Waxing - did it hurt?

[Els]

Gonna bite the bullet and try it tomorrow, since it's summer, we've been doing summer-y activities a lot and I hate having to shave, especially the legs. So much surface area to cover!

 

I'm a bit worried because I generally have a low threshold to pain (when there aren't any endorphins to counter it, at least - but let's not derail this thread ). I also have very sensitive skin, so I'm hoping it doesn't react too badly to the wax.

 

But hey, nothing ventured nothing gained, eh? Share your first experiences.

[Emilia]

I won't lie, it hurst. Especially if you used to shave and your hair is stronger and thicker as a result. However over time you get used to the pain and as your hair gets finer and softer it gets easier to manage.

 

I don't shave if I can avoid it because the smoothness only lasts a couple of days. With waxing it's a couple of weeks for me. I think about that when I'm getting it done.

 

Generally speaking, the shorter the hair the less it hurts though it needs to be about 1/2 centimetre at least for it to be effective.

 

Speak to the therapist about sensitive skin, for my brasilian I use 'hot wax' rather than strip wax

[Els]

Oh, sorry for the lack of clarification - I'm not intending to do it to the genitals, if it makes a difference. Planning to do the legs. Would love to speak to the therapist, but I'm going to have to use a DIY kit if I'm doing it at all. Can't afford a full leg wax at a beauty salon.

 

Yeah, I totally feel you on the shaving bit - the main reason I'm considering waxing is because of how much longer the effects last.

[Emilia]

As far as I know, only strip wax is used on legs as the skin isn't usually so sensitive that it can't handle it. However there are differences between waxes still.

 

The problem is though that it takes a certain technique to do it effectively and maybe you will want to have a look on youtube. I occasionally do my own wax when I don't have much to do but it's hard as hairs grow in different directions and the pull needs to be against the direction the hair grows in.

 

Also if you haven't had waxing done before you might feel it too hard to inflict the pain on yourself. The back of your legs is hard to do without assistance I think.

[sweetkiwi]

Its a common misconception that hair becomes thicker after shaving. Its simply not true. It may APPEAR thicker because natural hair will become tapered at the end over time, whereas near the root it is "fresh" from the folicle. Its also darkest near the root so it gives the illusion of thickness.

 

I never had a problem with waxing. For 8 years I did it as often as I could. Then this summer in Italy I got my bikini and underarms waxed and it hurt like holy hell. I have a strange reaction to pain though and am extremely ticklish so I laugh. I laugh till I almost cry.

 

The legs hurt in certain spots like the ankles and the back of your thighs (if you go above the knee). But its not nearly as painful as a Brazilian or underarms.

 

I am actually licensed in waxing as well. If you have sensitive skin ask if they have hard wax. Soft wax can actually remove skin too if not applied properly. And in my experience causes ingrown hairs. There are products in salons and also the grocery store to help with ingrown hairs and redness. Ask your waxer if they have any.

 

For the legs its usually done with soft wax and strips. Underarms and Brazilian can be done with hard. And trust me its sooooo much better for the coarse hairs.

[Els]

Thanks! I'll youtube it and... nab the bf for the back of the legs, I guess. The cheapest full-leg wax in salons that I've seen around here is $60.

 

I've been doing a bit of reading and found that sugaring seems to cause less pain and discomfort. Maybe I'll get a sugaring kit instead if I can find one.

[Emilia]

Its a common misconception that hair becomes thicker after shaving. Its simply not true. It may APPEAR thicker because natural hair will become tapered at the end over time, whereas near the root it is "fresh" from the folicle. Its also darkest near the root so it gives the illusion of thickness.

 

Then perhaps experiences differ because when I used to shave my hair got stronger and waxing made it softer and more sparse.

 

I am actually licensed in waxing as well. If you have sensitive skin ask if they have hard wax. Soft wax can actually remove skin too if not applied properly. And in my experience causes ingrown hairs. There are products in salons and also the grocery store to help with ingrown hairs and redness. Ask your waxer if they have any.

