Kinda embarrassing...

I actually talked to my my gyno about lol. I'm afraid of the pain. Everyone I've talked to suggested European wax center. I didn't do it. My doc recommended using nair for sensitive skin. It is fine for the bikini line just be careful not to get all down up in there lol. (Sorry I sound horrible). They also make a bikini zone cream for the bumps. You can also try triple antibiotics ointment if the bumps turn into pimples.

Remember to take Advil (not Tylenol) about an hour before your appointment. Advil specifically reduces inflammation.

I've never had an UTI or any other kind of issues listed in that article. I prefer waxing over shaving. I like how soft my skin is after. The regrowth is also less and less each time. And it only hurts for a brief moment the wax is pulled off. And my waxer at EWC is a licensed esthetician.

Some people are more susceptible to UTI's. Some people can't wear thongs because of it. Probably the same for waxing/ shaving.

I generally shave but I can only do so much, also I'm lazy AF.. So I'm going to get waxed starting in June or July into the wedding. Shaving seriously sucks.

Any kind of waxing place really, I like those European wax centers, but it grows back fast as well and i get waxing irritation when i wax and shave. Don't do it a day before your wedding though because you don't know how your skin will react. try it a few months before your wedding.

Take Advil about 1 hour before and do not go during that time of the month OR immediate before/after. Putting aside the obvious ick factor, your skin will be more sensitive when you're on your period.

Check out the reviews before selecting a place and make sure they are sanitary i.e. no double dipping of the applicator in the wax.

You can't shave once you start waxing or there is no benefit. So keep that in mind.

I use to wax and have even done on myself. The pain is fleeting and it definitely gets better over time. You should start now and not in May.

I'm so glad someone asked about this because I've been wondering about this too. Thanks for the advice ladies!

I had to look up this European Wax Center after all the positive comments and there is one about 20 mins away from me - yay! Will have to check it out. What do you tip for this type of service, like 10-15%?

European Wax Center. 2 advil and a Xanax a half hour before

I wax (full leg and Brazilian) every month. I've only been to European wax center once, I wasn't crazy about it but I'm also not a huge fan of hard wax. I think it works for some people, but I think it's also about whoever is doing your wax. My lady is Amazing, I've been going to her for 5 years and would never let anyone else wax me. I have very sensitive skin & always get red and have little bumps but they go away by the time i get home. It does hurt, but its nothing completely unbearable.

I would suggest:

- going a few times before your wedding (you have time)

- taking an advil before if you're sensitive to pain

- I bring those individually wrapped feminine wipes and just pee and freshen up before I go in the room

- like everyone else said no sex, gym or tight clothes the rest of the day

I'm sure If you tell them its your first time they will walk you through it and be super mindful

Good luck!

If you decide not to wax (or i guess even if you do!) try a cream from called Bikini Zone. Red bump eliminator! it works wonders. Apply after hair removal.

I only did a full wax down there once and the girl went over the same spots multiple times and I was sooooo red, bumpy, and raw! never tried it again. I did get my bikini line lazered. Best. Decision. Ever.

Are there not special formulas of nair for pubic hair? Or are those gross?

First one is definitely the worst but it isn't terrible. I actually think it hurts more to have my upper lip waxed. Wear light clothing and go ahead and start now. I would recommend you last one 3 days or so before the wedding. Oh, and avoid hot temps like sunbathing afterward.

If you decide not to wax, I actually suggest men's aftershave. It costs less than $2, and works amazingly well to prevent ingrowns and reduce redness. I mean, it is meant to be used on a man's face every day! I use it on my legs and underarms.

@FutureMrsR I also use men's aftershave sometimes! Or deodorant. A friend of mine in college was a dancer (the adult kind), and she said all the girls she worked with used the dove deodorant with the moisturizer after they shave to stay smooth.

I started bikini and leg waxes 18 months ago. After the first few times, it gets much better. I barely feel it now!

Wherever you go, make sure they've been around for a long time and have stellar reviews. Good service isn't cheap- for bikini and lower leg I pay about 100, and I'm in inexpensive Oklahoma.

For your first time, make sure you have a half-inch of growth, and pop a few Advil. Avoid coffee our red wine, and trust me, go commando that day and the next. No tight jeans or workout gear (or exercise) for a couple days. Hydro cortisone cream and Finipil are amaaaaazing for aftercare. Once you're two days past the wax, start exfoliating regularly with a clean, new scrubby mitt. I also use Gigi's No Bumps, which is similar to Tend Skin - really reduces ingrowns.

I think it's important to throw in here that you don't absolutely HAVE to wax/shave there if you're not comfortable doing so. Try it now as PPs have recommended, see if you're comfortable with the results (including the discomfort as the hair grows back), and if you like it then go for it!

Personally, I keep the area lightly trimmed and during summer maintain the bikini lines, but other than I don't mess with it. Tried it once, never ever again, and my FH doesn't care. The first time he saw me I was nervous but he said if I wanted to shave/wax there fine and if not fine, there shouldn't be any feelings of being pressured into doing something you don't want to do/aren't comfortable with with your own body.

Try it out now and keep trying different things until you find your perfect balance!

Can't do waxing and of course it starts growing back within a day or so with shaving. I personally like Nair Bikini Hair Removal cream. No irritation and I'm hair free for at least 2 weeks

I actually have a bikini wax appointment tomorrow! I would love to not shave while I'm in Hawaii on our honeymoon... so I'm really testing to see how long it will last! I'm taking in all these tips, so thanks for this post!

@CrystalQueen - I can't imagine doing it to myself!

@OP - See if you can find a salon that uses 'hard wax' - Yelp and Google will help there. The wax pretty much has a shrink wrap effect on the hair and then they pull the wax directly. No strips and the wax doesn't adhere to the skin at all - just hair. I found hard wax to be at least 50% less painful than the traditional and my skin (very sensitive) had no reaction to it. I've done waxing quite a few times now and it does get less painful each time. I highly recommend it!

If you do try it, do it soon and do it a few times before the wedding. Take a pain killer 30 mins before (eventually you won't need it) and don't shave between sessions.