Bikini waxing for extreme beginners
June 16, 2017 8:46 AM Subscribe
I'm in my mid-40s and have never done any sort of bikini area hair maintenance. Feel I should probably start. Is it something I can DIY for a first-time, or should I see a professional?
I don't want a Brazillian, but I would like to be able to wear a reasonably-cut bathing suit.
I don't want a Brazillian, but I would like to be able to wear a reasonably-cut bathing suit.
This is one of those things where messing up can really mess you up. Go to the pros.
posted by CrazyLemonade at 8:56 AM on June 16, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by CrazyLemonade at 8:56 AM on June 16, 2017 [2 favorites]
For the love of god, do not DIY this the first time. It doesn't hurt too bad, but you HAVE to have the correct technique. If not you can really bruise yourself or worse, rip your own skin!
Once you've has a few waxes MAYBE you can try at home.
posted by Brittanie at 8:59 AM on June 16, 2017 [2 favorites]
Once you've has a few waxes MAYBE you can try at home.
posted by Brittanie at 8:59 AM on June 16, 2017 [2 favorites]
An experienced person can easily DIY a regular bikini wax (not brazilian)* but if you've never done it before, you should use a recommended pro for the first time. See how your skin reacts, etc.
Hot tip: get a real recommendation, not just someone off Yelp. By far and away the worst waxing experience of my life was someone who was five stars on Yelp but not recommended to me personally.
*actually I guess this depends on the person's skin and hair. I can imagine a situation where one would always need a pro.
posted by fingersandtoes at 8:59 AM on June 16, 2017 [1 favorite]
Hot tip: get a real recommendation, not just someone off Yelp. By far and away the worst waxing experience of my life was someone who was five stars on Yelp but not recommended to me personally.
*actually I guess this depends on the person's skin and hair. I can imagine a situation where one would always need a pro.
posted by fingersandtoes at 8:59 AM on June 16, 2017 [1 favorite]
Pros all the way. I went for the first time at about the same age. Just keep in mind they have seen literally everything, so don't worry about the state of your business. It's fast, they're professional, and I honestly didn't feel it was that painful. I'd rather do that than have my lip waxed.
posted by donnagirl at 9:01 AM on June 16, 2017
posted by donnagirl at 9:01 AM on June 16, 2017
I have always shaved everything. It's easy to get razor bumps and rashes if you aren't careful. I've found that if I wait until my bathroom is steamy and my skin is completely warm and goosebump-free , typically after I've lathered with soap and washed my hair, I can then shave my bikini area without issue. It's much like shaving your legs, but you have to be a bit more careful. If you can, shave with the grain. Shaving against it will typically give you at least a few bumps. To avoid rashes and blemishes after it's important to wear breathable clothing for several days, I wear cotton maxi dresses with no underwear to let everything breathe.
Waxing is another story. You have to let things grow out, and it's definitely more expensive than shaving if you see a pro. It might be a good idea to try it out and see if you like it. If not, then try shaving. Since you're all grown out right now trying a wax would be a good idea. Check Google and Yelp reviews and see what place is best in your area.
If you want to leave your forest in tact, you can just use a trimmer to make sure everything is under control and you aren't bulging out of bikini bottoms.
posted by Avosunspin at 9:02 AM on June 16, 2017 [6 favorites]
Waxing is another story. You have to let things grow out, and it's definitely more expensive than shaving if you see a pro. It might be a good idea to try it out and see if you like it. If not, then try shaving. Since you're all grown out right now trying a wax would be a good idea. Check Google and Yelp reviews and see what place is best in your area.
If you want to leave your forest in tact, you can just use a trimmer to make sure everything is under control and you aren't bulging out of bikini bottoms.
posted by Avosunspin at 9:02 AM on June 16, 2017 [6 favorites]
nthing a pro. Also if you can, find a place that does hard wax rather than the soft wax and fabric strips. It's much easier on the skin and everything will be red for a shorter amount of time.
posted by LKWorking at 9:02 AM on June 16, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by LKWorking at 9:02 AM on June 16, 2017 [1 favorite]
i dunno if waxing is necessary if you dont wanna do a full brazillian?
you can just trim down your bush and shave around ..do a landing strip or whatever? just use a new razor and appropriate shaving gel?
posted by speakeasy at 9:02 AM on June 16, 2017 [5 favorites]
you can just trim down your bush and shave around ..do a landing strip or whatever? just use a new razor and appropriate shaving gel?
posted by speakeasy at 9:02 AM on June 16, 2017 [5 favorites]
Meh, I've always DIYed. Start with the strips that you "heat" only with hand friction, so you'll be in no danger of burning yourself. I'm trying to imagine how you'd "rip your skin" with any non-insane use of those, and I can't.
