Ask the Sexpert: Oct. 14, 2010

Dear Sexpert,

I recently overheard two of my friends talking about getting “vajazzled,” and then they asked me if I thought I would ever try it. I’m still kind of confused. What exactly is it? Is it painful?

— Hidden Jewels

Dear Jewels,

The topic of “vajazzling” seems to be appearing more and more in pop culture. From Jennifer Love Hewitt raving about her “little disco ball down there” to Snooki admitting to having tried out the new trend, vajazzling has become a hot topic among celebrities. But what is all the fuss about?

Vajazzling is the practice of hand-gluing individual small crystals in a design on the vagina, usually on the external area (vulva) somewhere above the clitoris. Women typically shave or wax the area completely before being vajazzled. Experimenting with different colors and designs is common, and some women see it as a way to express themselves. The trend started at a spa called Completely Bare in New York City where vajazzling services take about 45 minutes and cost $115 and up. Salons all over the country are now offering the service. For those who want to spend a little less and still want to sparkle, you can do it yourself by buying a prepackaged crystal kit. And don’t worry about being permanently vajazzled: On average, the crystals last about 5 days if done at a salon and even less if you do it yourself.

Some women are choosing to get vajazzled because it makes them feel more confident, such as Hewitt, who says she used it as a way to get over a breakup. Others say it covers up those unsightly red bumps that sometimes occur after waxing and shaving down there. Still others are using it to cover up scars, including those from Caesarean sections.

If you or your friends are considering vajazzling, it is important that you also are aware of the potential health risks. Since the skin has been recently shaved or waxed prior to applying the jewels, it is still quite sensitive and may be vulnerable to bacteria growth. Gluing those crystals on soon afterward seals the bacteria inside and can lead to infection. Make sure whoever is doing it uses gloves and new wax and a new wax application stick each time. Some physicians and health professionals recommend giving the skin at least one or two days to heal after “going bare.” By allowing the skin to calm and cleaning it prior to adding the jewels, this significantly reduces the risk of infection.

As to the level of pain involved in the process, the actual Brazilian waxing that occurs prior the gluing of the crystals is probably the most painful part. However, it might cause chafing and redness for your partner — just make sure to be careful. Some vajazzled ladies also worry about the stones coming off and going in places where they shouldn’t be, such as the urethra and inside the vagina. This can happen, so please be cautious, but many times women will notice that the stones have drifted from their normal spot before it becomes a significant danger.

Whether or not one wants to vajazzle is a personal choice. If you or your friends do choose to add some bling, just keep in mind the risks.

— The Sexpert

The Sexpert is written by a team of peer sexual health educators and fact-checked by University health professionals. You can submit questions to sexpert@dailyprincetonian.com. Don’t be shy!