Bikini Wax: 8 things no one will tell you

Getting undressed for a complete stranger can be a little unsettling, and waxing is far from painless.

There are many reasons why women get their pubes waxed. It could be to clean up in time for the beach, to make your partner happy, or just because you want to.

Waxing is the preferred hair removal method of many women because you stay hairless for longer compared to shaving, and regrowth is usually finer.

However, getting undressed for a complete stranger can be a little unsettling, and waxing is far from painless.

But if you've decided on getting a bikini or Brazilian wax for the first time, here's what you can expect and how you should prepare.

1. Your hair should be at least 1/4 inches long

Wax needs to stick to hair so that they can be pulled out, and having nothing to stick to makes that impossible.

Don't shave before going to a waxing salon. You can trim your hair, but make sure you don't overdo it -- just a quarter of an inch long is fine.

2. Brazilian vs Bikini Wax

A bikini wax only removes hair from the sides, while a Brazilian wax removes all the hair from front to back (including your butt crack).

You can also opt for a Brazilian wax that leaves a triangle or a landing strip in the front.

3. Don't go during or right before your period

If you really want to, you can use a tampon, but your skin will be extra sensitive which means, it will hurt you more than usual.

4. Clean up

We shouldn't have to say this, but you should definitely take a shower on the day of your appointment.

You can even bring some sanitary wipes and use that right before your session to make you feel less self-conscious.

5. Yes, you will be half-naked

Though some places offer disposable underwear for bikini waxes, if you're getting a Brazilian wax, you'll need to be butt naked.

Just remember that your waxer has seen a bajillion naked genitals. It's her job, so don't get too nervous about it.

6. Prepare for pain

Though you may be part of the lucky few who hardly feel anything while getting waxed, for most of us, it does hurt.

But it gets better -- usually the first session is the worst.

If you get waxed regularly, your hair will get finer and easier to remove.

7. Wear loose clothing afterwards

After a session, your skin may be irritated, so wear comfortable clothing that won't rub against that area.

Avoid having sex, as this could aggravate the irritation. But don't worry, by the next day your skin should have fully recovered.

8. Use hydrocortisone cream to help your skin recover

Hydrocortisone cream soothes your skin and reduces itchiness and redness; so if your skin is irritated after waxing, get a tube over the counter.

7 things men do that destroys their sperm