# The pain of bikini waxing - advice needed **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 29, 2003, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pain-of-bikini-waxing-advice-needed/178259 "2003-05-29T14:03:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![cowgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8c91f0/32.png) [@cowgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cowgirl)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pain-of-bikini-waxing-advice-needed/178259/1 "2003-05-29T14:03:50Z")
So I finally got fed up with stubble and decided to try waxing. I am wary of letting strange women touch my sensitive parts so I did it myself, and I’m getting very good at the leg part. That doesn’t hurt nearly as much as I expected and I’m pretty good at it now. Underarms and bikini area on the other hand, hurt like a MoFo. YOWCH ! I think I’m doing everything right and then - RIP - only three or four hairs come out, and the skin (and remaining hair) is throbbing with pain and begging me to please, stop the yanking ! I am quite hirsute and it seems that most of my thick, ugly, dark hairs are quite happy right where they are. I want to get rid of most of them but now I’m scared of the agonizing pain that would come from a _successful_ underarm or bikini wax - if it hurt that much to rip out three hairs, how much would it hurt to rip them ALL out? Note that I like to keep things smooth beyond the bikini line itself - I want most of it gone, which I understand is the root (get it ? heh, heh) of the problem. Am I destined for shaving or depilating for the rest of my life? Waxing seems ideal in all ways except for the blinding, agonizing pain. Advice, please ! Should I grit my teeth and get it done professionally? Will that make it easier (ie less painful) in the future? Or should I carry on with the three-at-a-time technique until eventually the desired baldness ensues? ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pain-of-bikini-waxing-advice-needed/178259/2 "2003-05-29T14:23:54Z")
I would imagine that having it done by a cosmetologist would be much less painful than trying to do it yourself. I was crap at doing my own legs, and I’d have to go over the same spot over and over again - but, when I’d get it done professionally, it was a quick job without repeated attempts at the same areas. ---
**Author:** ![liirogue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dbc845/32.png) [@liirogue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liirogue)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pain-of-bikini-waxing-advice-needed/178259/3 "2003-05-29T14:35:29Z")
Speaking from experience here… Go to a professional. They are so much better at it (perhaps because they have your hands to help hold the skin taught as well?) and it is a lot less painful. I went for the whole thing - I took it _all_ off. Any time I tried to repeat it at home, it hurt so much worse, and I couldn’t get it all. If you know for sure that you never want those hairs back, you might want to consider electrolysis or laser hair removal. It’s real expensive, but it pays off in the long run (you no longer have to either pay for someone else to wax it, or the equipment to do it yourself). ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pain-of-bikini-waxing-advice-needed/178259/4 "2003-05-29T15:02:36Z")
I have it done professionally. Seriously, the aesthetician has seen an awful lot of bikini areas and doesn’t take yours personally. I honestly don’t find it that painful and it is over very quickly. I could never do it myself. First of all, the angle is wrong to get a fim quick rip – some areas you can’t even see without a mirror and some contortions. The painful part (for me) is going over and over the same skin, and this almost never happens at the salon – they get like 98% of a section on the first swipe. ---
**Author:** ![cowgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8c91f0/32.png) [@cowgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cowgirl)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pain-of-bikini-waxing-advice-needed/178259/5 "2003-05-29T15:10:20Z")
Hm … I suspected that they would be better at it than me. I suppose the pros are not only accustomed to seeing many bikini areas, but also to the screaming and crying and gnashing of teeth … Oh, how we suffer for beauty ! The kicker is that Mr cowgirl doesn’t care one way or the other. It’s just my OWN preference ! Maybe that’s what I should try to deal with, instead of the pain. How much is reasonable to pay (in Canadian $$) for such a thing, do you reckon? ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pain-of-bikini-waxing-advice-needed/178259/6 "2003-05-29T15:34:35Z")
I have an excellent waxer. She charges 10 for the bikini and 20 for the full leg. I have found the underarm and ankle to be the most painful. ---
**Author:** ![irishgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/8edcca/32.png) [@irishgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/irishgirl)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pain-of-bikini-waxing-advice-needed/178259/7 "2003-05-29T16:17:27Z")
cowgirl, when you DO go to get it done, consider a having a stiff drink or some painkillers before hand. For your nerves, you understand 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![merge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9f8e36/32.png) [@merge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/merge)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pain-of-bikini-waxing-advice-needed/178259/8 "2003-05-29T18:23:29Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by irishgirl \* > \*\*cowgirl, when you DO go to get it done, consider a having a stiff drink or some painkillers before hand. > For your nerves, you understand 🙂 \*\* lol… gotta love the Irish Girls… Nothing a nice stiff drink won’t help… anyway… just thought I would chime in as a man and be thankful once again that I was born a man… All we have to do is trim our areas and that impresses women… ---
**Author:** ![LorieSmurf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a587f6/32.png) [@LorieSmurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LorieSmurf)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2003, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pain-of-bikini-waxing-advice-needed/178259/9 "2003-05-30T04:14:20Z")
I would bikini wax, but I have some questions. Sorry to hijack the thread. OK…a bikini wax will leave you nice and sleek…but don’t the hairs have to grow back a bit before you get the muffin waxed again? Wouldn’t that itch? Wouldn’t shaving everyday just be better? Just wondering. I used to shave it everyday and got tired of the effort. ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2003, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pain-of-bikini-waxing-advice-needed/178259/10 "2003-05-30T14:17:04Z")
Yes, the hairs have to grow back… no it doesn’t itch (for whatever reason I find stubble very itchy growing in but not new hair)… and no shaving everyday isn’t better because it’s very irritating to the skin and never ever feels or looks smooth. (IMHO, of course). ---