 

I think we call 'hot wax' in the Uk what you are referring to as 'hard wax'. ie pink/orange stuff that comes in slabs and you need to melt in a little pot. I agree.

 

For the legs its usually done with soft wax and strips. Underarms and Brazilian can be done with hard. And trust me its sooooo much better for the coarse hairs.

 

Yes strip wax for legs and hard/hot wax for brazilian.

[Emilia]

I've been doing a bit of reading and found that sugaring seems to cause less pain and discomfort. Maybe I'll get a sugaring kit instead if I can find one.

 

I don't think I have experience of sugaring... or maybe I've forgotten. There was really nasty, dark brown, vicious stuff I got used to when I was 17 and wax is so much better nowdays that I'm just grateful.

 

Temperature tends to be indicative of how effective waxing is.

[sweetkiwi]

Ah you're doing it yourself. Good luck woman. I tried to give myself a Brazilian and sat for 20 minutes with wax in my crack too afraid to pull it off. I gladly wax others though

 

Here's what you do. Apply wax in opposite direction of hair growth. Do smaller patches because often hair growth patterns change suddenly. Apply strip over wax and smooth smooth smooth in direction of application.

 

Quickly and sturdily, remove strip in direction of hair growth. Keeping the strip as parallel as possible to skin. NEVER pull up. Parallel always.

 

Also hands must be washed very well and skin should be very dry and exfoliated well.

 

If it burns simply place your hand on the area. You can use a strip more than once.

 

If I were you I would YouTube it as suggested above.

[Els]

I don't think I have experience of sugaring... or maybe I've forgotten. There was really nasty, dark brown, vicious stuff I got used to when I was 17 and wax is so much better nowdays that I'm just grateful.

 

Temperature tends to be indicative of how effective waxing is.

 

Why do you feel that waxing is better? Aside from the dark brown stuff looking nasty, that is.

 

Ah you're doing it yourself. Good luck woman. I tried to give myself a Brazilian and sat for 20 minutes with wax in my crack too afraid to pull it off. I gladly wax others though

 

Here's what you do. Apply wax in opposite direction of hair growth. Do smaller patches because often hair growth patterns change suddenly. Apply strip over wax and smooth smooth smooth in direction of application.

 

Quickly and sturdily, remove strip in direction of hair growth. Keeping the strip as parallel as possible to skin. NEVER pull up. Parallel always.

 

Also hands must be washed very well and skin should be very dry and exfoliated well.

 

If it burns simply place your hand on the area. You can use a strip more than once.

 

If I were you I would YouTube it as suggested above.

 

Thanks, girl! I am not even considering getting a Brazilian at this point. Especially not a DIY one! The thought makes me shudder.

 

Advice noted. How would you rate the pain, just out of curiousity? Like getting smacked? Worse?

[Emilia]

Why do you feel that waxing is better? Aside from the dark brown stuff looking nasty, that is.

 

The type of wax used has improved greatly over the years. It doesn't need to be so hot anymore that it burns your skin (if the beautician knows what she is doing of course) and it doesn't stick to the skin in a way that you feel it will rip it off. You also get hot wax that sweetkiwi referred to as hard wax, this is a much more gentle option for brazilian/sensitive areas. Until about 5 years ago we didn't have that.

[Els]

Can the hard wax be gotten in DIY kits, you think? Or is that always strip wax?

[sweetkiwi]

I don't know about diy kits really. The best one I've seen has a roller application. Its better because you must apply a very thin layer of wax. Like paper thin. The roller looks like it would give you those results.

 

Some diy kits come with wax already attached to the strip. Where you simply apply and warm with friction and your body heat.

 

For me waxing is equivalent to slaps yeah. Sting. Burn. Giggle. Repeat.

[Els]

Thanks. I'll hopefully (wo)man up tomorrow, try it, and let y'all know how it goes.

[Emilia]

Can the hard wax be gotten in DIY kits, you think? Or is that always strip wax?

 

I think it's always strip wax. I think the equipment you need to warm up hard wax would make it impossible to use as diy. plus strip wax is much easier to use as diy

[sweetkiwi]

Plus having your hair ripped out at the folicle.

