Summer is almost upon us, bringing with it a wave of teeny-weeny bikinis. Do you know what goes perfectly with barely there bathing suits? That's right, a Brazilian wax. If the thought of this all-encompassing wax service gives you anxiety, we want to encourage you to take a deep breath and reconsider. Brazilian waxes are not as traumatic as we would believe and are a total lifesaver in the summer seasons. The key to getting through a Brazilian wax unscathed is knowing the facts and being properly prepared. Here are some things you should know.

It's a Bit Awkward

Allow us to drop some truth bombs on you before you hit the salon. Brazilian waxes require you to be partially naked (from the lower half) and there will be some awkward positioning as the specialist will be waxing everything (and we mean EVERYTHING). Before you break out into hives, let us offer you some more comforting truths. First of all, wax specialists are professionals and perform these services all day long, so there's no reason to feel embarrassed or weird. Most salons go above and beyond to make you feel as comfortable and calm as possible. Secondly, Brazilian waxes are not long services and any discomfort will be very short-lived ... we promise.

The "Ouch" Factor Isn't THAT Bad

We're sure you've heard the horror stories and rumors surrounding the pain involved with Brazilian waxes. If we're being honest, let us tell you: Brazilian's can be a bit painful. The skin around the bikini area is sensitive and the hair removal process may result in an "ouch" or two, especially for those with a low threshold for pain. However, the key word here is may as the pain is equivalent to other parts of the body that are regularly waxed such as the upper lip, eyebrows and underarms. If those procedures don't make you tear up, chances are this won't either. To dull the pain, try applying a pre-wax numbing solution such as Gigi Wax Numbing Spray.

No Shaving At Least 1-2 Weeks Before

Make sure you don't shave for at least a week before the waxing service. Hair needs to be between 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch long to allow the wax to grip on to it and remove the hair from the root. So, restrain yourself from picking up that razor, and have some comfort in the fact that waxing will allow for longer and softer hair growth.

Prep "the Area" Properly

The key to smooth sailing with wax is in the pre- and post-prep. Before your appointment, make sure the area is clean. Exfoliate the area 24-48 hours prior to the appointment, to make sure it's free of dead skin and as clean as possible. Try a gentle exfoliant like The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Body Scrub.

No Working Out for 24 Hours After

If you have spin class or marathon planned directly after your wax appointment, cancel it. After a wax, your pores are wide open. Immediate excessive sweating or heat can cause irritation and ingrown hairs. So, use your wax appointment as an excuse to kick back and relax.

Post-Wax Upkeep

After your Brazilian, avoid shower gels and lotions with any fragrance or ingredients that may irritate the area. Stick to a fragrance-free, antibacterial cleanser that will soothe the area and keep it clean and bump-free. Another word of advice: wear loose, soft clothing to your appointment, as you want to avoid inflammation and chafing.

Want some more skincare advice? Get the best summer skin with these skincare tips!

Photo: iStock