It takes a while, it's a bit messy (or at least sticky), and you can't (easily) reach every area that some people consider it necessary to eradicate hair from. So if you'd rather spend money to save trouble, it's reasonable to go to a pro. But it's not really a safety issue. In fact, with pros you need to watch to verify that they use a fresh source of wax and fresh sticks or strips every time.
posted by praemunire at 9:09 AM on June 16, 2017 [1 favorite]
It takes a while, it's a bit messy (or at least sticky), and you can't (easily) reach every area that some people consider it necessary to eradicate hair from. So if you'd rather spend money to save trouble, it's reasonable to go to a pro. But it's not really a safety issue. In fact, with pros you need to watch to verify that they use a fresh source of wax and fresh sticks or strips every time.
posted by praemunire at 9:09 AM on June 16, 2017 [1 favorite]
OUCH. I tried to DIY this back in the day, and had to suffer through fits of existentialism and crying just to get the dumb strip off.
I've also gone to professionals - and while they didn't tear my skin, the follicles certainly bled.
My advice is: give your lady garden some trimming, but don't--especially now--go full bald. Trimming with protective-tipped scissors I think, gives a more elegant, dare I say feminine mons than a bumpy, red, only-smooth-for-one-day, sensitive and STI-prone naked mound.
posted by Dressed to Kill at 9:58 AM on June 16, 2017 [7 favorites]
I've also gone to professionals - and while they didn't tear my skin, the follicles certainly bled.
My advice is: give your lady garden some trimming, but don't--especially now--go full bald. Trimming with protective-tipped scissors I think, gives a more elegant, dare I say feminine mons than a bumpy, red, only-smooth-for-one-day, sensitive and STI-prone naked mound.
posted by Dressed to Kill at 9:58 AM on June 16, 2017 [7 favorites]
what is your skin and hair color? if you have hair that is at least a few shades darker than your skin you are a good candidate for laser removal, probably. if you are comfortable with the idea of permanently getting rid of the hair instead of experimenting with non-permanent methods first, it is significantly cheaper and less painful in the long run. Two years of regular waxing will cost more than laser treatment and you won't be permanently hair-free at the end. I've had very good results that have lasted years and they can target only the exact areas you want. Do tons of homework to find good practitioners using good equipment (Candella lasers with cooling functions) who have high satisfaction and won't skimp
posted by slow graffiti at 10:09 AM on June 16, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by slow graffiti at 10:09 AM on June 16, 2017 [1 favorite]
bikini area hair maintenance
I'm not sure if you think waxing is the only option here? This article covers four other hair removal methods in addition to waxing.
Also, some people do their hair maintenance by trimming with scissors. One choice is to remove the hair that would be outside the bikini line, and trim the rest with scissors to reduce the volume.
posted by yohko at 10:11 AM on June 16, 2017 [2 favorites]
I'm not sure if you think waxing is the only option here? This article covers four other hair removal methods in addition to waxing.
Also, some people do their hair maintenance by trimming with scissors. One choice is to remove the hair that would be outside the bikini line, and trim the rest with scissors to reduce the volume.
posted by yohko at 10:11 AM on June 16, 2017 [2 favorites]
If you do not want to automatically go to wax, there are personal trimmers out there that you can purchase online or at any CVS or Target or drugstore-like place (Think electric razor but with a gazillion attachments, many of which you will not use). You can set the closeness of the trim with one of the many attachment blades to shave some areas shorter and other areas clean to the skin. It's utterly painless and you can do it yourself.
The downside to DIY waxing is if the wax isn't hot enough/you do it wrong/it hurts too much, you can end up with a lot of tiny dried wax nuggets stuck to your remaining pubic hair and/or have several boxes of unused personal wax in your closet for the next decade, mocking you. Maybe go to a nice place for at least the first time to let a pro do it and see what you think?
posted by Ink-stained wretch at 10:49 AM on June 16, 2017 [2 favorites]
The downside to DIY waxing is if the wax isn't hot enough/you do it wrong/it hurts too much, you can end up with a lot of tiny dried wax nuggets stuck to your remaining pubic hair and/or have several boxes of unused personal wax in your closet for the next decade, mocking you. Maybe go to a nice place for at least the first time to let a pro do it and see what you think?
posted by Ink-stained wretch at 10:49 AM on June 16, 2017 [2 favorites]
Go to a pro.
Tips:
Don't go the week before your period, when you are most sensitive.
Have two Advil and maybe a glass of wine 30 minutes before.
It will hurt more the first time than any other following time. It hurts the least if you go every 4-6 weeks; if you wait longer more hair comes back and it hurts more.
Bring a wet wipe to clean up ahead of time (bum too!) if you like.
Be prepared to contort yourself in weird positions, though if you are just getting the sides done you may keep your undies on (wear a thong if you have one).
You'll like it! I actually really liked a Brazilian ;)
posted by amaire at 11:02 AM on June 16, 2017 [1 favorite]
Tips:
Don't go the week before your period, when you are most sensitive.
