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Mrs. Caramel, Los Angeles Age and Occupation: 24, Art Gallery/Museums Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Engineer Engagement Date: January 8, 2007 Wedding Date: October 6, 2007 Venue: a beautiful church and hotel reception About Me: I love dancing, singing, eating out, eating in, surfing on the net, and brainstorming fantastic ideas. I also love cats, coffee, and know every quote written on Sex & the City. I'm known to laugh really loud and have really crazy hand gestures while I talk. My fiance writes songs and I take pictures. What else? We're just a crazy young couple in love, trying to make a fabulous wedding!
About Mrs. Caramel

“OOHH KELLY CLARKSON”

December 27th, 2008 @ 8:58 pm by Mrs. Caramel

It came to my attention yesterday that I never fully shared my experience with waxing. I am an avid Brazilian waxer. Yes. The Brazilian.  It all started when I misunderstood the foreign lady behind the counter and accidentally got a Brazilian instead of a regular bikini wax.  But the verdict? I loved it! It felt so clean, so fresh and I absolutely hate hair being in places where it shouldn’t be. Like on the floor. Or on your knuckles. Or on your upper lip. Or in Steve Carell’s case, on your chest!!

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(image source

Here are some suggestions I can give as a fan of the Brazillian:

- Go someplace where someone you know has already gone. Recommendations are very necessary, especially for first timers. My older sister recommended a place to me and said “Umm it’s kind of scary, so go here because they’re very clean and use professional products.” Scary? I never thought of it that way. But by the time I had to take off my undies in front of some strange lady to expose my ever-so-private parts by doing the spread eagle… I realized that yes– it is kind of scary.

- Expect the worst pain ever. Then, it might not be so bad! :) I say that not to scare you, but so that you’ll be pleasantly surprised. I thought it was going to be a level 6 out of 10 on a level of pain, but I got a 9. I am quite weak sauce when it comes to physical pain though, so most people are tougher than me. I just wish someone had warned me that it COULD be a level 9 pain, so that it wouldn’t have been so bad.

- If the wax seems too hot, it probably is. I had one bad waxing experience and I never went back again. The wax is usually very, very warm but it should feel good. If it’s anything beyond that–like a temperature that would make you gasp and say “ohh, that is hot” then it IS too hot. I’m the type of person who shuts my mouth and just endures the pain so I don’t hurt anyone’s feelings, but I regretted it later when I saw the bruises. Yep… hot wax can cause bruises. So lesson learned here… if it hurts, say something!

- How do you tell good waxers from not-so-good waxers? Great waxers can complete their job within 10 minutes. Not-so-good ones take about 30-40 minutes and end up plucking the strays with tweezers in the end. I found my dream waxer back in Los Angeles and was extremely sad to let her go, because she got me in and out of there within 5 minutes tops. She used 4 large strips, and that was IT! The first time I went to her, I was shocked and asked “That’s it?! that was so fast!” She responded “Why should it take any longer?” I was extremely satisfied with the fast and efficient wax job and to top it off, she only charged $30 for a Brazillian. Typically they are around $60. (You LA people are so lucky!) If anyone knows any good waxers in New York, please let me know!!

- For first timers and curious to-be brides, I highly recommend doing it a FEW TIMES at the place you are thinking about. At least once for sure! And do not resort to waxing at home in a kit (unless you really know what you’re doing) or shaving, because you will regret it. I have rarely heard of one of those experiences gone well. I’ve actually heard horror stories of people who accidentally waited too long and ripped off some skin. *_* In an area that is so… intimate, I’d want to hand the situation over to a professional. Especially to prepare for your wedding!

The Bottom Line

Pros: your hair gets thinner each time you wax so you have to go less, you get used to the pain, it is cleaner during your period, and if your bf/husband likes it– then great!!

Cons: it’s another added beauty expense, you might get ingrown hairs, and you could end up with some bad experiences.

It’s your call! Wax on or wax off.

