![Quantcast](http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-GS-HF4BKvzCmv.gif)
![The Brazilian Wax: Why Women Go Bare](https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xMjYxMDI4Mi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTczMjg0NDMzOH0.sMnD048l7KbOsRsyhpsTn4jvmUEVcKMNRLw76KVIwPw/img.png?width=980&quality=90)
The Brazilian Wax: Why Women Go Bare
I got my first wax senior year of college for spring break in Miami. I decided to opt out of the beginner bikini option and went for the full monty: the Brazilian wax. For those who may be unfamiliar on what a Brazilian wax is, it's a technique where all of the pubic hair is removed from front to back, leaving you as smooth and as bare down there as a baby.
It was a beautiful sunny Saturday, so my girlfriends and I picked a salon and set up a group appointment to get our first waxes just in time to hit the beach. I was so excited, but I also had no idea what to expect. We were a group of novices in the wax world all joining forces to accomplish the same mission. This may sound dramatic, but as each of us entered the salon rooms one by one, I could hear a couple of them squeal in pain. A few of the other rooms remained silent. Were they dead? Did they pass out? What's going on in there?! Those were just a few of the many thoughts running through my mind until the wax beautician called out my name. It was finally my turn to find out and face the music.
While lying on the soft terry cloth table, my beautician tried her best to make small talk with me in efforts to distract me from the task at hand. She won and I was caught off-guard every single time. Each pull was fast and painful. The sting would last for a few seconds, but when placing her hand over each area after the pull, the pain settled. These steps repeated multiple times while being put in every compromising position to get the job done. About halfway through, I told her I wanted to stop and then I looked down at how ridiculous “my half-assed situation" looked and was forced to continue until every hair was gone.
In the end, I absolutely loved the results.
Not only did I feel fresh and smooth, but the comfort in knowing that I wouldn't have to worry about my nether regions for a few weeks put me at ease! The whole experience made me curious of why other women get waxes and who they get them for, if anyone.
My girlfriends and I have had numerous discussions as to why we wax. Let me introduce you to a few of them:
For Special Occasions
Tiffany: “I didn't really think it was all that painful or unbearable. It's definitely NOTHING like getting your eyebrows waxed of course, but my experience wasn't terrible and I loved the results. I'd definitely do it again. I also choose to wax when I know I will be wearing bikinis. I like the clean look and not having to feel self-conscious about what bikinis I can and can't wear. It makes me feel free and I like that."
Sade: “I usually get waxes for special occasions. It makes the hair lighter after a while, which I like and if I haven't gone in a while, it's not as hairy or painful. When I had a boo, I did it for him, but then after a while, I just liked the general upkeep here and there. I used to go every six weeks, now I make sure to schedule 4-5 appointments over the course of the year. It makes me feel like I'm maintaining myself, similar to the feeling of getting your nails done."
Summer: “Well, I don't get waxes every month like I used to. I will every once in a while. Initially, I was getting them because I didn't want to shave… then, I got married. I do like how clean it looks and feels, but moral of the story is that I cared before I got married. I don't really do it much anymore because it's super painful, and I mean, he's going to want it regardless."
For A Man
Maria: “I JUST got a wax! It makes me feel fresh, clean, and sexy and I don't have to worry about razor bumps from shaving. When I get a wax, I'm ready to show off my kitty to anyone!"
For Herself
Brooke: “I've been getting waxed for so long that I consider it part of my regular beauty regimen. In the same way that I get my nails done every other week or get my hair done weekly, I get a wax every month. It makes me feel great and confident. And this way, I'm ready for bikini season year-round."
Christina: “Reluctantly, yes, I'm #teamwax. I haven't subjected myself to the torture since December since it's been cold and no one's clearly been on my lawn, but I'll get them when spring gets here. I definitely get them for the confidence and sexy factor. And a groomed lawn definitely makes sexy undies look better."
Sam: “I get Brazilians regularly. I feel cleaner when it's all gone and it's really smooth. It lasts longer than shaving too. I go about every five weeks and I get them for myself. The older I get, the more I like doing those things for me."
We all have various reasons why we maintain the upkeep of our lady parts. For me personally, I get waxed sporadically. Although again, I love the results, it's a lot of maintenance that I'm just too lazy to put in. It's also uncomfortable and costly over time. I believe a Brazilian can range from $30-$50 depending on where you get it done.
Add that up over the course of every 3-4 weeks, and you get the picture. If I had my way, I would laser it away so I wouldn't have to deal with it ever again. That day might be in my near future, but until then, I'll stick with my sporadic routine. Perhaps over the summer or for vacation, or maybe for my man. I'll do it whenever I feel like it.
What about you? Do you relate to me or any of my friends? What type of wax do you prefer and who do you wax it off for?