 

Emilia- yes we tell our clients that waxing makes the hair grow back thinner. But I am seriously spectacle since I have had the same thick armpit hair since I was 10. And been waxing it for 8 years on and off. Plus having seen women who wax monthly and there is no visible difference in their hair thickness.

 

Hair is ripped out below the skin at the folicle. As soon as the hair and folicle are gone the surrounding cells quickly repair the damage. Calling upon their cell's RNA to tell them what kind of folicle to produce.

 

It isn't as If after waxing the RNA says, "oh crap we've been waxed again, better make this folicle weaker so eventually it won't get ripped out again".

 

As we all know we grow hair differently in different stages of life. Pubic hair. Baby fuzz. Old man nose/ear/eyebrow crazy hair. And then it's our hormones dictating the growth and development of hair. Not if we shave or wax.

 

(But in beauty school we are instructed to spread the myth that waxing does make the hair thinner $€£€$€£)

[Emilia]

It's not my experience. My pubic hair is less now than it was 20 years ago (I'm 40) and definitely softer on my legs. I know this because I go through periods of not waxing in the winter when I'm single so that I don't abuse my skin too much. I let the hair grow out and I see that it's getting more and more sparse. Maybe you need more time to pass to observe the same or maybe you are different. My mum hardly has any hairs on her legs and she has been waxing for 40 years. Whatever the science is supposed to be behind it.

 

The only parts of my body I have been shaving are my arm pits and the hair is so strong last time someone tried to wax the area she almost ripped my skin off - and I'm used to dodgy wax jobs.

 

You can see what shaving does to guys' face anyway.

[sweetkiwi]

Yes and at 40 your body is changing. And its normal your 60+/- yo mother wouldn't have much body hair anymore. Neither does my grandma.

 

I am not saying you are wrong or right I am just saying hormones, age, and ethnicity play a much larger part in hair growth, thickness, and density.

[monicaelise]

Legs don't hurt. They're a good "starter" part. Armpits are so so. My sensitivity there tends to fluctuate but overall it doesn't bother me. I should note that I'm an oddly hairless person. The little bit of fluff I have is mostly fine, blonde peach fuzz so that may be why it's different for kiwi and I. It's almost as my little fuzzes just say, "meh, okay, fine, I wasn't really terribly committed to hangin' out here anyway".

 

I won't lie though, waxing the genital region is not pleasant. If you have a really low threshold for pain I'd skip this spot until you have some idea of what you might be getting into.

[Els]

Legs don't hurt. They're a good "starter" part. Armpits are so so. My sensitivity there tends to fluctuate but overall it doesn't bother me. I should note that I'm an oddly hairless person. The little bit of fluff I have is mostly fine, blonde peach fuzz so that may be why it's different for kiwi and I. It's almost as my little fuzzes just say, "meh, okay, fine, I wasn't really terribly committed to hangin' out here anyway".

 

:lmao: I always love your quotes, monica!

 

I shave my armpits - it's a small area so it takes very little time.

 

I won't lie though, waxing the genital region is not pleasant. If you have a really low threshold for pain I'd skip this spot until you have some idea of what you might be getting into.

 

I don't intend to wax my naughty bits any time in the near future. My bf likes natural.

[sweetkiwi]

Monica you are soooo lucky. I have olive skin and dark hair. Even when I shave my pits have a grey color because the hair is soooo thick and dark. Which is why I prefer waxing. But the ingrown hairs I get are deadly. Thick hair thick skin. Ouch.

[Els]

Monica you are soooo lucky. I have olive skin and dark hair. Even when I shave my pits have a grey color because the hair is soooo thick and dark. Which is why I prefer waxing. But the ingrown hairs I get are deadly. Thick hair thick skin. Ouch.

 

I know, right?

 

If I had a bit of blonde fuzz I wouldn't even shave my legs. My hairs are black, on fair skin.

[Nyla]

I don't wax my legs, my armpits or my private parts.

 

I shave those because not much hair grows in those areas and I have very dark skin with scanty black hair.

