The 13 Emotional Stages of Getting a Bikini Wax

Finger, Shoulder, Photograph, Elbow, Joint, White, Chest, Beauty, Wrist, Neck,

(Image credit: Archves)

published 13 August 14

1. Excitement (The morning of):

I so desperately need to get a wax. This is going to be great! It's almost the weekend. I'm going to feel divine!

2. Trepidation (About 10 minutes before):

Okay! Pants off. Now I'm nervous. Why do I get waxes anyway? What kind of maniac volunteers themselves for pain? I must be a masochist.

3. Anxiety (Just minutes before):

It sure is bright in here. Oh! And now you've turned on the lamp.

4. Distress (She's looking at you, there):

I'm officially spread eagle. Pretending it's not awkward. I should get an Oscar for this performance, just saying.

5. Slight Relaxation (Only momentarily):

Here comes the warm wax. That feels nice.

6. Denial (Three minutes, tops):

We're starting with the easy ones. This isn't so bad...

7. Anger (For longer than expected):

Why are we still talking about my tan lines? I can't concentrate on this discussion while I'm getting hair pulled out of my body.

8. Sheer Dread (It's happening):

This must be what childbirth feels like. Oh no, this. is. the. worst. one. BREATHE.

9. Relief (The worst is over):

Phew. She's pretty good at this.

10. Suspense (What is about to happen?):

Annnd now it's time for the requisite "flip over." Again with the Oscar-worthy performance.

11. Anger (You feel violated, raw):

Do not even think about going near me with those tweezers.

12. Relief (It. Is. Over.):

Okay, that feels mildly better. Whatever she's applying right now feels soothing.

13. Happiness (Phew!):

Yes! Done! I feel amazing. I'm struttin' my stuff out of this office. But, I have to come back in 4 weeks. Le sigh.

Related:

8 Do's and Don'ts of At-Home Waxing (opens in new tab)

A Savvy Girl's Guide to Beauty Etiquette (opens in new tab)

The Best Hair Removal Products (opens in new tab)

The Bare Truth (opens in new tab)

Hallie Gould

Hallie has worked in beauty editorial for ten years and has been editorial director at Byrdie since 2021. Previously, she was a senior editor at Byrdie since 2016. During her time at Byrdie, she's written hundreds of high-performing stories on skincare, wellness (including fitness, diet, mental health, body image, et al) makeup, and hair. She's a regular on set, helping to source inspiration for makeup and hair looks, as well as interviewing celebrities, models, and other notable women and men in the beauty space.

Before that, Hallie ran Marie Claire's social media and wrote beauty and culture stories for the site, and helped launch Time Inc.'s digital-only beauty brand, MIMI. After college, she contributed to Time Out New York’s Shopping & Style section before landing her first beauty editor gig at Hearst's Real Beauty. Hallie's writing has also appeared in ELLE, Cosmopolitan, and InStyle. Hallie graduated with a BA in Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.