No matter the time of year, waxing is always in season. More women than ever are looking to remove their unwanted body hair all year long, and the bikini area is no exception.

A couple decades ago, bikini waxing was quite taboo. This isn’t the case anymore as recent surveys have revealed that bikini line hair grooming is now the new normal. In fact, a 2016 survey from YouGov explained that 96% of women under the age of 30 groom their bikini area in some way

For many women, the idea of a bikini or Brazillian wax is intimidating. But there are plenty of benefits of bikini waxes, which is why women keep coming back. Not all waxing has to be painful, and there are plenty of different tips you can follow that will make your next waxing appointment go by with ease.

1. Trim before you go
   Since waxing pulls hair from its root, it can be more painful if your hair is long before you get waxed. Trimming your hair to about 1/4 of an inch is the best way to ensure the wax is as painless as possible.
2. Don’t drink caffeine
   Caffeine is a stimulant, and it actually can make your skin feel more sensitive. You also don’t want to be jumpy at your appointment, so stick to drinking water all day.
3. Take a pain reliever about an hour before your appointment
   Waxing can be painful, especially for newbies. Taking a pain reliever about 30 minutes to an hour before your appointment is the best way to manage your pain tolerance and to reduce swelling almost immediately.
4. Apply numbing cream
   If you are especially nervous about the pain, bring some numbing cream along with you. Just make sure to double check that it is okay with your waxing salon first.
5. Avoid waxing during your time of the month
   When is the best time for a bikini wax? About a week after you have had your menstrual cycle, so the skin won’t be too tender and swollen.

Bikini waxing doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. As long as you breathe, relax, and follow these tips, you won’t have anything to worry about.