BR Tabatha
We like to think we've got some pretty tough tummies here at BRHQ. Thanks to having kidlets we don't even bat an eye at scraped and bloodied knees. Projectile vomit just sees us reach for a bowl and a damp cloth. And volcanic poo is more than an inconvenience than a grossness. BUT, we still have our squeamish areas, and a reddit thread we came across recently really hit us straight in the 'oh I think I might spew' feels.
In a nutshell, a redditor named 'ifokinlovepotatoes' asked... 'People that work or have worked in bikini waxing salons, what is the worst/disturbing experience you have come across while giving someone a bikini wax.'
The answers ranged from disturbing to plain out gross, and it spurred a crew chat about waxing etiquette. What should we as customers do, or not do, before we visit our therapist for a bikini wax. Behold, the list:
1. It's good to love your partner. Great! Ideal! Flowers and rainbows, sunshine and sparkles. BUT, don't "love" them just before going for a downstairs tidy up. Or if you must, take a shower and have a rinse before heading out. Nuff said.
2. Speaking of rinsing. Wiping is good too. Your behind area that is. Take to it with toilet paper the same way you'd remove errant mascara from your cheeks (gently, but absolutely).
3. Your monthly is normal. It's natural. Heck, after the bloaty, puffy, sore build up we'd go so far as to say it's even nice, BUT if you can book your brazillian avoiding that time of the month. First reason why? Some studies have shown that women feel pain more acutely during that time of the month... so why would you do that to yourself? The second reason? If you're a pad wearer it's not going to be pretty down there, and no hourly rate of pay is worth seeing that.
4. Another time you might want to rethink your appointment? If you've an active case of gential warts. Yup, it's not the nicest thing to talk about, but it happens. Fun Fact: HPV, which causes genital warts, is ridiculously common. According to the New Zealand HPV Project 80% of non-vaccinated adults will contract the virus at some point of their lives. It doesn't always present via genital warts, but it can. Either way - before you head down to your local salon check of your downstairs area, and if you've a flare up then rebook your appointment. (Also, if you do find random bumps and lumps, and you don't know what they are, see a health professional.)
5. Lastly, and the easiest thing you can do to make the experience more pleasant for all? Wash. Before stepping out grab a damp flannel, and give yourself a good clean. (Sans soap, because we don't want to be messing with delicate bateria!)
Oh, and if you think you might have a wee case of the worms... cancel your appointment. And yes, that was one of the stories in the reddit thread. Bleurgh.
The thing is... farts happen. Vaginal burps happen. Our bodies aren't anything to be ashamed of, or to freak out about, but if someone is going to be working around in the most lush of lady areas, then the least we can do for them is create a good work environment.
Still intrigued to read said thread? You can check it out in all its vomit-inducing glory here.
I always shower immediately before my appointment. i have talked to my wax person and she has shared some funny embarassing stories. As yet, I have no bad stories myself I am pleased to say.