First, the bad news: waxing hurts. Think of it as having a large Band-Aid ripped off. How much it hurts is largely attributable to an individual's pain threshold. But, any way you slice it, pulling hairs out from the follicle smarts.

The good news is there are a lot of things you can do to minimize waxing discomfort.

The most important step is to find an experienced, well-trained waxer. A gifted professional will make the procedure as quick and painless as possible. They'll know tricks to keep you comfortable. If they do a lot of waxing they're also more likely to use better, more expensive products like Bombshell Wax which includes essential oils and buffering ingredients to make waxing faster, easier, safer and more comfortable. Seek referrals from friends who wax as this is no time to let your fingers do the walking in the Yellow Pages.

Now that you've found a reputable waxer and have made an appointment there are a few things you can and should do beforehand. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and sugar for at least two hours prior to treatment as these will increase your sensitivity. Consider taking aspirin, Tylenol, Advil or some other over-the-counter analgesic. Relax and reduce any sources of stress in your life. Try to schedule treatment when you're most likely to be relaxed. Give yourself time to get to your appointment. Some people find a pre-wax glass of wine or a cocktail helps them to relax and dulls the pain.

When you're in the room with your waxer communicate any fears or anxieties. Talking through the procedure often helps. Wear loose clothing and take off anything constricting or remotely discomfiting. Ask for a fan if it's stuffy or hot. Ask for more heat if it's chilly.

Now that you're ready to be waxed make sure your waxer applies pressure to or rubs the area that has just been waxed. A good waxer will know this without being told. In addition, there are lots of things you can do to take your mind away from any pain or discomfort your body might be experiencing. Nothing works for everybody but you might experiment with one or more of these techniques:

*Hold a towel or stuffed animal to squeeze

*Suck on mints or hard candy or chew gum

*Focus on why you're there and the end result of your efforts

*Use breathing and visualization (think Lamaze) strategies to disassociate yourself from the procedure and any discomfort

*Bring a friend for support and distracting chit chat

*Arrange for a foot massage or reflexology during treatment

Remember, the first waxing is always the most difficult. Consistent waxing of a body area will reduce the amount of hair that grows in that spot and will make remaining hairs easier to remove. Subsequent waxings will get progressively easier and less painful.

Ben Johnson is the President of Amphora Worldwide, the parent company of Bombshell Wax, premium depilatory waxes and waxing accessories, Cream 100 Calming Balm, and Tonic 86, the cure for ingrown hairs. For more information visit http://www.amphoraworldwide.com or http://www.bombshellwax.com