First time bikini wax!

[Lilypad15]

I'm considering getting a bikini wax. I go on holiday in just under two weeks and normally I shave my bikini line. However my hair grows back pretty much within 12 hours (I can shave hair clean off, have lovemy smooth skin in the evening and when I wake up in the morning, it's stubbly already!) and when I'm on holiday in the heat, I get a big red rash and painful lumps on my bikini line after shaving which looks awful when you're wearing a bikini. Shaving creams don't work at all, they just remove long hairs and then I'm left with short ones instead of smooth skin. So I'm thinking of biting the bullet and going for a bikini wax and wanted some advice.

I know that it's going to really hurt as it's my first time and also the hair will be a lot more coarse as I shave usually. What's the best things to do to try and minimise the pain? My threshold is quite good but I still want it to hurt as little as possible! I haven't shaved in 2 weeks, will the hair be long enough? And when is best to get it done in terms of going on holiday? A week before? A few days before? I'm aware it's going to be tender for a few days and may be red/bruised but knowing how quickly my hair grows when I shave, I'm concerned that if I do it a week before that it will grow back while I'm on holiday. I don't want the whole shebang, I only want the sides doing I.e. The bits you see in bikini bottoms, that's the area I have the sensitivity/redness problem. Also, aside from the immense pain and suffering, how embarrassing is it? Obviously the beautician sees this stuff every day but is it awkward to chat away when she's slapping wax around your vagina?

I'm a little scared of the pain. I've heard some people say it's not too bad but some say it's excruciating! Also I'm worried about how effective it will be for someone whose hair grows back literally a few hours after shaving.

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated :)

[DeadGood]

I went once years ago and had to tell the therapist to stop when she was trying to "even it out".
However, I was in your position a month or two ago so went for a bikini wax (not a Brazilian). I took two codeine beforehand - I doubt this is recommended, but I did it anyway - and it was totally fine. You know what the difference was? Hot wax, not strip wax. It's so much better, make sure you ask for that (it may cost more) and you'll be fine.

I would get it done 2 or 3 days before you go. Also, it's totally fine re. Awkwardness, I kept my knickers on, and was happy chatting away (could've been the drugs though)

[Pigeonpost]

I had my first Brazilian wax almost 3 weeks ago and I'm amazed by the slow regrowth. I didn't bother with the paper knickers offered and she just cracked on chatting away. Was red and sore for the rest of the day/evening but no bruising. She used a combo of hot wax and strip wax. Total convert now.

[Chorltonswheelies422]

Please go to a properly trained intimate waxer who will use hot wax - don't go anywhere near someone who uses strip wax

[CoolCarrie]

I have the same problem. Don't know what is worse, the bloody hair, or the very bumpy red skin?!
Take a pain killer, and get some aloe vera gel, not cream which you can put on afterwards. Definitely get hot wax, not strip wax. You will have paper knickers on and your skin will be red/ very red afterwards, but using the loe vera will help, and wear a skirt no tights or jeans as letting the air around, as it were, will help cool everything down! Have a lovely holiday
You will be fine! 😀

[Lilypad15]

Thanks for your replies, ladies!

I will definitely make sure I ask for the hot wax and not strips. I'm a bit scared of how much it will hurt but the aftermath of shaving with the red rash and bumps and everything is pretty painful and that's ongoing so I reckon I can bare it for a couple of hours! Will definitely take some painkillers beforehand too.

How long, on average, would you say you stay hair-free for? I'm so worried about getting regrowth while I'm away! If I shave of an evening until I'm completely hairless and smooth, I will have stubble by the morning. So frustrating!

[CurbsideProphet]

Lily hot wax hurts a lot less than strip, but make sure you check in advance that they are trained and actually use hot wax. The effects of waxing last much longer than shaving and regrowth is slower. Shaving cuts off the hair half way and leaves the root, so that's what makes it grow back stubbly. Waxing pulls it out at the root. I'm not a beauty therapist, so I've probably explained it really badly!

[1moreglassplease]

I agree with everyone else about the hot wax. It's definitely easier.

If possible, try not to get it done just before a period as skin is more sensitive and a good salon should rub some aloe vera or tea tree oil on afterwards. They do advise not to shower/bath for 24 hours if possible to let your skin settle. I'm extremely fair but don't find the redness bad after 24 hours.

Been having my legs/bikini done for over 20 years now and honestly my beautician and I are too busy laughing and talking to notice any pain and it's over very quickly - good luck!

