Removing hair down there - boots bikini cream any good?

Lollipop95

So I've been wanting to get rid of the hair down there for ages and I'm wondering of there's any good hair removal creams? I've heard good things about the one Boots has? Any personal stories/advice would be appreciated!

Penny Tration

I'm about 99% sure you're not supposed to use any brand of hair removal cream down there! Bikini cream would be fine for the bikini line, though, no further (so basically the outside edges, anywhere hair would be visible outside of your underwear.

Tbh, I'd go with shaving or getting waxed.

With shaving, if you have sensitive skin it can be extremely itchy, blotchy and spotty. I was for the first six months of regular shaving! It all cleared up though and now I shave it all off every week minimum, and no itching or blotching/spots.

Waxing in a good salon is your best bet. Just make sure you go to a good salon that uses Waxperts wax or Lycon, and one that doesn't double dip (sticking the spatula already used on you BACK into the hot wax, they should always use a new spatula!). Brazilia are brilliant, in my experience.

FaintBum

Hair removal cream is no more effective than shaving, it takes longer and it stinks. You'd be better trying to shave first. Invest in a good razor, don't use disposables, they can cut pretty bad. You'll know after a few tries if shaving is for you, if not then you can try waxing. Waxing is great because it last a few weeks, but some people can't deal with the pain but each to their own. Personally I found waxing was ok but gave me ingrown hairs so now I just shave.

zeffabelli

I dunno about shaving. Even my legs get a ferocious itch, unbeatable chicken pox intensity itch.

You can use the cream but you should do s test patch and be careful.

Waving is optimal but painful and expensive.

Lollipop95

Have any of ye ever used an electric shaver on the hair down there? No way I would use a razor for fear of cutting as it has a blade! :eek: I've used electric shaver before on my legs before and it was grand, but there's obviously a difference!

I was considering going to Brazillia (heard great things!) and was considering getting a Hollywood. I've never got waxed before, so would a Holywood be okay on my first go?

(though if the shaver would work then that would be great and save a lot of expense!)

FaintBum

You would need to use an electric one often as it doesn't shave totally smooth. Waxing is the most effective method so go for it, trial and error is really what you need as everyone is different. Don't be afraid of shaving though, it's not as scary as you may think. Just go slow and use conditioner and water instead of shaving foam/gel to make sure the skin stays moist and hydrated.

Penny Tration

Lollipop95 wrote: »

Have any of ye ever used an electric shaver on the hair down there? No way I would use a razor for fear of cutting as it has a blade! :eek: I've used electric shaver before on my legs before and it was grand, but there's obviously a difference!

I was considering going to Brazillia (heard great things!) and was considering getting a Hollywood. I've never got waxed before, so would a Holywood be okay on my first go?

(though if the shaver would work then that would be great and save a lot of expense!)

Normal razor is grand once you're careful! I cut myself once when I was about 14, never again in the last 12 years!

Brazilia is great. For pain reasons, I wouldn't go further than a Brazilian first time around. I find a Hollywood fine, but the first couple of times getting waxed can hurt like a bitch, so take it slowly and go for a 'holiday bikini' (bit more than a normal bikini wax) or a Brazilian first.

zeffabelli

Jenny Thalia wrote: »

Normal razor is grand once you're careful! I cut myself once when I was about 14, never again in the last 12 years!

Brazilia is great. For pain reasons, I wouldn't go further than a Brazilian first time around. I find a Hollywood fine, but the first couple of times getting waxed can hurt like a bitch, so take it slowly and go for a 'holiday bikini' (bit more than a normal bikini wax) or a Brazilian first.

Helps to take a painkiller.

chuckles30

I've used Veet Bikini Cream with no problems for years. Don't like the risk of shaving & no way in hell I'm waxing it. I just use a scissors to trim the inner areas.

eviltwin

Lollipop95 wrote: »

Have any of ye ever used an electric shaver on the hair down there? No way I would use a razor for fear of cutting as it has a blade! :eek: I've used electric shaver before on my legs before and it was grand, but there's obviously a difference!

I was considering going to Brazillia (heard great things!) and was considering getting a Hollywood. I've never got waxed before, so would a Holywood be okay on my first go?

(though if the shaver would work then that would be great and save a lot of expense!)

I do and it works a treat, it's a special attachment for facial hair so it's easy to use

Lollipop95

chuckles30 wrote: »

I've used Veet Bikini Cream with no problems for years. Don't like the risk of shaving & no way in hell I'm waxing it. I just use a scissors to trim the inner areas.

On what areas do you use the cream on?

Jenny Thalia

Jenny Thalia wrote: »

Normal razor is grand once you're careful! I cut myself once when I was about 14, never again in the last 12 years!

Brazilia is great. For pain reasons, I wouldn't go further than a Brazilian first time around. I find a Hollywood fine, but the first couple of times getting waxed can hurt like a bitch, so take it slowly and go for a 'holiday bikini' (bit more than a normal bikini wax) or a Brazilian first.

