Seeking Advise About Waxing

Hi C.,

I noticed you live in R.P.V. and I know of an affordable laser hair removal place in Hermosa Beach (not too far) & worth every penny. I've had my hair removed there and it took about 6 visits. The place is called Aesthetic RX and their phone number is ###-###-####. An upper lip laser is only $19 and under arm + bikini is only $99 so I wouldn't imagine legs being much more expensive.

Good luck!
W

Shaving will not make your hair thicker or longer. That is just a big myth. See this expert I pulled from WebMd:

Although the myth persists that shaving makes hair grow back coarser or more plentiful, dermatologist Bruce Katz, MD, says this isn't so. In fact, as early as 1928, researcher Mildred Totter showed that shaving didn't affect hair growth – a finding that has been echoed in several studies since.

You'll just have to shave more frequently since you're in essence giving yourself a haircut as opposed to removing the follicle which is what waxing does. But, you'll save yourself a lot of time and money. Check online under Hair Removal for further information.

Dear C.;

I know this is expensive but what you should really seriously consider is lazer hair removal.

There is a studio I go to called Nuskin in Westlake village. You can do it sections, underarm and bikini area, or legs and arms. Anyways it is truly amazing to have it done. You shave the area you wanted zapped it only takes 15-20 minutes for me that includes, lower legs, underarms, bikini area and mustache. You go every month for several months until hair stops growing back and then only when you see regrowth.

You pay only 1 price but it includes 12 visits for each area. Usually after 4-6 visits you are done and then you have banked the balance of the 12 for that area as needed.

This process works best on woman with dark hair. My is only medium to to never shave under my arms or legs again has been marvelous.

You need to look in the Star newspaper, local magazines and the acorn for coupon for NUSKIN. Call them and ask them when they are running new specials and in what publications. For all of the above procedures it cost me around $1000.00. But considering what I pay out monthly for waxing over the years it is a deal! And like I said you could get start one area at a time and keep adding as the special applies to where you want the hair removed. Good Luck!

S. Chase
____@____.com

PS My sisters turned me on to this because it is so wonderful especially in the summer time to not have to worry about it. But just note that when have work done on areas you are not to expose them to the sun. So I had my legs worked on and face during the winter for several sessions and then stopped over the summer and started up again on those areas in the fall!

I got laser hair removal, it's the best thing I ever did. I haven't shaved in years and I was one of those who needed to shave everyday. If you are interested in a good place, try in Brentwood at Skin Care Solutions (3100 ###-###-####.....

Yes, I do believe it's true about shaving...and I hate shaving!! It does grow back thicker and if you shave in between waxing it makes waxing more painful. I would HIGHLY suggest getting laser treatment done. You get numbed, its a bit less painful than waxing and hair does stop coming back after the proper amount of treatments, maybe 5 treatments...or more if you've extra hair to get rid of. LASER is the way to go!

Hi C.!
It looks like you have a lot of responses, sorry I am so late! I just have to share something I discovered recently. I was at the Natural Products Expo this last weekend and there was a company exhibiting there that was selling this solution called Hair NO More. I watched someone use it and was sold! I purchased it and have only tried it on my underarms but so far so good, I am impressed! They say in 1 to 4 months of using this, most people find that hair has completely stopped growing on the treated areas. This is a product made from a natural, plant-derived ingredients that seep into the hair follicle saturating the hair bulb (yes i am re-typing from a brochure).
It is painless and so fast and easy! You have to make sure to rinse it off and not rub it off (I learned that the hard way). It takes more then one application but it definately works.
I am not trying to sell you anything, just wanted to share with you there is an inexpensive, painless way to remove hair. AND you don't have to wait for it to grow out! You can use this on stubbles.
Well I am going to use this on my legs next so if you would like contact me and I will let you know how it goes before you buy it.
You can read more about it on www.hairnomore.com too.
I just had to share this, its pretty amazing!
Good Luck!
J. :)

Hi mama,

I wax my underarms because shaving makes them so itchy! My girlfriend makes it at her house and then we have a girl's night waxing each other! I wish I could give you the recipe, but she always makes it. It sounds really simple though. I think it's only 2 or 3 ingredients (sugar and lemon juice?) that she boils to thicken. After she makes the original batch it lasts a long time because we just pop it in the microwave to use it again until it is gone. For the pulling we use those red, mechanic cloths. They seem to work the best for the wax sticking to it, and the clean up is really easy ~ you just throw it in the wash! Sometimes I get a little hairy in between wax nights and I just use some tweezers to clean it up or at least thin it out. Anyways, you can make your own wax and do it in the convenience of your own home! Good luck!

