It’s official …summer is finally here! With bikini season upon us we’re forced to face one lingering question; to wax or not to wax? I had the chance to visit one of Toronto’s top waxing salons, Allure Body Bar, to get the scoop on everything you need to know about getting a Brazilian wax. Whether you decide to go complete bare or leave a little to the imagination, Brazilian waxes are a great way to get you through the summer with the least amount of maintenance.

Located on the Danforth in Toronto, Allure Body Bar is one of the cleanest, friendliest, most professional waxing salons I’ve visited. Not only are the staff experienced and knowledgeable, but the hilarious and quirky wall art serves as the perfect décor for this hip and trendy Toronto waxing bar. What more could you ask for?

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR FIRST BRAZILIAN WAX

The thought of a complete stranger going to town on your lady parts can be a bit …concerning, intimidating, frightening …or all of the above.  It’s completely natural to feel uncomfortable leading up to your first Brazilian wax, so it’s important to find a professional waxing bar and esthetician to ease your worries. I had a great experience at Allure Body Bar and highly recommend this place to newbies and seasoned waxers. My esthetician Autumn made me feel completely comfortable, and when she sensed I was a bit hesitant during my Brazilian she calmly and confidently talked me through the process and kept me distracted.

Will it hurt? Um, YES! Is the pain manageable? Um, YES! Ladies, if we can deal with menstrual camps and childbirth (ok, I haven’t experienced this one but it doesn’t exactly seem like a walk in the park), handling an 8 minute wax isn’t going to kill us. What I love about Allure Body Bar is their signature Quickzilian Brazilian Wax. Done in 8 minutes or less (it may take a bit longer for your first one), this treatment is worth every penny!

HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?

1. Upon arrival you are guided to a large, clean waxing room where your esthetician will ask you to undress from the waist down, cover yourself with a towel (they will leave the room while you do this) and lay face-up. Tip: I recommend wearing a dress or skirt so you can just pull it up
2. There are wipes available in the room to freshen up before your esthetician comes back to begin your treatment
3. The room is lined with wall art, one of which outlines the different design choices available for your Brazilian wax. Once you select your design let your esthetician know
4. Ensure your hair is at least 1/4” long before getting a Brazilian wax. If it’s longer, don’t sweat it. It’s easier for your esthetician to trim your hair than magically make it grow
5. Equipped with gloves, your esthetician will apply powder to the treated area to prevent the wax from sticking to your skin. Your esthetician should never double dip the wooden waxing sticks
6. You will be instructed where to move your legs during the treatment. Brazilian waxes usually start in the front and move towards the back. You may be asked to help hold your skin during the process
7. Once the front is complete, you will turn over onto your stomach for part 2. This part doesn’t hurt has much, and while it’s a bit awkward the first time, you get used to it
8. When the treatment is done your esthetician will leave the room to let you get dressed. I recommend applying cream to the treated area, which is readily available in the room. Slip on a pair of cotton underwear under loose clothing

PRE-WAX TIPS

• Use an organic scrub and gently exfoliate the day before your appointment. I recommend exfoliating regularly before and after your treatment to help prevent ingrown hairs
• Ensure your hair is at least 1/4″ long
• Make sure you shower before your appointment
• Don’t schedule a Brazilian when you are expecting your period because your skin is more sensitive during this time
• Avoid caffeine before your treatment because the stimulants in coffee can make your skin more sensitive
• Some people recommend taking Tylenol 1 hour before your appointment. I didn’t take anything and while some areas were painful, it was 100% manageable. It will hurt the most at the front because that is where a greater number of your nerve endings are

POST-WAX TIPS

• Avoid wearing thongs and G strings after your treatment. Stick to loose, comfortable clothes and cotton underwear 24 hours after your appointment
• Stay out of the sun and avoid saunas and steam rooms for 48 hours
• Avoid sex and the gym for 24 hours. Bummer, but it’s best to abstain than to find yourself with an infection caused by bacteria
• Don’t shave between waxes because it creates stubborn hairs which makes waxing more painful. The more you wax, the finer the hair becomes
• Keep your hands off. While your skin is ultra smooth, refrain from touching the skin because it can irritate it and cause breakouts

To book an appointment at Allure Body Bar, click here for their contact details and hours of operation. Happy waxing!

xo, Kiki

Thank you to Allure Body Bar for having me!