Do you wax?

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41 Responses to ““OOHH KELLY CLARKSON””

1.
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jdubz (message)  30 posts, Newbee

i heart brazillians too, and mightly recommend it to anyone who’s on the fence!!

(ps- do u mind sharing who you went to in LA? mine is too far inland for me now and looking for a new person.)

 
2.
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caligal

Hey Mrs. Caramel, I live in LA and wanted know where was that great place you used to get your waxing done. I’ve never done it but want to try it! :)

 
3.
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tripps (message)  40 posts, Newbee

I want to give it a try too. Please share the LA place if you can. Thanks.

 
4.
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Lina

Here’s what I don’t get about waxing instead of shaving: You have to wait until it grows back before you can do it again, so don’t you still spend a lot of time being hairy?

 
5.
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danielle

J Sisters in NYC. They’re legendary for their Brazilians. Its pricey ($65 I think) but quick, and the waxes last longer than anywhere else I’ve tried. Ask for Teresa - she’s so awesome and super nice.

 
6.
Mrs. Caramel
Bee
Mrs. Caramel (message)  141 posts, Blushing bee

The place that I am raving about is not really ideal for first timers, because it’s kind of ghetto and it’s actually a hair salon that provides waxing. Since I’ve been waxing for so long I was used to it. I just tried looking for their card but I must have lost it on my move to NY! =(

Umm I can’t actually remember the name of the place, but it was something very generic. (its a small place!) The main cross streets are Santa Monica Blvd. & Bundy… a couple streets west of Bundy. It’s in the same plaza as CA Healing Arts, and is located right next door to it. It’s actually a salon, but they provide waxing. Tell the lady that you want a bikini or brazilan wax (they’re both $30).

Like I said, you may want to go to a nicer, more upscale place for your first time and go here for your 3rd or 4th time. Unless you are one tough cookie and don’t mind a ghetto atmosphere. But this lady is very good & fast! She has that motherly vibe so I was comfortable with her. ;)

Lina: yes, you do spend about a week or so with hair that slowly grows back (depending on how hairy you are) But shaving causes itchiness and lots of ingrown hair. If you want an absolutely hairless experience, then I suppose you’d have to go with laser treatments!

 
7.
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Pumpkin

Anyone have a recommend for a quick and good waxer in the seattle area?

 
8.
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reezy

@Pumpkin: wax on spa (capitol hill) in seattle is where i went for my first brazilian… and they are awesome! check out waxon.com

 
9.
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Pumpkin

OHHH!!! I live on Capitol Hill, PERFECT! Thanks reezy!

 
10.
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monalisa670

What about Boston??

 
11.
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JanieLeigh

i’ve been shaving for a while now, and it really hasn’t been awful for me. i just DO NOT have the pain tolerance for the waxing. embarrassingly enough, i cry every time i get my eyebrows waxed! with the a sharp enough razor and good lotions, shaving works out well for me! to each his own, i suppose.

 
12.
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MsUsUk (message)  108 posts, Blushing bee

I tried waxing while living in miami and it gave me the most awful ingrown hairs :( Maybe I just went to someone who didn’t really know what they were doing?

But I did LOVE the feel of the brazilian :)

 
13.
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LisaG (message)  36 posts, Newbee

Any recommendations for central NJ?

 
14.
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MEM

for anyone looking for a recommendation in philadelphia, go to the international salon at 17th and sansom. it’s exactly the type of wax you want-quick, efficient, and relatively pain free. it’s not a super fancy place, but they are very good at what they do. brazilians are $35 and bikinis $30.

 
15.
LNickle
Member
LNickle (message)  155 posts, Blushing bee

monalisa — I’ve been going to Liz at Joi Aveda Salon & Spa for the past 2 years for all my waxing. She’s great, and I think she was just named in the Best of Boston for her brazilians. Joi Aveda is on Commercial/Atlantic Ave.