C.,

I'm very hairy also. I shave my legs pretty much every day. I really don't think shaving has made my hair any thicker or longer although it is hard to tell since I shave it every day. Frankly, given the choice between shaving every day and waxing occasionally, I'd shave every day. I like my legs to be smooth and I want to be able to wear what I want to wear. If my hair was to get any worse, it would be a matter of a degree or two so I'm not all that worried about it. Hairy or a little hairier? I'd rather just shave. LOL I shave my arm pits too. For any other part of your body, I think the important thing is that no matter what you do, do it regularly. I'd probably stick with waxing on your face and probably on your arms also - pretty much anywhere anyone would be close enough to see stubble! I've never removed all of the hair from my body so I can't give any advice on that.

You could also try learning to do the waxing at home. That way it would be cheaper and you could do it more regularly.

:-)T.

Well, my advise is that you can buy the wax and do it yourself, is cheaper.
I have used the Nair wax...that you don't even need to heat, it comes in roll-on. Try it, for me it's really good to do it this way. I am a mother of one 3 years old and also pregnant....and actually I'm going to buy that wax, and my sister in law will help me do it.
M.

I saw a "myth busters" show on waxing vs shaving and the outcome was that shaving does NOT make your hair thicker. The reason people think it does is because the roots of your hair naturally grow at different depths and so when you wax they grow out at different times, giving the appearance of less hair. When you shave you just trim them off at the surface and so they all grow back at the same time giving the appearance of more hair.

I switched from waxing to shaving about 5 years ago and have never looked back. (although I still wax my face because I can't stand the thought of shaving it)

HI. I get waxed too and I have a friend who likes to get waxed too. So we switch off. When she goes in I go to her place and hang out with the kids and when its my turn to wax she comes to my place. It works for us. If you go so often to wax, have you tried lazer hair removal? Might be cheaper in the long run.

You should get laser hair removal. It's fairly expensive, but if you add up all the times you get waxed, it will be cheaper in the long run. When I went to get waxed, they told me the hair grows back thicker and harder too, so I would agree with what they told you.

If you're already spending a bunch of money on waxing, why not invest in laser hair removal? With your very first treatment you notice less hair regrowth and in less than a year you're DONE and this problem is solved! Do your homework though! I went to Blue in Van Nuys and got ripped off. My OBGYN does it and I would think that would be the way to go if I ever finish up the process.
Good luck!
G.

Hi C.!
Shaving does make the hair grow back thicker, the root is the thickest and when you shave youre continually getting that thick coarse hair from the root at the surface, as where waxing pulls from the root, stunting the reproduction of the hair, therfore making it thinner and thinner. You should check out www.waxology.org Waxology comes to your home and provides waxing as well as other spa services for the same price as the salon, sometimes even less. They do also have childcare when you book a wasxing/spa party, its only $5/hour! They can also educate you on how to get on a waxing plan that W. allow you to get a better cleaner wax everytime! Check it out!

well, it is a myth about your hair growing back thicker after shaving. the reason that everyone thinks this is because when the hair grows back from shaving it has a blunt edge, thus giving the feel of a thicker hair than that of brand new hair growth. I used to wax, and I do love the results but with a baby, it is very difficult to go to the salon and get it done. I would suggest just shaving your legs so you can have the freedom to wear skirts and shorts and stick to waxing the rest! You might end up shaving everyday, but it doesnt take much to run a razor over the lower leg in the shower. When you can get away to get everything else waxed, its a treat!!!

