I am thinking about getting a bikini wax for the first time. I am almost 40 and have never had this done! Mainly because I am a scaredy cat :) I have had my eyebrows waxed a couple times and that was fine. I have also had my brows threaded twice and that was soooo painful I will never do it again. I almost left in the middle of the second treatment.
So any tips on how to prepare my skin ahead of time? How long does it take for the redness/soreness etc. to go away? I am going on a vacation in a couple weeks so how far ahead should I do it? Anything else? I would go to European Wax Center, so definitely an experienced, reputable place.
Thanks everyone. I think I will do it! I appreciate all the helpful tips. I have actually been considering laser treatments, but it's not in the budget right now but maybe before next summer.
The first time I had a bikini wax I bruised horribly. (I think the bruising lasted about a week. Really glad I did it about 2 months before my wedding. The second time was so much easier an no bruising.
I did it. For a week, I'd have red bumps. For a week, it would be really nice. Then it would grow out and would ITCH. No hair for about 3 weeks and only a week and a half or so of enjoying the result...
I was at the dermatologist for something else and saw the esthetician. I asked her about what services she provided and she mentioned removing hair permanently with a laser. I decided to have her do my bikini line and it turns out that it's CHEAPER to do it this way because after you do it a while, it doesn't grow back.
I'm so happy with the results. I had my underarms done too - no more dark shadows under the skin. I loved the fact that I was doing it in the doctor's office because I knew I could trust the work. (And I didn't have to tip, either.)
If you have dark hair, you are a good candidate. Look into this before going the waxing route. Laser doesn't hurt as much as waxing, either...
Don't go right before or during your period - your skin is more sensitive. Your hair starts to grow back almost immediately, so go right before your vacation. For me, the redness and soreness is gone in a day.
The biggest tip I can give you, though, is to cut your hairs before you go in for a waxing. The optimal length of hair to wax is 1/4 inch, so if you're totally "natural" down there, use a small scissors and trim everything up. If the hair is much longer than 1/2 inch, it will pull funny and really really really hurt. Shorter than 1/4 inch and the wax can't grab the hairs.
It's interesting that you say getting your eye brows threaded was more painful than waxed; it's the opposite for me.
I would go about a week before vacation because you may bruise. It barely hurts if its a traditional bikini wax. Make sure you have them get the area under your butt cheeks.
If you have been shaving, you need to let the hair grow for at least a week before you go and have it waxed. And then schedule the waxing for about 3 or 4 days before your trip.
When you to to EWC, tell them you want a bikini line wax - not a full bikini wax. You don't need the full bikini unless you plan to wear a miniature thong bikini on your vacation :)
In my experience (and I go to EWC), the redness goes away in about 3 days, and it lasts for 6 weeks before I need to go back. They always want to reschedule me in 4 weeks, but I don't really need it until about 6 weeks. But everyone is different in how fast their hair grows.
I won't lie, it will hurt when they are doing it - it's like pulling off a bandaid. But they will do it in about 3 quick strips (for a bikini line wax) and you are done. Takes less than 10 minutes once you are in the room.
If you shave. Let it grow n I'd go it a week before so there is some time before you leave
Take an antihistamine. That will help with the red bumps.
ok, so motrin at least 30 minutes before really does help. For me...it hurt but, it was more discomfort than pain. Was it worth it, yes. Generally if they hold the skin tight while pulling the hair out it is pretty quick and the discomfort doesn't last long. You might also try a cream for a day or so that is for soothing shaved or waxed skin. :)
I just got my first wax not long ago (I'm 36 and always shaved) and it was nothing. Honestly. Barely hurt.
But, I decided to just do laser hair removal, and I can't say enough about it! It's cheaper in the long run, and I barely have to touch myself with a razor anymore. I'm on treatment #3...today, actually!
If you've been shaving for years, I highly recommend it.
No awkward growing out stage, no itching, no painful waxes. And I did a Groupon for $200. 6 treatments and I'm virtually hair free now.
I agree with the other post who said to time your waxing to avoid you period. I would also recommend you take Ibuprofen about 30 minutes before.
The skin will be a bit tender after. Wear something loose that won't chafe the area.
I've waxed for many years but would also love to try the laser hair removal. Waxing is great though. Surprised to hear someone experienced redness for 3 days! The pain I experience is only when the strip is pulled...no lasting pain The amount of redness probably depends on the type of wax, technique used and the sensitivity of your skin. My skin is red only for about a 1/2 hr. but my skin is not sensitive. Bruising is definitely caused by the technique used or when the surrounding area is not held tight when the strip is pulled. If you're going to a reputable salon, I'm sure you'll have a good experience.