 
16.
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gemini606 (message)  26 posts, Newbee

@monalisa670 - I go to Oksana at Newbury Day Spa at 8 Newbury Street. She’s quick, very thorough, and also just a sweet person. It’s also one of the cheapest places I’ve found in Boston. It’s not the fanciest Newbury spa, but it’s great for a brazilian wax. Here’s their website: http://www.newburydayspa.com/

 
17.
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V

I have always wanted to get one but am too afraid of walking into some random place. Any suggestions for someone in Edmonton (Canada)?

 
18.
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monalisa670

Oh awesome, thanks LNickle! I’ve been to a couple places in Boston but never found one I loved. I always go through periods of waxing and shaving because of the pain and money, but it’s time to get back into the waxing for the wedding!! I’ll try Liz out, thanks again!!

 
19.
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harugirlie (message)  60 posts, Worker bee

Anyone know of a good place in Orange County?

 
20.
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emel (message)  14 posts, Newbee

I do it bymyself at home with a help of mirror. I just got the wax from a drug store and microwave it and use it. 5 at the most 10 dollars and you can do it your own speed.

 
21.
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Bee
Mrs. Avocado (message)  1,407 posts, Bumble bee

Caramel I love the way you talk about a topic most people are reticent to bring up! I converted to Brazilian right before the wedding and now getting just a bikini seems so useless. I love how fresh and clean it feels! I would pay good money for that lady who can do it in 10 minutes. Wow.

 
22.
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cab07 (message)  45 posts, Newbee

In NYC - try Sweet Lily in Tribeca…I’ve had good results there and it’s a really cute place (think shabby chic) and VERY clean!

 
23.
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Lauren

For anyone on Long Island, I have to recommend Maria at Maximus Salon & Spa in Merrick. They charge $40 for a Brazillian. I travel 45 minutes to go to her, shes quick, and it’s not too painful. I’ve heard some horror stories, but after going to Maria every 4 weeks for a year I’ve had no problems.

 
24.
flbeachbride
Member
flbeachbride (message)  328 posts, Helper bee

This was a great post, Mrs. Caramel. I’ve been “brazilian” shaving for years and have no problem with it except some occsional ingrown hairs, but am considering waxing before the wedding to avoid having to shave during the honeymoon. One question that I have always wanted to know though, how long does it last before you start to regrow hair? Are we talking a few weeks, 10 days? Also, how long do you want to refrain from shaving before going for a wax?

 
25.
flbeachbride
Member
flbeachbride (message)  328 posts, Helper bee

Does anyone else have trouble with posting comments on WeddingBee? I try to post comments logged in under my name but it always shows up as anonymous…

 
26.
Mrs. Caramel
Bee
Mrs. Caramel (message)  141 posts, Blushing bee

hmm, I think for the most part it all just depends on how hairy you are, how thick your hair is, how sensitive your skin is, etc. Like I have extremely sensitive skin and can’t shave because it drives me crazy. I would give it a trial run beforehand, but for me, it takes about 2 weeks for my hair to be completely ready for waxing. (I’ve heard that mine is about average) But for about 3-5 days I’m hairy to the point where I want to hurry and get another wax but need to wait.

*this might be WAYYY TMI but for your super curious people, they said your hair needs to be about 1″-1.5″ long for an easy wax job. Ok I know… TMI TMI TMI!!! =)

 
27.
Mrs. DG
Hostess
Mrs. DG (message)  4,227 posts, Honey bee

WaxOn is great, but it is pretty pricey. I’ve been looking for somewhere new. Any other Seattle recs?

 
28.
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Lindsay

I moved to NYC this summer and heard about Jay Sisters too… They’re a bit too pricey for me though. I go to Maria Bonita Salon [http://mariabonitany.com/] and see Regina. She’s super fast and it only costs $50ish. You can make appointments online too!