Yes shaving does make it thicker. What about laser removal?

about shaving? it doesn't necessary grow thicker. it just seems that way because of the angle that the hair is removed. hehe. i used to think that. waxing is great, but i know what you mean about the difficulty in maintaining it especially during the summer. i know a place for laser hair removal and it's not as expensive as the ones around the IE. for instance, for a combo like, upper lip, underarms and bikini= $140/ea of 4 sessions. kinda steep, but i think it's worth it in comparison to getting waxed every 5 weeks. hehe. would u be interested? it's located in la canada off the 210w fwy.

by the way, i'm a mama with a biz promoting health and wellness. might you be willing to hear about our products or the opportunity to own your own business, hit me up!

k...take care C.!

www.globalsynergy.usana.com

Your hair doesn't grow in thicker if you shave. My sister used to shave her arms and has since stopped, and her hair isn't any thicker or different at all. If you love to wear skirts shave your legs. The hair on your legs isn't going to change. I was watching oprah a couple days ago with Dr. Oz and someone asked this same question about hair, and he said it is purely MYTH! Here is a website that tells more: http://www.newsweek.com/id/78014

i hope this helps.

No that is not true it does not make the hair thicker or grow faster. It does make the hair feel sharp because of the way it is cut. Good luck to you! I feel your pain. I have a 3 month old and I keep super busy. I rarely shave anymore! LOL

Dear C.,

Shaving does NOT make your hair thicker - that is a (common) old wives tale. The hair is pricklier when it grows back in, making it SEEM thicker, but it isn't. (It also seems darker, because it hasn't been lightened by the sun) I shave every other day - sometimes more often, depending on what I want to wear (or WHERE I am going to be wearing it) - it just adds a few minutes to my shower.

I have a friend who did laser treatments for hair removal. It is costly (though I don't remember how much) but she had 3 treatments, and no more hair! Ever . . . If you have the money, that might be the way to go . . .

Good luck!
B.

I completely understand your concerns, I too am pretty hairy (thanks to my German ancestors) Although, I recently heard Dr. Oz (on the Oprah show) dispel those rumors about shaving. It really isn't true. My mother has been shaving her mustache for decades and it doesn't grow back any different because of it (except it's more coarse because the tip of the hair is cut off instead of pulled from the root) Unless you can afford something more permanent like laser treatments maybe you should mix it up a bit. I shave my legs and arm pits, pluck my eyebrows, bleach my mustache and wax my bikini line in the summer only. Because my bikini line is so sensitive, in the winter I shave it only once a week and use a special after shave cream to eliminate bumps and rash. I know it's a pain sometimes to be a beautiful woman, but being a mommy is a whole different ball game. Good luck!

I'm a cosmetologist.There are so many myths about hair. On the head on the body. I can remember one of my classmates asking that question, "Does the hair grow back thicker if it were shaved?", From what I recall, my teachers response was "no"... that's not true" I remember that happening to me too, after I shaved the hair seemed thicker, but I was wrong.. It doesn't hurt to try shaving your legs or wherever you want, and see. Good luck!

There are other hairy women out here who know what you feel like! I'm one of them.

After shaving, the hair might feel a bit coarser when it's growing back in, but that's because hair is normally tapered, from thin at the tip to thick at the base. When it's been cut, it doesn't have the thin tip anymore, so it might feel like it's gotten thicker. It hasn't. (It'll feel stubbly.)

I'm one of those women whose legs and ankles get the equivalent of 5 o'clock shadow. If I shave in the morning, I have stubble by evening. I also have facial hair that I have to pluck every day or two. I fought it for a while, and let everything grow until it was really long before I shaved, but it actually takes me less time (and water, and shaving cream, and everything else) if I do it every day or every 2 days. And the hair on my face actually gets thinner and less noticable the more I pluck it, so I'm plucking at least a few hairs every day. That way nothing gets crazy out of hand, and I can wear skirts any time I want.

laser hair removal changed my life. I wax people for a living and was just tired of the hassle of it all for myself. I did my bikini, upper legs and underarms. It's not cheap, but if you add up all the times you got waxed, it's comparable, it's just in one lump sum. I did a year package on all parts and now I only go once every 6 months for a touch up. I have LOTS less hair everywhere, and it's been incredily freeing and liberating. not sure where you live but if you compare prices you can find a good place that is reasonable. in the long run, i think it's actually cheaper than waxing b/c you don't have to go for the rest of your life! the only catch is that your hair has to be darkish and your skin light - no sun. but it was worth staying out of the sun for a year. good luck!

