Are You Summer Ready?

Story by Elizabeth Millen

Bikini Waxing: Many women have questions about what to do with the hair down there but are too shy or embarrassed to inquire. We understand—it just seems so taboo. Thus, the struggle with shaving, bumps, razor burn and ingrown hairs continues. But, here’s the deal: Nobody wants that hair peeking and puffing out of her swimsuit. After talking with Shannon Ford, licensed esthetician at Island Med Spa and master waxer and instructor, the mystery is solved and the forbidden nature of these private locks is debunked.

“I’ve seen it all and no questions are dumb. Well, except does it hurt,” Shannon said matter of factly. “The first time hurts the worst, but it’s only for a second or two. I mean, it is the process of pulling hair out from the roots. The key is having it done by a licensed professional, who really knows what she is doing. Someone with experience can do it quicker, cause less pain and reduce any risk of injury.

So, what are women doing with the hair down there:

Shape up: Some women choose to wax merely to get the area under control. Even men are doing this with what is now called “manscaping.” Basically, having the sides trimmed and waxed to keep the hair from escaping the contours of a swimsuit or underwear.

Brazilian: A full Brazilian wax means all hair gone, including what Shannon refers to as “the back door.”

Modified Brazilian: Many women choose to get most of the hair removed, with the exception of what’s called a landing strip, which is a vertical line of hair right in front. Other popular options include leaving a small upside down triangular patch or heart-shape patch in the front.

What did I choose? You’ll never know, but whatever you choose, waxing is a better choice than shaving at home. There are no bumps, no ingrown hairs, no razor burn and the results last six to eight weeks before needing to make another appointment.

Give It a Try: Island Medical Spa, under the direction of Kenneth Farr, M.D., specializes in skin care, laser hair removal, injectables, massage, waxing and more. Island Medical Spa, 4 Dunmore Court, Hilton Head Island, www.islandmedicalspahhi.com or 843-689-3322.

 

Pedicure: With your boots securely packed away, it’s time to pull out the flip-flops and sandals and dip those toes in the sand. What? Your heels have cracked over the harsh, cold winter and your toenails haven’t been painted since New Year’s Eve? Well then, a pedicure is exactly what you need. This isn’t a luxury, girlfriend…it’s a necessity.

To get my tootsies summer ready, I called on Andrea Dellers, Spa Director, and Julia Lynch, cosmetologist, at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort Spa in Palmetto Dunes. With one look at my feet, Julia decided I needed the works, which started with a warm soak, followed by exfoliating my feet and grooming my nails. For extra hydration, which is always needed in the heel area, Julia wrapped my feet in luscious, warm, peach paraffin. My skin drank in the moisture this treatment provided. Next, I was treated to a brown sugar, pineapple oil scrub to whisk away the last of the dead winter skin.

It’s color time! Putting the winter doldrums behind me for good, I chose a hot pink for my toes named “Strike a Pose.” The Omni Spa uses a vegan line of polish that is free of potentially harmful chemicals. With my toes pinked up—and yes, I had my fingernails done, too—I proudly slipped on my flippies and waltzed into summer.

Give It a Try: The Spa at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort is a luxurious full-service spa offering services ranging from haircut and color to nail services to a variety of massages and other delightful, relaxing spa treatments, including private, ocean side massage. Omni Spa, 23 Ocean Lane, Hilton Head Island, www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/HiltonHead/Spa.aspx or 843-341-8056 (direct).

 

Spray Tan: Nothing stands out more than being lily white your first day out to the beach or pool. While standing out is usually a good thing, blinding people with your glowing winter white body is not that great. However, there is a quick fix…spray tan!

I met Alex Sargo, Faces Lash Studio Manager, early one morning to get my tan on. Having fair skin, I was excited that I would be tan by nightfall, with no laying out required.

To prepare, Alex advised me to exfoliate my skin that morning prior to arriving and not put on any lotion or makeup. Once there, in a private room with a shower, I was given a shower cap to protect my hair. What you wear for this treatment is up to you. A swimsuit works, but if you don’t want tan lines, then the swimsuit has to go. As I stood in the shower, Alex evenly sprayed a cool, fine mist all over my body, including my face. The entire treatment took about fifteen minutes. It was easy and it works. As the day went on, I turned more tan. By bedtime, I had a healthy glow (not too dark or fake looking) that made me look as though I’d been on vacation enjoying the sun and sand.

There are different levels of color intensity from which to choose, lasting about a week to ten days. Spray tan is perfect for a special event, a vacation or seriously, just your first day on the beach. It’s also a great alternative to harmful UV rays and having color year-round. Sunscreen is still required, as this treatment in no way prepares your skin for tanning.

Tan in a day, all-natural without any harsh chemicals or UV rays, what’s not to like? I’ll definitely do it again.

Give It a Try: Faces Lash Studio’s menu of services specializes in lash extensions, lash care, spray tan and waxing. Located in the Village at Wexford, Hilton Head Island, www.FacesLashStudio.com or 843-785-LASH.