- Learned About My Vagina After Marriage - xoNecole: Women's ... ›
- I Tried Sugar Waxing, Sugaring For The First Time... - xoNecole ... ›
- These Women Say It's Okay to Rock Pubic Hair - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
- How To Take Care Of Your Bikini Line & Make It Smooth - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
- Guide To Pubic Hair Mainenance & Grooming - xoNecole: Lifestyle, Culture, Love, Wellness ›
- The Gross Reason You Should Think Twice About Getting a Full ... ›
- A Rookie's Complete Guide to Getting a Brazilian Wax - ELLE ›
- The Health Benefits of a Brazilian Wax | Bye Bye Hair Brazilian Wax ›
- This Study on Pubic Hair Is the Only Reason You'll Ever Read a ... ›
- What Is a Brazilian Wax? An Esthetician, Dermatologist, and Waxing ... ›
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Is it just me, or do our bodies have an “If it’s not one thing, it’s another” vibe as we get older? And lately, new or recurring skin conditions have been yet another thing to add to the growing list of “WTF is this, am I dying?” When it comes to seborrheic dermatitis, it’s one of the most common skin issues, impacting 3 to 10 out of 100 people, per the National Institute of Health. You may have heard of it, been diagnosed with it, or will relate to this article and finally feel seen and relieved that there’s a name for what you’ve been going through.
We’re breaking down everything you need to know about seborrheic dermatitis, from what it is and its symptoms to shutting down a few common myths, and of course, how to know if you actually have it. Let’s get into it.
What Are The Signs?
You may be experiencing seborrheic dermatitis if your skin, eyebrows, scalp, or facial hair has dandruff, irritable skin patches, or flakes, according to the Mayo Clinic. More specifically, and on the verge of TMI, oily skin with flat white or yellow scales may also be a sign.
When it comes to rashes, it’s likely they’ll show up in a ring-like form (which is called petaloid seborrheic dermatitis). For the melanated folks, rashes may appear darker or lighter (per the National Eczema Association, people of color may get a more intense flare-up with lesions on the hairline and discoloration), while those with fair skin may experience red rash areas.
Where Is It?
While seborrheic dermatitis can occur on various body parts, it’s frequently seen on the scalp, according to the NEA. The Mayo Clinic notes that the condition also pops up on oily facial and body areas like the edges of one’s nose, eyelids, and eyebrows, as well as the chest and ears. Skin can appear inflamed with rashes and patches, and the scalp will typically battle with relentless dandruff.
Seborrheic dermatitis can be super irritating and frustrating, but fortunately, if you’ve been diagnosed, it doesn’t lead to permanent hair loss, and it isn’t contagious, The Mayo Clinic states. In fact, with doctor-prescribed treatment or products like special shampoo, it could disappear or at least reduce flare-ups.
What Triggers It?
It’s difficult to pinpoint what specifically causes the condition. The Mayo Clinic points out that it could arise thanks to too much oil in the skin or the presence of Malassezia, a type of fungi. Commonly, things like fatigue, weather changes, and stress also play a role. More serious conditions that can trigger it range from Parkinson’s and depression to HIV, as well as the aftermath of life-altering events like a heart attack.
Bronchitis, strep throat, the flu, tonsillitis, and ear and respiratory infections are also known to cause flare-ups, along with skin issues like bruises, sunburns, scratches, and bites, per the Cleveland Clinic.
Interestingly enough, the NIH notes that seasons changing has a role too. Seborrheic dermatitis can disappear in the summer months, and then make a comeback like it never left in the winter.
Who Does It Affect?
Unlike many other things we go through as women, seborrheic dermatitis is actually more common for men, according to the NIH. It often appears for the first time in the young adult years or for those who are older than 50.
What About Psoriasis Though?
Seborrheic dermatitis is often compared to psoriasis, and for good reason. They both impact the skin, especially the scalp area. They can both also leave scaly patches on the skin, flakes on your hair, and cause itching. However, they’re not identical. Healthline notes that areas of seborrheic dermatitis flareups are typically easier to remove compared to psoriasis. Psoriasis also tends to be sorer and more tender, while seborrheic dermatitis can itch or create a burning sensation.
Let’s Clear The Air
There are a few rumors about the power of seborrheic dermatitis and what it can cause. So let’s break down the truth for a second. According to the NEA, this condition is not cancerous, nor does it indicate or increase a higher risk for cancer in the future.
Just a reminder, it doesn’t cause hair loss, nor is hair loss a symptom. If you are experiencing concerning hair loss, it is likely a sign of something else.
How Can You Treat It?
Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated pretty easily (praises be). Certain medicines like shampoos with tar, anti-inflammatory creams that include steroids, creams and shampoos with antifungal agents, or creams that feature salicylic acid, can be applied to the inflamed area to help resolve the problematic area, according to the NIH.
Just a note though: As tempting as it is to cover up scaly patches with heavy foundation or concealer, experts with the NIH actually advise against it as it can clog your pores. However, a light foundation can be used occasionally, along with skin care products that aren’t too oily to help temporarily conceal it.
A unique type of sunscreen also isn’t needed. You can use what you typically would before stepping out into the sun. And your skin soaking in a few extra rays could actually help your skin.
Should You Self-Diagnose?
As tempting as it is to make an appointment with Dr. Google, The Mayo Clinic advises you to call your actual physician if the condition interrupts your sleep, makes you lose focus throughout the day, contributes to anxiety, or simply doesn’t go away with at-home remedies. Simply put, it’s always best to check with your doctor to ensure you’re actually experiencing seborrheic dermatitis and get the treatment you need to help monitor or prevent it.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by gpointstudio/Getty Images