Hi! I was watching Dr. Oz one day on Oprah and he said that hair growing back thicker and more is a MYTH!! It is not true! Have you ever thought about laser hair removal? It is getting cheaper and in the long run would be worth it.

Hi C.,
I waxed for years and it helped reduce and make the regrowth finer, shaving makes it more coarse.... I now go for laser once ever 8 weeks, expensive but worth it, in time the hair stops growing, I love my results, but don't expect a miracle over night, you will need many sessions. If you have dark hair and light skin the results are usually better, good luck I know what you are going through.
Emily

Wow, sounds like a serious hair problem!

shaving means:

* hair is cut as skin surface level;
* it takes less time for regrowth to appear (due to above);
* hair strands are thicker (or at least, as thick as original hair)
and
* every hair grows back!

waxing means:

* hair is removed from the root;
* it takes more time for regrowth to appear (due to above);
* hair strands are finer because waxing weakens them
and
* not every hair grows back!

I've been waxing my u/arms and legs for 15 yrs and will never put a blade next to them again. whilst i don't have a hair problem, i know that if i were to shave, even just once, it would ruin the good work i've established with the waxing. because i've waxed for so long, my regrowth is finer (i can easily pluck out a hair strand with my fingers without pain) and sparse - there are actually small patches on my legs where no hair grows anymore! so i can actually get away with "hairy" legs after say, 4 wks cos the colour, strand thickness and density of regrowth is less than if i shaved my legs.

because of your hair situation, i would consider some kind of permanent hair removal treatment. or maybe just for certain areas. i can't recommend one treatment over the other because i've not tried any, but it could be worth it re: time and money.

good luck!

**Sow your wild oats on Saturday night and pray for a crop failure on Sunday.**

Rolena-san, the O. ;)

Hi C.. I'm sorry I didn't see your post earlier, but I was going through my inbox (down to 1507 emails now!) and felt compelled to write. I'm sure the other moms have given great advice, but I wanted to add my two cents in as well. I recently read an article about the myth that hair grows back thicker. The article said the reason people think that is because the current hair has been exposed to sunlight and appears lighter and less coarse. I have always felt that the myth is true, but it does not discourage me from shaving everyday, sometimes twice a day. I take a shower in the morning always, and shave, and 98% of the time I take one at night before I go to bed, as well, and I also shave that time. I have been shaving for 21 years now and wouldn't do anything else. I tried waxing but it did not produce the long term results that were promised, plus, as you said, it can be quite pricey. Just try investing in a good razor (everyone is different but I love Gillette - it's a three blade razor with a dark green handle and light green stripe along the body of it - sorry I can't think of the name right now, but it might be custom plus) and go from there. Best of luck to you :)

C. you must try Laser Hair removal! It now costs about the same as waxing, you don't have to let the hair grow out before doing it and the results are much much better.

After about ten sessions of full leg waxing, I do not have to shave on a regular basis any longer (I used to shave every day sometimes twice a day now I shave once a month sometimes a few months go by.)

There is sugar waxing too. You could do it at home, or have a friend come over and help you. The clean up is easier b/c sugar is water soluble.

Hi, Christine.
You know, I've heard the same things about shaving/thickness but I've never found it to be true -- maybe I'm just lucky. I'd say shaving is your best option: it's quick, it's cheap, you can do it at home any time and if there's re-growth it's only a 3 minute job to get silky before going out. Nair keeps me smooth longer, but I don't like the chemicals. (Yet I'll drink Diet Coke, go figure.)

