How long does a bikini wax last? Will it hurt? Is it going to be totally awkward? If you’re considering waxing your nether regions for the first time—especially as summer approaches—there’s a good chance these are a few of the questions that have gone through your head.

After all, paying a complete stranger to rip off your pubes—with hot wax at that!— is way more intimidating than deciding to get bangs. To ease your fears, Noemi Grupenmager, founder of Uni K Wax, is here to answer all of your most burning questions, so you can keep calm and wax on.

Meet our expert: Noemi Grupenmager, founder of Uni K Wax

Why should I willingly sign up for a bikini wax?

In terms of down-there hair removal, getting a professional wax is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your bikini line smooth. Waxing allows the hair to grow back in thinner, sparser, and weaker, and it helps exfoliate the skin. Plus: “It’s much more convenient as the results from waxing last longer than shaving,” says Grupenmager.

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What are the different kinds of waxes?

Generally speaking, there are two types: soft and hard wax. “Soft wax is applied at a very high temperature in small areas and removed with paper strips that you often see in movies with people screaming when it’s ripped off,” says Grupenmager. Whereas hard wax is pulled directly off the skin with the technician’s hands.

Then, there’s sugaring (you can read all about that hair removal technique here). You can also try giving yourself a bikini wax at home, but if you’re prone to skin sensitivity or ingrowns, better to save the task for pro.

How long does my pubic hair have to be for a bikini wax?

“The standards of the waxing industry recommend the length to be a quarter to an eighth of an inch,” says Grupenmager, but many waxing pros have certain application techniques to get even shorter hair.

And no, there’s no such thing as hair that’s too long for waxing. So don’t even worry if you’re coming in with a full bush: Your waxer has seen it all and is equipped with the tools to remove hair of all lengths.

When should I get a bikini wax before vacation?

For waxing first-timers, Grupenmager suggests going in one to two days before your vacation. That way, if you do experience any redness or tenderness afterwards, your bikini line will have time to recover before you need to slip on your swimsuit.

Will it hurt?

Most likely, yes. Before you panic, know it’s more of a this-is-slightly-uncomfortable type of pain than an OMG-make-it-end-now one. Plus, half of the discomfort during your first time is the mental anguish and anticipation of your pubic hair about to get yanked off your lady parts.

The more you wax, the more you get used to the feeling—and veterans know that it’s NBD. According to Grupenmager, avoid scheduling it right around your period (you’re more sensitive down there three days before and during your cycle). If you’re still worried, pop a Tylenol 30 minutes before your appointment and try taking a deep breath right before each section is removed.

How long will my bikini wax last?

“For those customers who wax routinely, they usually return between four to six weeks,” says Grupenmager, but for anyone who likes that extra-smooth finish, you can come back after three weeks.

Grupenmager also says that if you’re transitioning from shaving to waxing, try scheduling a touch-up service since it “helps you start to even out the hair growth in the waxed area so that over time, as you continue to wax, you have longer results and begin growing softer, sparser, weaker hair.”

Is there anything I should do afterwards?

“After waxing we always recommend using sun protection and drinking enough water, so your skin is hydrated,” advises Grupenmager. Also try not to wear super tight clothes like leggings or form-hugging jeans all the time. Constantly wearing tighter clothes can create friction in the bikini area, which can eventually lead to ingrown hairs or irritation.

Speaking of, what’s the best way to deal with ingrowns?

Ingrowns can happen when a hair gets trapped beneath the skin. Switching from shaving to waxing your bikini area should drastically cut back on them, but sadly, even with waxing, they can happen. Luckily, there’s a few good habits to follow post-wax that should help reduce your risk.

The first: Exfoliating in the shower. “Exfoliating helps clear out dead cells that can prevent the hair follicle from growing outward,” explains Grupenmager. Then, after you dry off, apply a serum or treatment designed to treat ingrowns and other bumps. Grupenmager personally likes SENSE In-Grown Hair Roll-On—“You apply it twice a day and in about a week the ingrown hair will pop out,” she adds.

Another word of advice? Once the hair finally breaks free, resist the urge to pluck or shave it. It’s better to wait until your next wax sesh to ensure the entire piece of hair is properly removed from the follicle (attempting to pull it out yourself can cut the hair in half, creating another ingrown hair).