5 Things You Might Be Doing Wrong Before And After A Brazilian Wax
This post is in partnership with European Wax Center®
If you get Brazilian waxes regularly, chances are you are accustomed to the process. That means you know exactly when to take a deep breath right before each strip is removed (I know, the pain is quick but real) and you also know how much time it'll be before you're due for another session. You've probably got a good rapport with your waxer and, if you're like me, love to chat it up every time you see her. But no matter how experienced you are with the process, there might be a few missteps you're making before and after every session.
Here are some common faux pas you could be making when it comes to getting a Brazilian, and how to do better for your next session.
1) Drinking Coffee or Alcohol Before Your Appointment
You might not have known this, but sipping on any kind of stimulant before your wax can and will make the process more uncomfortable. Coffee, energy drinks, and alcohol can cause the pores on your skin to tighten...and not to mention, it makes you more anxious. So next time, schedule your coffee date or happy hour meet-up for after your wax appointment. You'll notice the difference!
2) You're Wearing The Wrong Underwear!
After a wax, it's crucial to make sure you're wearing the right undergarments, especially if you'll be out and about afterward. Cotton underwear is best to wear post-wax since it's a natural and breathable fabric. Many of the underwear you might have in your drawer that you think is 100% cotton may surprisingly have a blend of other synthetic fabrics that could irritate freshly-waxed skin. So be sure you pick out a pair of undies that fits the bill before heading to your session. You could also go commando while wearing a light, breathable outfit like a maxi dress!
3) You're Having Sex Right After Your Wax
I know, I know. This one's a tough one to accept since the only thing that comes close to feeling rejuvenated by a fresh wax is showing it off to your boo. But unfortunately, having sex right after a Brazilian wax will do more harm than good. "Sex right after a wax is going to cause you to sweat and open you up to bacteria getting into your freshly waxed pores," says European Wax Center's senior manager of field training Deidra Green. "So we just recommend that you would wait at least 24 hours. Now, we all know that there are people out there who are going to test that. So my advice is if you're going to participate in these activities, make sure that you are able to shower immediately after, and that you're using something like our ingrown hair serum or the ingrown hair wipes immediately afterward to lessen the chances of a breakout."
4) You're Not Exfoliating Enough
A freshly waxed bikini area is a wonderful thing, but like anything else, you have to maintain it. Using a quality exfoliating product in between waxes does wonders for keeping dead skin cells at bay and the skin on your pubic area smooth and supple. European Wax Center also offers some exfoliating products that work double-time by also slowing down the growth of the hair. If you're a veteran with Brazilian waxing and exfoliation isn't already a part of your routine, shop some of the brand's gentle yet effective exfoliants that will help maintain and prepare your skin pre-wax.
5) You're Waiting Too Long In Between Waxes
Contrary to popular belief, waxing isn't supposed to be excruciatingly painful. So if it is, it might mean you need to up the frequency of your wax sessions. European Wax Center's expert and corporate field trainer Stacie Harding says "your first wax will be uncomfortable, however maintaining a consistent waxing regimen of every 3-4 weeks will ensure that each experience is more tolerable." So if you're going 4 weeks in between waxes and find yourself wanting to tap out after every strip, talk to your waxer about coming every 3 weeks instead.
Visit waxcenter.com for more tips and to book for very first wax for free.
Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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Feature image by Franco Zulueta
From $80K To $174K: The 10 Moves I Made To Double My Income & Transform My Career
Climbing the corporate ladder may not be for everyone. For me, it presents an opportunity to enhance my visibility as an experienced communicator, foster professional development, network, explore diverse job opportunities, and, most importantly, financial rewards.
In the last two years, I have focused on increasing my salary and positioning myself to get into the C-suite. Over the course of my 12-year professional career, mentors and job opportunities have bolstered my advancement from a media relations specialist to a senior manager. I started in a junior position at $80,000 annually; now, I make $174,000 ($150,000 + $24,000 bonus and stock options). After years of being unemployed and underemployed, I was finally reaping the benefits of my hard work.
Here are the 10 ways I increased my salary.
1.Know Your Worth
Understanding your market value is the first step. I regularly researched industry salary trends and adjusted my expectations accordingly. Websites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn Salary Insights were invaluable. Once you know the average salary, add tax. After accepting a salary, it is less likely you’ll see a substantial increase outside of your annual raise unless you take another role within the company.
2.Leverage Negotiations
I accepted the $80K specialist role because I knew it was a good starting salary that would increase over time. Each subsequent job offer was an opportunity to negotiate. I emphasized my growing skill set, achievements, and the unique value I could bring to the company. You can do this by providing clear examples of problem-solving and cost-saving methods you led.
3.Continuous Learning
I never stopped learning. I took courses, attended workshops, and earned certifications relevant to communications. This not only broadened my expertise but also made a compelling case during salary reviews. Your company may offer some of these options for free through LinkedIn Learning or internal professional development platforms. Other companies may have discretionary funds to use for external conferences and other tools to increase your skills.
4.Advocate Internally
While I've never experienced an internal promotion, I do know they can play a significant role in increasing your salary. Whether it’s an open position or you have reached a peak in your current role and are ready for more responsibility, make your case by highlighting your contributions, leadership qualities, and readiness for more opportunities.
5.Seek New Opportunities
Sometimes, moving up means moving out. I applied for external roles that aligned with my career goals, which ultimately led me to my current position.
In two years, I changed jobs twice, increasing my salary and benefits, like a sign-on bonus, each time. Changing jobs can often result in a significant salary bump.
6.Build a Strong Network
Networking is crucial. Mentors and professional connections provided guidance, support, and sometimes job leads. They helped me understand the industry landscape and how to position myself. In the words of Issa Rae, network across with your peers, because there are so many gems to learn from everyone.
7.Be Assertive
In my 30s, I have gained the confidence I lacked as a new graduate entering the professional field in my 20s. Now, I not only know what I want, but I ask for it too. I am a firm believer in the power of the tongue. I inform the recruiter and hiring manager of my compensation and career expectations at the onset to avoid wasting time. It’s essential to communicate your worth confidently.
8.Demonstrate Impact
Quantify your achievements. I kept a record of my successes—campaign results, project completions, and any metrics that demonstrated my impact. This data was crucial during salary negotiations and performance reviews.
9.Stay Resilient
Rejections and setbacks are part of the journey. I faced my share of both, but each experience was a learning opportunity. Staying resilient and focused on my goals kept me moving forward. Most importantly, remember you are not alone.
10.Embrace Your Journey
Every step of my journey was a testament to perseverance, continuous growth, and strategic self-advocacy. Your career path might be different, but the principles of knowing your worth, continuous learning, and assertive negotiation remain the same.
In this journey, I’ve learned that advocating for yourself is not just about negotiating a salary—it’s about recognizing your value, continuously improving, and being unafraid to chase your goals. You deserve to thrive in your career, and with these strategies, you can achieve the salary and role you aspire to.
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