Now, I'm overseas at the moment, and saw that Johnson's -- the baby lotion company -- is putting out a product that will help you. (I'm sure they have this stateside, or will soon.) Johnson's makes a moisturizing lotion that claims to reduce and thin body hair while it nourishes the skin. They also have one blended with a very light self-tan lotion, so you get less leg hair and a subtle golden tone in one shot. Either of those products might help. Have a look for it -- I haven't gotten around to trying it yet, but I'd like to!

Good luck!

Have you considered laser hair removal? It's really worth every penny. BTW, the old wives' tale that shaving makes your hair thicker is a total fallacy.

I can't believe you'll avoid wearing shorts and skirts in the summer because you're afraid of your hair getting thicker. I would highly suggest you try shaving for at least a month, if you don't like it, stop. It's just too convienent to put on shaving cream in the shower and get the job done in 2-3 minutes. I honestly believe most women would be pretty hairy if they didn't shave regularly.

its a myth. im an esthetian and i hear it all the time. shaving your hair just makes it grow back faster. try nair for the small areas and shave your legs with w scrub(they will be extra soft)or just get a do iy yourself waxing at sally's:)
www.heavenlyhooked.com

DON'T SHAVE!! I've been waxing for 15 years, and would never go back to shaving. Make it a reality check for yourself: as a stay-at-home mom you work hard 24/7, and you are entitled to find 2 and a half hours for yourself every month (assuming you wax once a month like I do)--hire a babysitter, swap sitting with friends, so whatever it takes. The greatest gift we can give our children is to set a model of their mother taking care of herself. L. S.

I'm a liscenced esthetician and shaving doesn't make the hair thicker or grow faster. The reason people think that is because when you shave the hair grows back blunt ended so it makes it seem that way.
Since you've been waxing for so long it'll probably seem that way to you. You'll most likely have to shave on a daily basis.
The other alternative is laser hair "removal" actually reduction. It's pricey, but produces good results that can have a long lasting effect, years. The trick is to stay on time with your appointment and to get waxed inbetween. The laser is no worse than getting waxed. It takes approx 3-6 treatments depending on the laser. It's very popular and can be found in cosmetic dermatoligist offices. you can google it. The laser I know that is really good is Cutera. It works best on light skin and dark hair. Most places give
free consults
T.

Hello C..
I also do waxing. Been using this method for 18yrs.
I don't think you should shave it will make your skin also darker.
Keep up with the waxing.
I have this person that used to come to my house and she is not expensive at all.
But after she had her child I've been going to her house.
she uses diferent type of wax which is great.
Let me know where you are located and I can give you her number.
She is located in Redondo beach.
Hopefully is near you.
She has clients even out of state.
And since she does it out of her home its very inexpensive.
Hope it helps.

Hi C.,
I am an esthetician, and yes it is true about the hair getting thick if you shave.
I opened a salon/spa in Lakeside and it is very affordable.
I am a single mom and I understand about having kids and that's why your kids would be welcome in the salon.
I also understand about not being able to afford certain services due to the very high prizes out there, that's why I opened this salon/spa.
The prizes are very affordable and your kids are welcome.
I was born and raised in Italy, so I apologyze for the errors with my english.
You are welcome to visit or call me for any questions you might have.
We are located in 14110 Olde Hwy 80, ste D
El Cajon, Ca 92021
ph# ###-###-####
It's off of Lake Jennings exit.
Take Hwy 8 East and exit on Lake Jennings.
We are on your left hand side in the 7/11 shopping center.
Hope I answeared your question.
Have a nice day.
C.