[JackandDiane]

if you find a plaster being taken off pain then take a pain killer

Tbh its not such a big deal

[Aquamarine70]

I'm a beauty therapist. You should get at least 2-3 weeks before the hair starts to grow back so should be fine for your holiday. You can actually get hair growth inhibitor cream that if you use after the waxing & it slows down the hair growth.
For bikini area hot wax should be used. There are some strip waxes that are suitable for bikini waxing but they should be used for any hair that is further down the leg & just on the top area below the stomach. These strip waxes don't drag in the skin.
You can use aloe Vera on the area for the first few days then hair growth inhibitor.
Have the bikini wax 2 days before you go on holiday.
Wear loose clothing & old cotton knickers or you can wear a disposable g string that they will give you.
For the first 24 hrs avoid a hot bath or shower, no swimming or sunbathing. Best to shower before you go.

[JackandDiane]

i jsut take my pants off

[leedy]

I actually find bikini waxing (not Brazilian, just a tidy up) easier than getting my shins done for some reason. I'd been convinced it was going to be really painful for years until the woman who was doing my legs a few years ago suggested she give it a go just to see how I found it. "Not very sore and over quickly", was my verdict. Take an ibuprofen beforehand if you're nervous.

[HeyMacWey]

What hair growth inhibitor would you recommend aqua?

[Polkadot1974]

I find it hurts but less so with each one. Is embarassing but I have it all off now and lasts a good few weeks
I didn't mean for it all off but the first time she did it she asked "want it like your friend who recommended me?" As she was already slathering my entire lower portions with the stuff. Too late and like the hairdressers I just nodded and smiled...
Good luck!

[dementedma]

I find getting my eyebrows done agonising. No way am I ever getting my flanges done!!!

[itsbetterthanabox]

I'm a beauty therapist. Honestly don't feel embarrassed and yeah I like to chat during if the client does. You can keep your knickers on for a basic bikini and towel covering the areas not currently being waxed. You may be ask to stretch areas of skin like your thigh.
Go a few days before. You'll have calmed down but it'll give you the longest smooth time possible.
For a basic bikini wax strip wax is no different to hot wax. You need hot wax for a full Brazilian or when waxing the labia but for a basic bikini it's no different to waxing a leg or underarm, the skin isn't looser so strip wax is fine and no more painful.
2+ weeks growth from shaving is great. Afterwards keep it moisturised and after about 4 days start gentle daily exfoliation. Enjoy your holiday.

[GinIceAndASlice]

I got my first Brazilian a week ago. The therapist used hot wax called lycon or something similar and it was slightly painful but soooo much better than the strip wax I'd had before just to "tidy up" before.

I can't shave or use removal creams on my bikini area at all. It's too sensitive and ends up like chicken skin and bleeding, and by time time it's back to normal I'm hairy again! Hot wax is the way to go x

I'd second ibuprofen just beforehand.

If you can fit it in I would recommend 2 or 3 days before so you don't end up with a sore fanjo whilst travelling! But I think with hot wax 24 hours before would be fine

Good luck!

[Aquamarine70]

I'm not in the UK so can't recommend a brand but usually salons have some retail products for you to buy for aftercare. I'm not sure if Boots may sell a hair growth retardant/inhibitor as our chemists sell one in Australia.

[Aquamarine70]

I just googled & you can get one from Amazon called Skin Doctors Haiir No More Inhibitor spray. We have that one here in Australia.

[Aquamarine70]

Also one called Inhibitif.

[JackandDiane]

Can someone explain why it's recommended to exfoliate?

[Aquamarine70]

Exfoliation helps stop ingrowing hairs.

[Lilypad15]

Thank you so much for all your advice! I'm such a noob at this! I fly late on a Sunday so I'm thinking Friday is the best time to go? I'll have to google the hair inhibitor, I've never seen it in shops round here. In terms of healing, would the banana boat aloe Vera gel work? I'm guessing heavy aloe based creams will just clog my pores and make me itchy?

[JackandDiane]

How? I can't see the science

[Aquamarine70]

When the hair starts to come through it can run under the surface of the skin. Constant waxing can distort the hair follicle & this increases the risk of getting ingrown hairs. Gentle exfoliating a week or so after the area is waxed & until the next wax twice weekly will ensure the hair grows up & not under the skin. You can also use something called Tend Skin that helps prevent ingrown hairs.