**Author:** ![Atrael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Atrael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atrael)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2003, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pain-of-bikini-waxing-advice-needed/178259/11 "2003-05-30T17:52:37Z")
Ok, so I always thought the bikini area was just that…basically the tops of our thighs, and the extra hair that sort of …grew out of the area so to speak. Do people really go in and have a professional wax **everything**? I mean…you just strip down, and spread 'em for someone? ---
**Author:** ![ratatoskK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ratatoskk/32/2987_2.png) [@ratatoskK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ratatoskK)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2003, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pain-of-bikini-waxing-advice-needed/178259/12 "2003-05-30T18:52:41Z")
**liirogue** – So how much wuld it cost to have electrolysis or laser hair removal for the “bikini area” (just the part that would show when wearing a bikini)? And I guess a salon would do electrolysis but a dermatologist would do the laser removal? ---
**Author:** ![lorene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/65b543/32.png) [@lorene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lorene)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2003, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pain-of-bikini-waxing-advice-needed/178259/13 "2003-05-30T20:35:52Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Atrael \* > \*\*Ok, so I always thought the bikini area was just that…basically the tops of our thighs, and the extra hair that sort of …grew out of the area so to speak. Do people really go in and have a professional wax **everything**? I mean…you just strip down, and spread 'em for someone? \*\* Well, a regular bikini wax is as you described. A ‘french’ bikini wax is sort of high-cut (like Franch bikini panties, and a Brazilian wax…yep, everything. You can, of course, have a modified version—that’s what I get. Leave something, but take quite a bit off. Here are my tips for a relatively happy experience— Take Tylenol or Motrin beforehand. Drinking is actually not recommended, as it thins the blood and could leave you prone to bruising (although I know that suggestion was tongue in cheek). Use some type of cream/gel with Lidocaine afterwards. Also, I use this stuff called “TendSkin” the next day, which helps prevent ingrowns. (Don’t use it the same day, or…double yeowww!) Choose your person carefully—a good word-of-mouth recommendation is helpful. I also chose someone who is not too close to home or office. Maybe it’s paranoid, but I really don’t want to run into my waxer in the grocery store or the corner deli. Yes, it hurts like a bitch, but the pain goes away quickly and the more you get it done, the less painful it is. My person also has lollipops on hand, which does help. Do remember that this person sees lots of bikini lines. Yes, it’s embarassing, but, like the pain, this fades. If you find someone good, tip VERY well. ---
**Author:** ![mfbjork](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac91a4/32.png) [@mfbjork](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mfbjork)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2003, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pain-of-bikini-waxing-advice-needed/178259/14 "2003-05-30T21:05:04Z")
I tried using that Nads stuff (you know, from the Australian lady in the infomercials), and the bikini line HURT like a son of a bitch. I was seriously bruised for about a week afterwards. Seek professional help!! ---
**Author:** ![Simple\_Dreamer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eada6e/32.png) [@Simple\_Dreamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simple_Dreamer)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2003, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pain-of-bikini-waxing-advice-needed/178259/15 "2003-05-31T00:14:49Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Hello Again \* > \*\*Yes, the hairs have to grow back… no it doesn’t itch (for whatever reason I find stubble very itchy growing in but not new hair)… and no shaving everyday isn’t better because it’s very irritating to the skin and never ever feels or looks smooth. (IMHO, of course). \*\* The reason it itches when the hair grows back after shaving is the tip of the hair is blunt, which also causes more ingrowns. When it’s new hair growing the tip is finer and clomes through the skin more easily. ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2003, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pain-of-bikini-waxing-advice-needed/178259/16 "2003-05-31T00:58:38Z")
Underarms I’ve never had a problem with doing on my own (they toughen up, really they do) and it’s not like I’m ever going to want hair there-so who cares if I make a mistake. Bikini area? I’ve been in tears just putting the stuff on (sugaring not waxing, easier to clean). much less ripping it out. I’m not sure what to do there… I get ingrown hairs. No way around it, exfoliating is not a solution for the way mine happen. I’m beginning to think permanent removal is the only answer, and I don’t have the disposable income for that. ---
**Author:** ![liirogue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dbc845/32.png) [@liirogue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liirogue)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2003, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pain-of-bikini-waxing-advice-needed/178259/17 "2003-05-31T03:52:43Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ratatoskK \* > \*\ ***liirogue** – So how much wuld it cost to have electrolysis or laser hair removal for the “bikini area” (just the part that would show when wearing a bikini)? And I guess a salon would do electrolysis but a dermatologist would do the laser removal? \*\* You would need to do some serious research before you chose somebody, because if the person does it wrong, it can cause scarring (not to mention waste your money!). Try and find previous clients, or get in touch with people who have had it done in your area. Cost will depend on where you are, too. Don’t go for the cheapest person, especially if there is a huge difference in their price and everyone elses. You might want to look at [www.hairfacts.com](http://www.hairfacts.com) I’m not affiliated with this site in any way, but it provides a lot of really good, unbiased info, and I believe you can access a message board through it. ---
**Author:** ![ratatoskK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ratatoskk/32/2987_2.png) [@ratatoskK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ratatoskK)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2003, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pain-of-bikini-waxing-advice-needed/178259/18 "2003-05-31T15:06:21Z")
Thanks, that’s a really good site! ---
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2003, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pain-of-bikini-waxing-advice-needed/178259/19 "2003-05-31T16:51:49Z")
Speaking in my capacity as a non-female (& you may give proportional weight to my opinion on that basis): Just say no to hair removal, by whatever means. Bleach 'em extra pale if you feel the need, but let them grow. Legs included, of course.