is suitable for people with sensitive skin.".