Dating as back as far back as Ancient Mesopotamia, dominatrices (or femdoms) rose into the mainstream in the 1590s in brothels, and have become a staple of BDSM culture today.
But what does a dominatrix do? 
Let’s take a look at the history of the dominatrix.

What Is A Dominatrix?

Female domination (femdom, for short) is a type of power play.
In it, the female physically or psychologically dominates her partner in some way (usually sadomasochistic).
The term “dominatrix” refers to the female in the dominant position, and there are several types of femdom scenarios.

Types Of Femdom

Gentle Femdom
This is the softest of all the types of femdom out there.
A dominatrix in this scenario takes control of their submissive without inflicting pain. It involves situations like gentle spanking with cuddling afterwards.
This type of femdom is more focused on pleasure than pain and is seen as the gateway into other types of female domination for many dominatrices.

Femdom Mommy
Mommy dominatrices usually adopt the role of a mother-figure in roleplay scenarios. 
They’re loving and care deeply for their “little” (the submissive), but know that, at the end of the day, mother knows best.

Chastity Femdom
Chastity femdom is a more extreme type of domination.
In this scenario, the dominatrix has complete control over her partner’s chastity.
This could range from determining who the person sleeps with, to chastity belts and chastity cages, all the way through to complete bondage.

BDSM Femdom
When you see the vinyl-clad, crop wielding female in heels, then you’ll know what the BDSM femdom is.
The most classic form of dominatrix, this scenario has very little in terms of restrictions, and can range from gentle to complete domination.

Cuckold Femdom
The cuckold (“cuck” for short) kink involves the female not being sexually satisfied by her partner, be it from a small penis, lack of vigour, or premature ejaculation.
She turns to other men to find that satisfaction, while not allowing him to find satisfaction with other people.

Humiliation Femdom
The humiliation kink has one of the broadest ranges in terms of possibility.
From sissification (being forced to wear female clothing) to verbal, psychological, or physical humiliation, this scenario puts the dominatrix in charge of belittling her submissive.

Financial Femdom (Findom)
One of the less-known (but still wildly popular) forms of femdom, financial domination involves controlling the submissive’s finances.
This can range from regular payments, to buying the domme whatever she wants, all the way to giving her complete control of your bank account.

ProDomme
ProDomme is short for professional dominatrix. 
In short, these are femdoms who make a living being dominatrices. 

Lifestyle Domme
A lifestyle domme (also known as 24/7 domme) is a dominatrix that takes on her role 24/7. She has a permanent sub who she takes control of, both in- and outside of the bedroom.

Who Goes To Domatrices?

Believe it or not, femdom is popular with just about every group.
While it includes blue-collar workers and couples looking to explore submission, it’s usually those in positions of power and wealth, like CEOs.

Why Do People Go To Dominatrices?

If you’ve ever wanted to get into something, the best way to start is by consulting a professional.
For many people wanting to learn more about the submission side of BDSM, visiting a dominatrix is the best way to explore that. 
Female figures are usually seen as more caring, making it easier to let go and let them take control.

Conclusion

While some people want to get into BDSM culture more intensely, some people may just want the opportunity to express who they truly are in a space where they feel safe.
Despite the whips, chains, and leather you see on TV, being a dominatrix is more about connection, consent, and creating a safe space than anything else.