It is officially “un-cuffing” season and warmer weather is fast approaching. Now is the time to start thinking long-term in regards to preparing for the summer. Every woman has her own necessary summer regimen that sets her up for those few months of fun-in-the-sun. While some women prefer a classic Brazilian bikini wax, others decide to take on the better option—laser hair removal.

Sexy one-piece bathing suits and cheeky bikini bottoms have officially taken over all swimwear. Kylie Jenner’s “wedgie” trend has also played a huge part in the newer designs for bikini bottoms—you know, the bottoms that come up so high on your hips so that when you sit down you’ve got a “thass” (I learned that term from one of my savage co-workers).

With these sassy new swimwear options, women are showing a tad more bikini line than usual and with that being said, proper bikini line care is definitely needed so that you feel confident AF while wearing such sexy beachwear. *note the giphy.

Many women assume that laser removal is more painful than a bikini wax—that’s where you’ve got it all wrong. Five years ago I believed the same thing, and I was absolutely terrified to even consider the prospect of undergoing laser hair removal. (I have never gotten a bikini wax either so it’s safe to say that pain was definitely not something I wanted my vagina to endure).

I stumbled upon a Groupon for a laser hair removal place right by where I live, and after hearing about what amazing results my friend had I decided to give it a try. I purchased a six-month package for $375 (which is like, amazing considering I’ve done some research and prices range from $250-$2000 for a six-month package), and my appointments were once a month for six months—so low maintenance! Bikini waxes, which range from $40-$150, have to be done every three weeks—that’s a lot of cash to dish out ladies.

So, let’s get down to brass taxes—or shall I say, level-of-pain scale. Upon arriving to my first appointment, I was given the instructions of shaving three days prior. Sidebar: Now ladies, we all have our lady doctor that we must visit on a six-month basis so lying on a table spread eagle really isn’t embarrassing anymore? Am I right? Well, a similar body position is expected during laser removal—however, you do have the option of wearing this little see-through panty, but I find it pointless because they’re just going to move it anyway. The laser itself may look scary but it’s actually not that intimidating, at my salon the laser blows cold air as it burns the hair follicle so I don’t really feel any pain (woo!). I recommend doing your research before committing because depending on the salon you go to, some have a higher quality machine so your results will last longer and the pain won’t be as harsh. Level-of-pain rate: 4.

As far as bikini waxes go, I’ve been told that the pain is outrageous—one friend even said to think of Steve Carell in “40 Year Old Virgin” when he gets his chest waxed and triple that pain! Um, noooo thank you--my vagina is a delicate flower.

Level-of-pain rate: 12

After my first treatment, I was instantly impressed with the results and honestly…that was five years ago and I haven’t seen a single growth of hair since. Can you say hell yeah! I typically go once a year for a touch up right before the summer but the esthetician usually tells me it’s not necessary (oh well). I highly recommend spending a little more in one lump sum on a laser hair removal package than waxing; there are so many more positives than there are negatives. Laser hair removal ensures no ugly razor burn—just flawless smooth skin so that you can rock those wedgie bikini bottoms and not be self-conscious. With waxing, you’re not guaranteed to be razor burn free and lets be real, waxing just has more upkeep to it and no one has time for that in the summer.