 

I shave a lot less often in the winter. I don't think I could handle waxing my genitals.

 

My eyebrows are waxed and it is painful. The first time I waxed my eyebrows at age 15, I wept bitterly.

 

Now the pain is not so terrible but still there.

 

How about using Nair? If you have sensitive skin, the waxing could cause a lot of irritation.

[Taramere]

Thanks! I'll youtube it and... nab the bf for the back of the legs, I guess. The cheapest full-leg wax in salons that I've seen around here is $60.

 

I've been doing a bit of reading and found that sugaring seems to cause less pain and discomfort. Maybe I'll get a sugaring kit instead if I can find one.

 

Use Veet strips. I bought some Boots own wax strips a few weeks again because they were a couple of pounds cheaper per pack. Total false economy as they were absolutely crap. For a pack of Veet strips you'll pay about 1/4 of what you'd pay to have a full leg wax in a salon. I think the results are every bit as good.

 

How to (because if you haven't waxed before you might end up wasting strips if you don't know what you're doing). Before you peel the strips apart, rub them between your hands for a few seconds to warm them up. If you don't then it's difficult to pull them apart and you'll end up with a lot of wax on one strip and next to none on the other.

 

Place the strip on your leg and rub it so that it's firmly stucl to your leg. Then grab the bottom of the strip and pull it off quickly - keeping your hand close to your leg as you pull it off. You should be able to use the same strip a couple of times. I can usually use the same strip 4 or 5 times, but that's because I wax very regularly so there isn't so much to come away. You shouldn't need to use the entire pack, so you'll have a few left to do a tidy up in a couple of weeks time.

 

Good luck! Oh - forgot to mention. I think I remember you saying you have very sensitive skin, so make sure you do an allergy test first. You could snip off a bit of one of the strips to test on a small area.

[Els]

I don't wax my legs, my armpits or my private parts.

 

I shave those because not much hair grows in those areas and I have very dark skin with scanty black hair.

 

I shave a lot less often in the winter. I don't think I could handle waxing my genitals.

 

My eyebrows are waxed and it is painful. The first time I waxed my eyebrows at age 15, I wept bitterly.

 

Now the pain is not so terrible but still there.

 

How about using Nair? If you have sensitive skin, the waxing could cause a lot of irritation.

 

I've heard that depilatory creams have an equivalent chance of causing irritation, and their effects last much shorter.

 

I have fair skin and very fast-growing black hair, so when I shave my legs I have black dots all over them by the next day. FML. I have no intentions of removing hair, anywhere, in the winter. But it is summer now, here, and I'm getting tired of shaving everyday.

 

Use Veet strips. I bought some Boots own wax strips a few weeks again because they were a couple of pounds cheaper per pack. Total false economy as they were absolutely crap. For a pack of Veet strips you'll pay about 1/4 of what you'd pay to have a full leg wax in a salon. I think the results are every bit as good.

 

How to (because if you haven't waxed before you might end up wasting strips if you don't know what you're doing). Before you peel the strips apart, rub them between your hands for a few seconds to warm them up. If you don't then it's difficult to pull them apart and you'll end up with a lot of wax on one strip and next to none on the other.

 

Place the strip on your leg and rub it so that it's firmly stucl to your leg. Then grab the bottom of the strip and pull it off quickly - keeping your hand close to your leg as you pull it off. You should be able to use the same strip a couple of times. I can usually use the same strip 4 or 5 times, but that's because I wax very regularly so there isn't so much to come away. You shouldn't need to use the entire pack, so you'll have a few left to do a tidy up in a couple of weeks time.

 

Good luck! Oh - forgot to mention. I think I remember you saying you have very sensitive skin, so make sure you do an allergy test first. You could snip off a bit of one of the strips to test on a small area.

 

Tara.... I just bought wax strips from some unknown brand before I read this. They were on discount!

 

On the bright side, they claim to be specifically for sensitive skin and dermatologically tested. I'll def try a small area first today though, before doing the whole leg tomorrow.

Edited February 7, 2013 by Elswyth