You know that episode of Full House where Stephanie tries to scare Michelle by referring to the haaaaairy scaaaaaary monster? You know, the one that scares the Cookie Monster?
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Image via imgur / This has nothing to do with anything, except that it came up on a Google search and made me laugh.
Well…I’m not talking about him.
I am talking about the one that lies, often (well…hopefully often…) hidden on all of us. You know, the hairy scary monster that lives *whispers* down there [insert suggestive eyebrow and knowing look here].
Here’s the deal, friends. I’m not going to pretend to know how all lady bits work OR the preferences of every lady who reads this blog. I am, however, going to venture into potential TMI territory that most every bride thinks about at least one hundred thousand times once. Fair warning.
I am a frequent bikini-wearer in the summer. I have had a season pass to Sandcastle Waterpark for what will be four summers in a row. I make at least one trip to the beach each summer. And I have been fighting a raging battle with my bikini line for years…and years and years and years. I used Nair Sensitive Bikini Line for a while but—like everything else phenomenal and worthwhile—it stopped working.
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Image via Nair’s website / RIP, my old friend
Naturally, I don’t want to worry about how freshly shaven I am or be dealing with the stragglies rubbing up against whatever wedding-themed underwear I will inevitably don.
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Image via Bridal Party Tees / Guess who pinned these to her “WEDDING! EEEEE!” board. Beyond in love with these.
So, naturally, this left me with one option: waxing. The author of my favorite, to date, wedding book How I Planned Your Wedding, suggested an alternative process called sugaring, but even though I spent days Googling my options it seemed like only one place in/near Pittsburgh offered it. This place was not only far away but it seemed a little…too alternative?…for my tastes. As I seriously contemplated waxing, I started to think of the pros and cons—and believe me, ending up like Monica and Phoebe from that Friends episode was totally topping the “con” list.
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Image via The One with All the Snark / This episode is one of my favs for so many reasons.
Also contenders: my ridiculously sensitive skin, a potential allergic reaction, and having to grow the “hairy scary” part of the monster for it to work.
So I went with the very common option in bride-to-be world: grabbed a girlfriend (in this case, it happened to be Bridesmaid Y) and went for a trial.
Do you handle your hairy-scary-monster problems? Any other brides out there scarred by Monica and Phoebe’s experience?
LASER! I literally cried when I went to get a bixini wax, needless to say that I never went back!
I got a great groupon on laser and it’s going really well so far, though it takes a longggg time (8-9 sessions, each at 6-8 weeks appart). But sooo worth it if I never have to deal with that issue any more 
My friends & I just went for our first time on Wednesday! It was all 6 of our first times & honestly it wasn’t as bad as we thought it was going to be. We went to waxcenter.com, which specializes in waxing only. We’ve already made appointments for our second visit lol!
I used to wax way back in the day and it was usually only when I was dating someone. At one point a few years I started just looking into more ‘natural’ ways of living. I stopped taking birth control and decided to rely on self awareness as well as condoms (eventually getting a diaphragm too). Another move I made was to stop waxing and I started using a hair trimmer instead. It keeps it short and manageable, but now I don’t feel like a child. Also, depending on the research it’s supposed to be a natural barrier for bacteria and such (but some research does say underwear provides the same function in modern day.)
I have actually never done anything down there other than wash when I take a shower….TMI? But like you said, as a bride I have thought about if I should do something down there. I don’t know. Maybe I’ll try the Nair Bikini Cream.
I went and got waxed before the wedding to try it out and see if it was worth it, both for the wedding day and the honeymoon. I have to say, even though shaving is a major pain it lasts way longer than getting waxed did for me. Good Luck and I hope it works out for you!
I usually just take care of things in that area with a razor – but the irritation that can follow isn’t fun to deal with. I’ve been to ESSpa Kozmetika in Aspinwall for other spa services, though, and have been happy with the results. Their website says they offer sugaring too:
I swear by waxing – Brazilian all the way. It is painful as hell but I get through it by doing a shot of vodka and having an excedrin before hand. No kidding. I am hair free *downthere* for almost a month afterward, and then it seems to grow back pretty slowly.
LASER! I literally cried when I went to get a bixini wax, needless to say that I never went back!
Omg I cannot recommend laser enough. It is SUPER effective and there are always Groupons for it. I used to wax religiously and I can’t believe I didn’t do laser sooner…it saves so much money in the long run and looks so much better!
@Miss Care Bear, @HOGUE, @Laura: I have heard SUCH good things about laser hair removal! I don’t know if it’s the time commitment or the monetary commitment that has always left me hesitant, but now I’m really curious and think I might look into it more if a good Groupon comes up. . .maybe it’ll be a sign? haha. Thank you for sharing & suggesting!
@amandaleaou: It makes so much sense to go with friends! Moral support and commiseration. 
I’m glad it worked out for you.
@dancingriss: I’ve gone through periods of just. . .maintaining, so to speak, and I definitely see the appeal. Overall though, especially in the summer time, I feel the need to be clean and smooth.
@whaleigh: I swear by the Bikini Cream – for me, there were no side effects, not even a sense of discomfort. The most annoying part is having to lay there for 10+ minutes while it works. That having been said, definitely do what feels right for you! If you WANT to do something, the Bikini Cream is a nice compromise, a middle ground, but don’t feel pressured just because you’re a Bride. If you want to go au naturel, work it girl! It’s all about you!
@cookie: Shaving lasts longer for you?! This is the first I’ve heard of that being the case, but that’s AWESOME because it is a gazillion times cheaper. It’s a PITA to have to keep up with but it’s definitely quicker and easier to maintain.
@CatInAWeddingDress: I’ve read about ESSpa and I’m not 100% sold. I mention it briefly in my next post – I read a few reviews and heard a little bit from word-of-mouth that it’s not the best and that their sugaring process was painful? Sad face. Thank you for suggesting, maybe I’ll delve into more reviews.
@elle: Haha, you’ll laugh at my next post! I’m glad it works for you. Hint: My first (and only) Brazilian was NOT pleasant. Oy.
Miss Palm Tree, Pittsburgh, PA Age and Occupation: 23, Lease Analyst Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Associate Systems Analyst Engagement Date: December 22, 2011 Wedding Date: May 2013 Venue: The Fez in Aliquippa, PA About Me: I’m Miss Palm Tree - an opinionated, loyal and outgoing bride-to-be. I currently work as a Lease Analyst by day and a catering assistant by night. Mr. Palm Tree is a Computer Engineer with a love for all things cats. Mr. Palm Tree and I are absolute soul mates. Having grown up across the street from each other (I have the scars to prove it), we have been a part of each other’s lives for almost as long as we can remember. We are far from perfect: we fight, we get annoyed with each other and we certainly take advantage of knowing one another so well when pushed to the edge, but ultimately, what truly defines us as a couple is our love.
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