Leg hair removal for sensitive skin and robust hairs!

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Looking for recommendations please - products and/or methods! I can't use the creams as I come out in a rash. I usually shave using conditioner or coconut oil but I still end up with irritation burns.

I bought a Lumea IPL but can't ever find the time as I have a 9 month old. It's fab for bikini line and underarms but my legs take ages and just didn't seem to be working. The skin on my lower legs is darker so I think the contrast between my leg hair and skin isn't enough.

Epilator? Home wax? Persevere with lumea?

Thanks!

I have very hairy legs, and also cannot use hair removing cream as my skin is so sensitive.
I have never used a lumea so cannot vouch for that.
For years I have used my trusty epilator. Takes a while but does the job and the hair doesn't grow back for ages.

It can sting a bit though, especially around my knees, but I've got used to it.

Epilator here too. Shaving always irritates my skin, so the extra time taken for epilating is worth the rash free skin 100%

Also op don't give up after the first time, it gets easier I promise. It doesn't hurt at all now.

I am thinking epilator will be the way to go - I've become quite hardy against hair removal pain over the years - I can handle the sting of the hair removal I think, it's the rash/burn for days after shaving that I hate! Thanks all. Any suggestions on which epilator? I see good reviews for Braun Silk-Epil but quite pricey. Although if it's lasts it would perhaps be worth the investment.

I've always epilated (I tried both waxing and depilatory creams but both inflamed my skin).

Have used the Braun - I've only ever needed to buy three in 25+ years so they do last.

You need to exfoliate really well before hand to avoid in grown hairs. It can be time consuming, you might need to go over patches repeatedly. Waxing would be way quicker but not an option for me.

I get too many ingrowing hairs on my legs with the epilator, so I use it just for my upper lip and armpits.

Can I ask what type of razor you are using? I find the cheap disposable ones can irritate, but my reusable Venus one doesn't at all, and I just use a bar of soap - no fancy gels or foams (and the associated issues with disposing of environmentally unfriendly cans/bottles)

Another vote for an epilator. Unlike waxing or shaving it doesn't remove fake tan which is great in the summer, and you can do it as often as you like without worrying about a regrowth period. I love mine.

If I haven't used it for a while I start by shaving first, then I epilate two days later and then every two days until there isn't much growth. (You can usually then leave a gap of a week or two depending on your hair growth.) It means your skin is well exfoliated by the razor and you're not attacking the full growth cycle at once, so it's less painful.

The bikini and backs of legs are most uncomfortable for me so I just graze them with the epilator and go over them lightly again and again instead of digging right in.

Any product containing glycolic acid will help prevent ingrowing hairs and/or make them easier to remove.

Be careful not to drop the epilator or catch your clothing in it (the only reason I've ever had to replace mine).

My only advice re buying one is make sure it's a good brand which has a relatively large active surface. I have these two:
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003SWZOMG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?psc=1&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00742JW8S/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?psc=1&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8

If you have the choice between the kind that uses little tweezers and the kind that uses discs go for the discs. If you find the hairs are breaking instead of coming out entire with sticky roots attached, this is a good reason to return your epilator as it isn't working properly.

Good luck, I hope it works out for you!