AIBU to be terrified of a Hollywood/Brazilian wax?

[Nicebucket]

So I'm quite hairy down there.

And now after 5 years of no sex, there might be something happening soon.

I'm far too conscious of how hairy I am to just go au natural and shaving and trimming makes me horribly itchy.

So a wax is my only option but I'm TERRIFIED. I've heard such horror stories about how much it hurts, I'm so so scared.

I'm also afraid of getting like bumps or infections in the hair follicles because my hair is quite thick and the skin is quite sensitive.

Don't do it! Once you start it is hard to stop and you don't know how your skin will react.

Obvious the above should say PUBIC not public.

Oh and just be prepared to leave your dignity at the door if you want the undercarriage done properly. Knees hugged to the chest to get everything off (including the so called bum beard) gives them access and they have seen it all before. But if you're not prepared for it, I guess it might feel quite vulnerable

The "hygiene" argument for doing this is pretty lame. Presumably you should all be shaving your heads too, for hygiene purposes?

You could just get a bikini wax done. I personally have it all taken off every month.

If you go definitely trim before hand and take some ibruprofen.

Irishdad I don't bleed through my head (luckily).

Honestly though I think it is completely personal choice. I feel better with it done. That's all.

Just going to reiterate... Do NOT very! I have very thick hair too and it doesn't remove down to the root. I don't find waxing there too painful. Waxing my legs is more painful. If you are worried, take some paracetamol 20 mins before the appointment.

Having thick hair actually makes it easier to get rid of any ingrowing hairs, they just pop out with tweezers (sterilise first).

I don't get all the veet hate, never knew it was so controversial! I've used veet sensitive for years, it's quite simple not to get it on the inner sensitive skin and it washes off in the shower afterwards

Takes about 5mins, job done! I would never, ever have a wax, sounds far too painful and embarrasing, just no

^^ should say veet...

Go for a standard bikini first - it's not that bad I promise! Find a reputable salon and let them know it's your first time. Then use sudocrem when you get home to calm the area.

When you shower, go gently over the skin with an exfoliating glove and make sure you moisturise (I find neutrogena deep moisture comfort balm is the best and cheap!) and you won't have any ingrown hairs! It'll be fine :) first one is the worst but i actually find having my legs done is more painful. Deep breaths and relax your jaw!

Another one who recommends Lycon hot wax.

It's honestly not that bad and I love the results. It massively increases my receptiveness to sex, not that DH gives a shit what I'm sporting down there.

The salon I use has a TV in each of the treatment rooms and she pops a film on, so you can watch that if you are too embarrassed to engage in conversation with somebody who has their hands on your fanjo.

One more vote for Lycon hot wax, and absolutely 100% trim before you go, I just pinch my DH's trimmer and he's none the wiser 😄 I did get my bikini line lasered a couple of years ago but hairs are starting to reappear, booo.

IMO a Hollywood is quite extreme, a good salon will have a variety of "styles"- perhaps a high bikini wax with the underneath taken off (that's the worst bit) would be a good starting point then work up to more off on subsequent visits if that's what you want? It's enough to keep things neat without looking like an adult movie "star".

As PPs have said, it's not fun or pain free but it hurts much less than lower leg waxing, increases receptiveness to sex and it just feels nicer.
Take a couple of paracetamol about 30 mins before your appointment if your pain threshold is low but a good trim and Lycon wax will mimimise the pain.
Good luck!

I have my legs, underarms and a Brazilian wax every 6 weeks. I haven't been near a razor in 7 years. It's hard to find someone who can do a good wax. One left me bleeding, several left clumps of hair, and one left me covered in wax.

Look for someone who uses hot wax, not the type that is pulled off with a piece of material. Avoid anyone you see double dip their spatula, and a good intimate waxed will put you at ease and not be embarrassed.

I've been using my current waxer for the past 4 years, she's going on maternity leave soon and I'm terrified of having to find someone else.

It hurts more if you are on your period, or if you are about to get it. Waxing on thin skin hurts more than thick.

Why can't you shave for a once off to see what you think? Admittedly the grow back is itchy but worth a go if you just want to try it without the pain of waxing

Make sure you go to a salon that uses hot wax, NOT strip wax. This is very important.

It's not too bad, honestly, and it gets easier the more you do it.

Tell them it's your first one. I'd trim the hair before down to a centimetre max. Take two painkillers and have a glass of wine. Probably do it two or three days before you think you're going to get some action as sometimes it goes a bit red the day after.

Let us know how you get one.

Jesus don't shave, it'll be itchy when it grows back, grim

Another vote for Lycon wax here. Well worth the extra ££. Its 99% less painful than strip wax for me.

Oh, and my waxer tells me NOT to trim before I go. She says it should be less painful that way

Yes to Lycon hot wax. Most salons have a more experienced waxer and it WILL hurt less if she does it. 2 Solpadeine about 4 hours before and a couple more 20 minutes before your appointment. (I don't do this now but I did when I first started waxing).

I have thick wiry hair and I laugh in the face of people DSis who tell me to shave/Veet/trim. It would be like trying to hold back the Amazon with a pair of nailclippers.

Tend skin is also genius for any ingrowns. Although with lycon wax I've never needed it

Supposedly beloved of strippers for smooth fanjos

If you're feeling particularly Blue Peter you can crush up some soluble aspirin with a bit of water and use that. It's mild salicylic acid that acts as a gentle exfoliant - less irritating than sloughing at your skin with an exfoliating glove or similar. As I learned to my chargrin once.

Oh and I really love the feeling of getting my bum waxed so I happily assume the position these days even though face down clutching one's butt cheeks apart does not feel like the most dignified pose in the world! That bit doesn't hurt at all and is strangely satisfying

Just to offer a male observation, if I might, smooth or trimmed are both very nice, and have their benefits, but there's nothing wrong with being natural.

If your potential partner is likely to turn their nose up because of however you choose your grooming, are they really worth the effort?

Go with whatever feels good to you - it's your body, not your potential partner's.

Only consider a lycon hot wax. Do NOT get a normal wax. Much better results and less pain.

A good therapist should trim you first if you're really busy.

Check out reviews and pay the extra to go somewhere really good.

I don't find it hurts that much, stings a little bit by the person I go to does a little patting thing on the skin after she's pulled off a section which reduces the sting.

It's pretty undignified, but they have seen it all before. Just go clean, recent shower and a wet wipe before you go in - just a common curtesy.

Jesus don't shave, it'll be itchy when it grows back, grim

I actually don't find it itchy when my hair grows back after shaving. So grim to you.