Go to an actual esthetician who uses hard wax only (none of these bargain brazilian nonsenses for $20...) and while the first time will hurt more than the rest, I honestly dont find them that painful at all, and I'm a weenie. I don't find it gets itchy, sore, red - nothing. But you have to go somewhere GOOD - I went to a lady who had like 100 good reviews on yelp! and said "oh trust me!" when she said she used hard AND soft wax - WORST. BRAZILIAN. EVER.