 
29.
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May

I’ve been to J.Sisters as well but I think it’s a little overrated. I go to Shobha, they have three locations now, but I usually go to the SoHo one. Very clean, fast and most importantly, no double-dipping!!!

 
30.
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May

oh forgot to put their website, just in case anyone needed it, http://www.shobhathreading.com/index.html

 
31.
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Nicole

Thank You, Thank You for posting this!!!
I really would love to try this!

 
32.
salex19
Member
salex19 (message)  162 posts, Blushing bee

Any recommendations for Washington DC?

I was a first-timer two days before my wedding. Just did a bikini though. The place I went was fine, but I wouldn’t mind trying some others if I go all the way for brazillian.

 
33.
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Angela

As an esthetician here are some of my tips I suggested to my clients to make it easier.
- Your hair should be a little on the longer side, if it’s too long your waxer can trim it.
- take a couple advil or any anti inflammatory.
- there are numbing creams, they usually take 20 mins to work so do it before your appointment.
- for ingrown hairs get either an exfoliating glove (you should be able to get them at the dollar store) or use an apricot scrub every time you shower.

Also, a good waxer will ALWAYS wear gloves, test the wax on their own skin before using it on you and it shouldn’t take longer than 15 mins to do a brazillian, unless it is your first time (sometimes the hair is very coarse and won’t pull as easily). And the more you wax the less it hurts each time! So it you think the pain is unbearable keep going it’s worth it!

 
34.
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Guest
Cheers826

for NYC: try J’Aime Day Spa on Madison between 33rd and 34th. around $34 for brazilian! ask for Lena :)

 
35.
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rollinstrane

@Anonymous:

If you can get out to Annandale, Sue at Sue Skin Care on Backlick Rd (5101G, behind the Giant) is terrific. Very fast, very professional, virtually painless. I think she charges $50 for women. I don’t know about in the District, as much, although European Day Spa on 19th (between H and I, I think, or thereabouts) does a good wax.

 
36.
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markyK

I too love the brazilian wax but the ingrown hairs and the marks they leave behind are not worth it for me…I hear tendskin is a good product…

 
37.
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markyK

@Anonymous: @Anonymous: You can try Fusion Day Spa on L street NW between 17th and Connecticut. Lidia and Debbie were great!

 
38.
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tahoebound

I’m a total Brazilian convert. I started doing it about 4-5 years ago and my first experience took forever but now I know where to go and don’t mind the “ghetto” places (based on recommendations, of course). If you stick with it, you have finer hair and significantly less growth. I can go a month between now. I too had ingrown problems in the beginning but I used tend skin for awhile and exfoliated and now I have like one or two ingrowns.

 
39.
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Watercooler » Weddingbee » The Wedding Blog

[...] “OOHH KELLY CLARKSON” by Mrs. Caramel [...]

 
40.
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Going to Brazil « Repeat Bride

[...] I’m going in for my first ever Brazilian (again, not talking about Helio).  I’m taking Mrs. Caramel’s advice to heart… and taking an aspirin.  Chalk it up to yet another one of those crazy things we [...]

 
41.
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Going to Brazil » Weddingbee » The Wedding Blog

[...] I’m going in for my first ever Brazilian (again, not talking about Helio). I’m taking Mrs. Caramel’s advice to heart… and taking an aspirin. Chalk it up to yet another one of those crazy things we women do [...]

 


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Mrs. Caramel
Mrs. Caramel Mrs. Caramel, Los Angeles Age and Occupation: 24, Art Gallery/Museums Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Engineer Engagement Date: January 8, 2007 Wedding Date: October 6, 2007 Venue: a beautiful church and hotel reception About Me: I love dancing, singing, eating out, eating in, surfing on the net, and brainstorming fantastic ideas. I also love cats, coffee, and know every quote written on Sex & the City. I'm known to laugh really loud and have really crazy hand gestures while I talk. My fiance writes songs and I take pictures. What else? We're just a crazy young couple in love, trying to make a fabulous wedding!
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