I have been trying (and failing) to clean up my bikini line. I am shaving but ingrown hairs are a very big problem for me. I would like to go get waxed but I am a little overweight (in particular, my thighs are huge).
Is it wrong to subject someone to this at a salon?
Any other solutions?
I’m more than chubby and I get waxes all the time, as do many of my friends with all different body types. I’m not sure what you think you’re "subjecting"anyone to- the folks at the salon wax vaginas and asses all day and I assure you that your plump thighs are far from the most disgusting thing they see on the day to day.
That said, your word choice heavily suggests some body image issues, so be aware that laying naked from the waist down and clutching your knees to your chest is not exactly a good look for most people. Depending on how big you are, they sometimes will ask you to pull your stomach up, to tighten the skin for the waxing. Just be aware of these things.
I love waxing and wouldn’t suggest anything over it-- the results are fantastic, long lasting, and far better than any alternative.
I figure it would feel similar to getting an exam by a doctor. Without the scapula and with more pain.
Every waxer I’ve ever gone to has been far more jovial and talkative than the average doctor. I’m certain they are talking to distract you, but I don’t mind. Also, I don’t think the pain is particularly bad-- pop a few Advil an hour before and you’re set. Most places even offer numbing cream if you show up 15 minutes early. I don’t use the numbing cream, but I’ve got friends who do and swear by it. Personally, I think that while it stings a little, waxing isn’t nearly as painful as media would make you believe. I think getting my eyebrows threaded hurts way more than getting my crotch waxed.
Make sure you go to a nice salon-- don’t go to one of those strip mall nail salons that offer waxing in the backroom. Extra points if you can find somewhere that specializes in Brazilians/ bikini waxes. Make sure they don’t double dip their sticks.
If it hurts a lot, you bleed, or encounter any other problems, find a new waxer. None of that should happen.
perfectparanoia: Salons aren’t going to judge you for size related issues. Just make sure that you wash up before you head to the salon-- as long as you’re not exposing them to major biohazards* or open sores, they’re going to treat you just like everyone else. Your body size is not a factor beyond maybe having to adjust positions to make sure that they can access the areas they’re treating.
*fecal matter, blood, a really gnarly yeast infection, etc.
I had one bad waxing experience when I was younger, and every other one has been hunky dory; if your waxer makes commentary, causes you to bleed, bruises you or makes you feel more uncomfortable than is normal,** don’t go there again and make sure that management knows so they can fix the problem.
**It physically hurts a little, but it shouldn’t hurt your feelings
I would think a speculum would hurt less than a scapula.
That said, I agree that this should be viewed as essentially no different than a trip to the doctor: being exposed to other people’s nether regions is part of the job description, and part of what they’re being paid for - and they’re used to it.
Oops! Yeah, that’s what I meant.
I know a couple of fat girls who get waxed; you wouldn’t be the first. Plus it’s not like every girl who isn’t overweight has beautiful thighs. When your job is to get within an inch of people’s junk (and sometimes directly on their junk) you’re gonna see the good, the bad, and the ugly. Your thighs will not be a problem. Don’t sweat it.
For an alternative, in case it’s something you are not happy/comfortable with: I use an IPL machine at home.
It takes a while, but eventually the hair removal is permanent. You need to shave to use it, but get this (and it is weird and I can’t explain it) I get less irritation when I use the IPL machine after shaving. So for now I shave, then zap. It’s a tiny, very brief sting for every zap. There is hardly anything left to shave now, which also means no irritation. Pretty soon it will all be gone. Forever. It’s magic! 
It only works for dark hairs on light skin, it needs the difference in colour to work. You can ask in a good shop and they will be able to tell you if you are the right tone.
Waxing your mound sounds awful! I had my armpits waxed many years ago and will never, ever do it again. And I get my eyebrows threaded and that doesn’t hurt anywhere near the same amount so it must be about where you are most sensitive.
Anyway, that being said, I just came in to remind you - they’ve probably seen worse. I feel the same way when I go to my gyno - they’ve probably seen worse. As long as you are clean and healthy, I doubt they will care.
I think it depends on the person because getting my eyebrows done is agony but the vag is no big whoop.
I’m sure it all depends on how rooted the hairs are, how long and how deep, and how thick, and how sensitive your skin is in that part.
Maybe Laser is the way to go?
I am so confused…
Sorry if it was my post that confused you! IPL is similar to laser (and sometimes called laser), but takes longer and you can do it at home.
I am just thinking that if I am going to have a stranger dealing with my bikini region, maybe I should go for laser and have a chance of some of it not coming back.
Oh, to be a guy.
Getting my armpits waxed definitely hurt worse than a bikini wax and eyebrow threading. I get a full Brazilian wax and there is only one part of the wax (so one strip/ one pull) that I have to breath through, the rest is hardly noticeable.
Laser hair removal was the single most painful thing I’ve ever done in my life. I cried, I flinched, I developed a weird thing where I would start having panic attacks prior to appointments. I have a really high pain tolerance and laser broke me. So much that I only could get through 7 of my 12 treatments before I gave up. No amount of numbing gel, ice, or yoga breathing could get me through that. And the smell of the burning hair. . . oh god, it’s awful. I’ll get 50 brazilians before I’d ever do laser again.
Same for me.
I think it depends on the person. I’m pretty lucky that my hair is really dark and my skin is really pale, so it’s easy to do LHR without hitting “let’s burn all the things!” levels too quickly. Also, they have prescription numbing creams you can use beforehand that help with pain management levels. Either way, bikini line is more painful on the outer edges than the inner ones, regardless of waxing or LHR, but isn’t as painful as armpit waxing. Oy!
Bolding mine. You get a Brazilian wax, right? Please tell me it’s a Brazilian, 'cause the only times I’ve gotten waxed I’ve been able to keep my undies on and knees down. 
But I completely agree - you’re not subjecting them to anything they haven’t experienced before. Go for it. Oh, and the more you do it, the less it hurts. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing, though.
How do you shave? I’m a large girl, and I have no problem with shaving.
This is what I do:
Trim
Exfoliate
Warm to open up pores (I usually just get a facewasher, and put it in water as hot as I can handle, and then rest in between my legs for a little while)
apply shaving gel/shampoo/mositurizer (shaving gel is best, but something is better than nothing)
Shave (using a new razor, going with the grain, and not shaving the same area more than twice)
rub with an anti-septic ( I use tea tree oil)
then refrain from wearing overly tight things for the night.
If you don’t end up feeling comfortable with a salon, maybe try that? 