Have two Advil and maybe a glass of wine 30 minutes before.
It will hurt more the first time than any other following time. It hurts the least if you go every 4-6 weeks; if you wait longer more hair comes back and it hurts more.
Bring a wet wipe to clean up ahead of time (bum too!) if you like.
Be prepared to contort yourself in weird positions, though if you are just getting the sides done you may keep your undies on (wear a thong if you have one).
You'll like it! I actually really liked a Brazilian ;)
posted by amaire at 11:02 AM on June 16, 2017 [1 favorite]
Go to a pro.
I've been DIY-waxing for a long time now (more than 10 years), and while I can sort-of DIY the bikini area at least enough to wear high-cut bikini bottoms, there's always a patch of hair that grows strangely and the wax doesn't take it off no matter how I try to do it. Also, it hurts. Much more than when the pro does it.
PS. LIsten to amaire's advice. And feel free to tell the pro how high/deep to go, depending on your bathing suit's cut.
posted by gakiko at 11:58 AM on June 16, 2017
I've been DIY-waxing for a long time now (more than 10 years), and while I can sort-of DIY the bikini area at least enough to wear high-cut bikini bottoms, there's always a patch of hair that grows strangely and the wax doesn't take it off no matter how I try to do it. Also, it hurts. Much more than when the pro does it.
PS. LIsten to amaire's advice. And feel free to tell the pro how high/deep to go, depending on your bathing suit's cut.
posted by gakiko at 11:58 AM on June 16, 2017
Don't DIY this the first time. The bikini area is awkward, it will likely require some clean-up waxing and tweezing, especially the first time, and it's just much much easier to have someone else do it.
posted by The Elusive Architeuthis at 12:40 PM on June 16, 2017
posted by The Elusive Architeuthis at 12:40 PM on June 16, 2017
Just go see a pro, a bikini wax is easy and fast and relatively cheap. Seconded that the first time will be the worst. If you don't have anyone that can give you a recommendation, see if there's a place that specializes in waxing so you can find someone who does it all day, every day.
I would say you don't need to see a pro for the first time if you're experienced with waxing yourself other places so you have good technique.
posted by jeweled accumulation at 12:48 PM on June 16, 2017
I would say you don't need to see a pro for the first time if you're experienced with waxing yourself other places so you have good technique.
posted by jeweled accumulation at 12:48 PM on June 16, 2017
I've become a fan of European Wax Center- they use a really nice hard wax that minimizes pain. Also, your first wax is free*, which is a nice way to try it out.
*You should still tip the waxer, of course.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:01 PM on June 16, 2017 [3 favorites]
*You should still tip the waxer, of course.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:01 PM on June 16, 2017 [3 favorites]
I wear reasonably-cut bathing suits with razor shaving only. There is no need to wax as your first step. I have dark hair and sensitive skin so I don't love razor shaving but waxing is on the bottom of my life priorities so.
posted by ch1x0r at 7:30 PM on June 16, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by ch1x0r at 7:30 PM on June 16, 2017 [2 favorites]
When I used to wax my bikini line about the same amount you want, enough so nothing sticks out of a swimsuit (I eventually got laser removal). Pay a pro. As Sockermom mentions, go for somewhere that uses hard wax, not strips. Here's an explanation of the difference. It's been years so I can't remember the details, but I recall having a bad experience with strip wax on my bikini area.
posted by radioamy at 9:55 PM on June 16, 2017
posted by radioamy at 9:55 PM on June 16, 2017
If you are used to home waxing your legs or other areas, your bikini line isn't that much harder. Make sure you've trimmed the hair back to about 1cm first so the wax doesn't just get matted in your hair, and hold the skin taut when you pull the strip off. It's best to keep on top of doing it regularly - the less regrowth there is, the less it hurts.
If you've never waxed anything, your bikini line isn't the best thing to start with, partly because the length of the hair and looseness of labial skin makes it technically more difficult than your legs, and partly because it is a more sensitive area. I would see a pro for a few sessions to see what she does and how she pulls the strips off, then have a go yourself when you feel confident. And start with your legs.
Warm wax is the best - I use this, I assume there are similar products available in the US. The pre-waxed strips are useless.
posted by tinkletown at 2:28 PM on June 17, 2017
If you've never waxed anything, your bikini line isn't the best thing to start with, partly because the length of the hair and looseness of labial skin makes it technically more difficult than your legs, and partly because it is a more sensitive area. I would see a pro for a few sessions to see what she does and how she pulls the strips off, then have a go yourself when you feel confident. And start with your legs.
Warm wax is the best - I use this, I assume there are similar products available in the US. The pre-waxed strips are useless.
posted by tinkletown at 2:28 PM on June 17, 2017
This thread is closed to new comments.
Go to the pros... trust me on this!
posted by JenThePro at 8:51 AM on June 16, 2017 [4 favorites]