Hello...
yeah I have the same problem with being hairy lol and I hate it! first off....I had told a doctor about my concern for being hairy, and how fast my hair would grow back etc....he did some test and had told me I have high testoserone level....what??? thats like man stuff?? I dont know I never fully tried to understand it and have not went back to that doctor....I am going to try and look inot it again as soon as I can....? so I supposehe was saying thats why I'm kinda hairy?? which sux cause Im sooo
girly and kinda cute lol anyhoo!
I would say wax the hard, and larger areas like your legs,arms? stomache if you do so? and maybe even bikini area? but I would look into lazer hair removal for like face....Ive tried it and luved the outcome...but I should have continued going....I stopped going thinking i did enough treatments...but it slowly ended up growing back?
its worth doing it over and over....and worth the money for sure...because waxing and threading is expensive and lasts a short time....I currently thread and im going to get lazer again once I start working again....I have my 2 yr old and 3 month old at home w me....i say shaving does make hair thicker...ive heard some say it does not...but I think it does! especially our hair types! sure makes my hairs thick...just look online for laser hair removal...and read up on it...

Hi,

I found that using the mens shavers with womens shaving cream works great and a better product for women that have thicker or just more hair than average women. The Mach3 is really good one!

wow, all I can say is "Don't do it yourself" unless you can inflick major pain to yourself.I tried to do my arm pits once and thought I would die. I had to put hot compresses on them to get the wax off !!! I say shave 1/2 the time and once every couple of month go and get a wax job. You know there is also Nair, it works pretty good.
Good Luck
N.

i have a wax pot at home and i do it myself when babies are napping, or put to bed for the night. fortunately, i am not very hairy and even less since i have waxed regularly for the past 8 years. . . i'd never go back to shaving.

I would look into laser removal. I hear over time that it makes the hair folicales just disappear.

I have never had a problem when I shave with my hair growing back thicker, but depending on the weather (cold- hair grows faster to keep you warm), my legs do grow faster or slower.

If you decide to shave, then you need to do it often- every day, every other day or something that works best for you, but be consistant or it takes longer to shave.

Good luck and happy hair removal!

Shaving definitely makes your hair grow back thicker! Maybe you can find an esthetician who's willing to work out a trade so it won't cost you anything. Maybe an ad on Craig's list or something.

I know about the time crunch. I have the same problem with getting facials and waxing done.

I'm hairy too, but fortunately I'm have light hair.
I totally understand the time commitment and money concern.
I think the hair comes in softer and finer after waxing, but I just can't swing the time and money deal, so I just shave. It's not a huge difference, but I'd rather be waxed if I had the time and money.
good luck

Try Veet for your legs, they also make it for "bikini areas", but if you are doing any type of 'brazillian', you'll want to leave out the veet or nair for that area. They also make stuff for the face that is like veet or nair. You can also go online and get some stuff called Moom. It's like a wax, but made of honey and some other stuff, so it washes off with water. You don't even have to heat it for the face. I love it. You CAN use that on those private areas. It works good for a bikini wax also. So you don't have to shave. But legs and underarms, I'd just shave, you can do that every day. I'd try the Moom or facial delapidary cream for the face and bikini areas. C.

Hair does not grown in thicker after shaving - that is a myth.

http://www.snopes.com/oldwives/hairgrow.asp

Shave will make it coarse, and ofcourse you don't want your love one to feel like he is touching a man. Try the SILK EPIL by BRAUN cost around $60+. I LOVE it and i've been using it for many years, and you can do it at your own home at your convinient time, i have 2 boys 3 yrs and 2 months old and couldn't really leave the house for long. So this could probably be the best for you. It actually pull the hair, so it didn't grow back coarse and of course everyone is different in terms of how long it takes for the hair to grow back. Top of that you can use it on every part of your body including your face. you can get it online or i know bed ,bath and beyond sell it too. One of the best product and money worth spending for me, it pulls the hair good and fast. Its worth a try, you can do it at your own time, save u alot of money long run and the hair won't grow coarsely. Good Luck!

Shaving will not make a hair strand longer. (Some peoplemistakenly think that cutting or shaving hair more often makes it grow more quickly and thus get long more quickly. That is not true as cutting cuts the ends of the hair, and hair grows from the follice.)

I hear that electrolysis is a good option for some people. You will have to get several rounds of it to get rid of all the hair. I had three rounds of electrolysis on my upper lip about five years ago. Although the provider advertised that three rounds would get rid of all the unwanted hair, three rounds was not enough. (The fine print probably said that all the hair [might] be gone in as little as three rounds.)

