Personal grooming is perhaps the most intimate duty that can be performed between a service submissive and the Dominant he/she is serving. It can be daunting for both the submissive and the Dominant, for many reasons, but with some forethought and planning, it can be a pleasurable and satisfying experience. It is not the time for some play or trying for a cheap feel, but rather, it is the time to give another just pure pleasure.
Don't fear, just ask
You can't go wrong with asking - does the Dominant prefer a shower or bath? What temperature? What is his/her normal routine? Does he/she prefer to be scrubbed or gently rubbed? Is he/she allergic to any scents? Do they have a favourite scent? What is his/her stance on bubbles?
Asking ahead of time can save not only time, but can also ensure the continuity of the fantasy.
Plan ahead
Just as you would start with all ingredients prepared and ready to go when cooking, you should begin your grooming routine with all items on hand, ready to go. Razors should be sharp, towels should be at the ready, shampoo/conditioner/soap/gel - at hand. If a massage is part of the routine, the area should be prepared to make the transition from the bathroom to the massage area easy and smooth.
The Bath
Now, before you create a special daydream in your head about your Dominant luxuriating in a mass of bubbles while you kneel attentively with a glass of wine at hand, realize, not everyone enjoys a bath, nor do they enjoy company when they bathe, and they may not choose to stay in the bath for very long. A bath is the best choice when you are serving a Dominant you are new to, or with whom you do not have a sexual relationship with as you can remain clothed, perhaps even in your service uniform to make the event that much more elevated.
Starting at the head, as with a small child, wet the hair of your Dominant with a vessel, have him or her tip back his/her head to ensure water does not run into his/her eyes or ears. Massage in an appropriate amount of shampoo, and having negotiated washing style ahead of time, begin to work the shampoo in. Once cleaned, you have the option of shampooing again - for extra thick hair - or applying conditioner - keeping in mind not everyone uses conditioner. Work the conditioner in the same way as the shampoo and leave for a few minutes - slick back the hair to ensure it keeps out of the eyes. When ready to rinse, follow the same steps as with the shampoo.
For washing the body, it is best to follow the routine the Dominant uses. Do they wash with gel, with soap, with a facecloth, a sponge, a scrub brush? Beginning at the face, wash each body part, taking care to thoroughly soap and rinse each part. Pay particular attention to the groin region - again, it is not an opportunity for some sort of physical gratification.
Once done, assist the Dominant with rising from the tub, and begin to dry him or her off, using one towel for the hair and one or more towels for the body.
The Shower
Similar steps should be followed as with bathing, but in this case, of course, there is the question of being nude in the shower with the Dominant. If this is not an issue for you or the Dominant, then proceed, keeping your task first and foremost in your mind. Be sure to lay out towels for yourself before starting the shower, or you will find yourself wet and shivering after.
Shaving
There is nothing quite as clean as shaving someone with a straight razor. It may not be recommended for shaving legs, but for the face, a straight razor can get into spots and offer a closer shave that modern razors can't. Before you attempt to shave someone with a straight razor, ensure you have MUCH experience with a straight razor, and know how to care for the blade. While it may seem sexy to shave someone’s privates with a straight razor, unless you want a blood bath, stick with a hair trimmer and multiple disposable razors. Straight razors should only be used on hard surfaces, like the face or the skull/scalp.
For facial shaves, if possible, warm the area with a hot/warm facecloth. This will open the pores and soften the skin. After a few restful moments, you will want to oil the skin or use a shaving lotion/cream. Apply only as much as needed, and beginning from the top down, shave in the direction the hair grows. Be sure to rinse the razor after every stroke, preferably in hot water.
If shaving the legs or body, it is best done in the tub, at the end of a bath, ensuring you rinse away any hair residue before the Dominant exits the tub. Like with a facial shave, the razor should be drawn in the direction the hair grows.
With any sort of shave, the area that has been shaved should be gently patted dry after, and an appropriate moisturizer applied.
For areas such as the groin or armpits, it is best to shave the hair first with a small battery operated personal shaver first, or hair trimmer, before shaving with a razor. This will cut down on time, effort and the possibility your razor might snag or slip.
Mani and pedi
Once the Dominant has been bathed or showered, now is a great time to turn your attention to their hands and feet. Since the skin should be softened and moist, it is the perfect time to look after any hard skin or callus - polish the rough spots with a pumice stone, wiping as you go. Be sure to moisturize after. If you notice that your Dominant has areas on the heels of particular note, you might want to treat him/her to a professional pedicure or a trip to the chiropodist, as the professionals have the equipment needed to attack that hard skin that might actually be rather painful as it builds and cracks.
Inspect the nails on the hands and feet - do they require just a trim? Perhaps they just need to be lightly filed. While nail clippers are good if you are in a pinch, a pair of cutters, similar to a small wire snippers, are best for handling both hangnails and cuticles. Be sure to dry the hands or feet thoroughly and again, moisturize.
The little details
Try little niceties like a hot towel (really, a hot facecloth), or towels that have been warmed in the dryer. Perhaps an eye mask, cut cucumber slices, or moistened tea bags would be appreciated over the eyes. Once dry, perhaps the Dominant would appreciate some powder, or a scent, appropriately placed.
Unless you have the experience, I don't recommend taking a crack at applying makeup - the results could be less than ideal. It might be something for you to learn in the future, but for now, stick to what is safe, but make it memorable.
