I have just waxed my own legs and BL for the first time since I was a teenager...

[NotAnotherNewNappy]

And it was a surprising success!

I'm on maternity leave so I need to think of ways to take care of myself without spending too much cash. Does anyone have any tips for DIY waxing? What products are good, by that I mean quick and no mess. How do I avoid giving myself ingrown hairs?

TIA

[HollyDee]

Sorry no answers for you, but I'm looking for same tips as you. Plus does anyone know of good gentle product for a newbie to waxing? Not looking forward to it but sick of shaving and stubble.

TIA

[NotAnotherNewNappy]

Hiya, I used Veet EasyGrip strips as I had some free samples. I liked them much better than the messy pot of hot wax and reusable cloth strips I remember using years ago. I think it was easier and less painful as I've been having proffessional waxes for a while so there were only patches of hair, rather than full on regrowth. I'd recommend getting yours done proffessionally first then waxing yourself.

[mumblesale]

I used to use body shop sugaring - absolutely brilliant and much less messy than wax because you can just wipe it off with a cloth. I could wax legs and bl as well as a beautician. Unfortunately they've discontinued it, but Boots stock something called stripease which I'm going to try.

[LordOfTheFlies]

I use a hot wax (Veet, it washes off if there's any residue).Personally I find hot wax works better for me, it 'opens' the pores more IMHO

To avoid ingrown hairs use a scrub/ exfoliant for a couple of days before.
Make sure your skin is bone dry .I can't wax in a steamy bathroom, it slides off.
Use a dusting of talc.

Check the direction of hair growth,especially on armpits, it can go in 2 directions.
Apply wax in the direction of the hair and remove against the growth direction.
Rub the strip well to make it stick.
Keep your hand near the skin, ie don't pull away, pull upwards or downwards.

Rinse and apply tea-tree oil antiseptic.

I wax armpits and bikini.
I use an epilator on my legs to save money (tightwad )

[Melfish]

For a bikini wax I've started using this one from Boots which I've found the best so far. I used to use their gel one but it would crystallise over a period of time when stored. Don't let the bright red colour put you off! The bikini shapes are templates which you can use if you choose ( I didn't bother).
Can't help on the leg front, sorry.

[HollyDee]

Thank goodness it's nearly time for thick tights again, so no need for all this hassle...and pain :).