Good luck,
Lynne E

Just a few weeks ago Dr. Oz was on Oprah and a lady asked this same question about shaving. Dr. Oz said it is a total farce - an old wive's tale. Shaving does not make the hair grow any faster. He DID say that shaving makes the hair feel a bit more rough because when you shave the hair is cut at an angle. Goodluck!

It's a total myth that hair grows back thicker...just shave with a good razor. The Diva is great...good luck. M.

Seriously, look into Laser Hair Removal. It is expensive, but worth it. I had about four sessions five years ago and I have much less hair than I used to. The hair is not completely gone, but that is because I stopped doing it. My goal was not to be hairless, but to have the amount of hair a normal person has.
It is time consuming but worth it in the long run.

Hello C.,
Try the Epil Lady from Veet. I have been waxing to but could not longer afford it and found this device my mom had suggested years ago at Big Lots on 7th/Junipero in Long Beach for $18.00. I have amazing results and wish you happy hair removal.
Cheers,
a.

C.,
It is an old wife's tale. Your hair does not get worse. You just have to shave more often because a wax job last longer. If you want to save money at this time, either buy a real good razor, one for women, or only get waxed on your legs and bikini line. Do not shave your face, because then you will have to keep it up. Tweeze your face in some areas. It works!The hair doesn't grow back as fast when you tweeze it. Have you tried some of the products like Neet, etc. They smell a bit, but they don't hurt. They do work around the bikini area.

Hope some of these suggestions work for you.

E.:)

Shaving doesn't make the hair thicker or more of it. Hair has a natural growth cycle it starts with a thin shaft that quickly gets thicker. There is also a time delay when it starts growing back in, so it's not as noticeable at first. By shaving, all of the hairs have blunt ends at the same time, making it seem as if you have more hair or thicker hair.

You should shave your body hair for sure. I am sure most women shave daily or every other day on their legs and under arms. Save the waxing for your face. There are some great strips that are prewaxed that you peel apart and then stick to your upper lip, or facial hair. It will take care of it in 5 seconds flat! It really works. I used to get facial waxing every month, but now use these strips because time is of the essence when you have little ones. They can be rather sticky, but I just use a tiny bit of olive oil to remove the wax once you are done. Good luck!

I get waxed by Debbie Mehar and she invented this cream called no scream cream and yes it really works, and she is amazing, and is looking into some more permant types of hair removal. You should call her ###-###-#### and just ask some questions. Tell her L. sent you!

I am also blessed/stricken with a lot of fuzz!

It is not true about hair growing in thicker and longer if you shave. one thing you might consider is using Nair or one of the cream dipilatories. That might solve your problem.

Since it is so time consuming and expensive, why not just get laser hair removal? From what I understand, once the hair is really gone, it doesn't come back. That is my plan once I am not pregnant any more. Good luck on what ever you decide.

I have a friend who says she is hairy and she bleaches her hairy hair regularly, on her arms anyway. Hope this helps a little.

I used to be very hairy as well, with very dark hair that was very obvious. Instead of waxing, (too painful) I got laser hair removal. This is about 1/3 of the pain, and they make the treatments take less time (except the legs still take about an hour). You do have to do anywhere from 5 to 12 treatements, as the hair has to be removed during a particular growth phase in order for the removal to be permanent, but the nice thing (for me, anyway) is that when I had paid for 5 treatments for underarms, bikini, legs, chin, and upper lip, the hair is now at least what I feel like is manageable with a razor. I now shave once a week or so, where I used to have to shave daily or if I was going to the beach for the day, I had to take a razor and shave in the bathroom because it grew so fast and thick (5 o'clock shadow-like) - TMI, maybe, but you asked. Laser removal is expensive, but roughly the same (when you average it out) as waxing. The main disadvantage is that lighter hair is more laser resistant, so it would take either more treatments (more $$) or it would still be there after treatment.

As I understand it, shaving does not actually make the hair thicker or longer, (else I would be shaving my head right now) it just feels that way when girls in puberty usually start shaving, since that is when the hair starts to grow faster and thicker anyway. Good luck!

I would suggest trying laser hair removal.. I believe it only takes a few sessions..

Hello C.. I too have a similar problem. I know it is expensive. I tried laser treatments. It is a little pricey but it does work. I went to this place in Tarzana the Norris Center, but you have to shop around. I did my under arms, bikini (including part of my leg under bikini)and around my breasts. Yes! embarrasing. It was about 5 to 6 session I cant remember and it cost about $2,000 dollars. I did this almost 3 years ago. It really works. The only problem is that the hair starts to grow around the area but the area treated stays pretty clean. You do have to go back for a few more sessions so no hair comes back. I could not afford it, but I cant complain. I dont wax my bikini anymore I just use Nair on the random hairs that I get. It hurts a little but it is worth the time & MONEY you will save on all that waxing. Good luck!

Hi, i am very hairy & have been shaving for years (i'm 48) last year i tried having my legs waxed for about 6-8 months. It was expensive & i could not keep up with it. I went back to shaving & am happier with it. I still have my upper lip & sideburns waxed though but sometimes use nair on my lip in between waxings. Self waxing at home is a pain & very messy from my experience. Why us??? Men have it easy huh???
Good luck, C.

I'm mostly German - so I know the hair deal. I think I got off lucky, since my brother has a "man sweater".

I find that I grow more hair after shaving....and it's definitely thicker. I do get waxed, but my brother opted for laser hair removal, which is more expensive in the beginning, but he seems to have lasting results.

I also find that as my hormones change, my hair growth and thickness changes. I started to take 1 Bio-DHEA from BioSpec to just naturally balance out my hormones and I don't think I even took an entire bottle and I'm shaving about once every 2-3 weeks - and the hair growth on my legs is so minor that you can't even see it. I'm not saying that it's hormonal, but it might be involved.

Hi C., I feel with you and I am in a similar situation.
It is actually not true, that the hair gets thicker by shaving or, as the people that do waxing say, that the hair grows faster. However, when you wax the first hair that comes out is fine, when you shave, of course, it's the middle of the hair that got off and it is more "prickly".
I am considering laser hair removal, It is pretty expensive, which has stopped me so far. However, they say it only takes about 6 treatments about 4-8 weeks apart each, to permanently remove hair. That's very tempting, isn't it. That may be a solution for you too. I am just in the process of looking at different places that do it. It is not supposed to hurt very much. If it does though, you can apply Lidocaine cream before, I heard.
Hope this helps. Good luck.

Have you looked into laser hair removal?

No, it is not true that your hair grows back thicker or longer. Your hair will always remain the same circumference. I think people believe this because they feel stubble come back in and a blunt hair that has been cut feels thicker or stronger. But no it will not cause any additional hair to grow or cause each individual hair to be thicker or longer. Just not as soft because it is blunt. Hope this makes sense. I do not recommend shaving your face...

Hi, That is one of the biggest beauty myths! I agree with the esthetician below. Shaving does not make it thicker or darker. It just looks that ways because all the hair is growing back in at the same time. With waxing, because the hair is taken from the root, it grows in at varies times. I would just shave if I were you. Good luck!

Oh, I hear you! I have the exact same problem. I used to use this wonderful waxing lady, not too expensive and an expert on "hairy women".
Problem is, with kids, working full time and on a budget...plus I moved further from her home, which makes it more time consuming.
Anyway, I started buying Sally Hansen Brazilian wax (microwave=able, blue wax) and I do it myself, a piece at a time. It does not turn out as great as if somebody else was doing it, but it keeps me going and able to wear a skirt. You just have to pay attention to the direction of the hair growth, so it won't grow "ingrown". Also, always scrub it (in the shower) with a sponge or something scratchy to avoid ingrown hair.
Then, once in a very while, when time and budget allows you, go to the salon for a treat.

look into laser hair removal. I don't know the cost, but i have heard that it works. But once it is done the hair doesn't grow back.
I shave my legs and it just seems to me that the hair gets more corse, not thicker. But everyone is different.
Good luck