Wha? Isn't a Brazilian the full shebang?
Definitely not one to start on!

seenitall

bluewolf wrote: »

Wha? Isn't a Brazilian the full shebang?
Definitely not one to start on!

No, Hollywood is the completely hairless one.

Not that much difference betwixt, mind you, the Brazilian is just a little strip left in the middle, essentially.

Waxing all the way for me, but only when I'm coupled-up (or going on hols), as it's expensive, and let's not beat about the bush , does hurt. One Nurofen an hour before the appointment is the biz.

Otherwise, it's a veritable jungle down there, and I don't give it a second thought from one end of year to the next. How unreconstructed of me, heh.

bscm

One of my friend's swears by Veet around the "visible edges" and top triangle. I personally can't even think about doing the same.

Slightly off topic, but I'm seriously giving laser some consideration. Shaving only works for me if I let it grow out (or keep up "maintainence" religiously, exfoliate daily and basically "air dry" for 10 minutes before throwing on a pair of underwear post shower). I get lots of bumps and ingrown hairs, which end up causing cuts if I shave again before they go away. And waxing would probably end up working out the same price as laser upkeep (if it works).

Novella

I've tried shaving - both with disposable razors and with an electric razor - and hair removal cream and neither of them did the job for me. I'd consider both methods fine for a quick fix but in my opinion, waxing is the way to go. I had all of the hair off on my first ever wax and didn't find it that bad. Waxing hurts but it's not unbearable (to me) by any means and I'm sort of a "in for a penny, in for a pound" kind of girl.

I don't think anything will give you as smooth of an end result as waxing.

zeffabelli

Novella wrote: »

I've tried shaving - both with disposable razors and with an electric razor - and hair removal cream and neither of them did the job for me. I'd consider both methods fine for a quick fix but in my opinion, waxing is the way to go. I had all of the hair off on my first ever wax and didn't find it that bad. Waxing hurts but it's not unbearable (to me) by any means and I'm sort of a "in for a penny, in for a pound" kind of girl.

I don't think anything will give you as smooth of an end result as waxing.

Yeah and when you go for a big job like a bikini and full leg at the same time, I've noticed the endorphins kick in after 10 minutes or so and I feel nothing and that is without taking a painkiller.

It's just so expensive.

kylith

I've used cream on my legs before and lets just say that you want to be 100% sure you have no patches of dry skin or little nicks or scratches because if the chemicals get into it it's total agony and takes ages to heal.

Penny Tration

bluewolf wrote: »

Wha? Isn't a Brazilian the full shebang?
Definitely not one to start on!

Nope, Brazilian leaves a landing strip at the most sensitive areas. Hollywood is all gone

Gongoozler

I've got a low pain threshold and I got a Hollywood wax the first time I got waxed. It was fine. Painful, quite painful, but manageable.

Dial Hard

bscm wrote: »

waxing would probably end up working out the same price as laser upkeep (if it works).

I could have had my entire body lasered twice over for what I've spent on waxing over the years, but unfortunately I'm just not a suitable candidate

OP, I'd recommend waxing, but don't get a Hollywood on your first go, start with either a Californian (extended bikini) or Brazilian (landing strip) and work your way up from there.

I've been getting waxed every six weeks or so since I was 19 (33 now) and tbh, I don't even feel it anymore. The more you wax, the less the regrowth so you'll get longer between each wax if you keep it up regularly and it hurts less and less as you go on. I could easily get two months out of a wax now.

I don't consider it particularly expensive either. It can be, to start with, but a lot of salons charge significantly less for a maintenance wax than they do for a first-time (or first time in months) one. I pay €30 a pop for my Brazilian, which I don't consider expensive at all.

Good luck.

Tigger99

If you are a redhead I don't recommend waxing. Not because of the slightly lower pain threshold of redheads but because the strength of the hair. I used to get blood bruising, no matter how good the waxer. Shudder.

Lollipop95

Tigger99 wrote: »

If you are a redhead I don't recommend waxing. Not because of the slightly lower pain threshold of redheads but because the strength of the hair. I used to get blood bruising, no matter how good the waxer. Shudder.

I am naturally...oh noooo seriously?!

Goldenlady

Veet Bikini Cream with Aloe Vera, its the best! Leave on for 15 mins and then jump in shower and it just comes off so easily! only using it for last few months and its a life changer

Lollipop95

Goldenlady wrote: »

Veet Bikini Cream with Aloe Vera, its the best! Leave on for 15 mins and then jump in shower and it just comes off so easily! only using it for last few months and its a life changer

Oh really?! What areas do you use it on? Cause I know some people said you're not supposed to use it down there. Also, when you say with aloe Vera, do you just mix the 2 together into a paste? Thanks!

Gunslinger92

Tigger99 wrote: »

If you are a redhead I don't recommend waxing. Not because of the slightly lower pain threshold of redheads but because the strength of the hair. I used to get blood bruising, no matter how good the waxer. Shudder.

I've always thought that redheads actually have a higher pain threshold than others. And that It takes more anasthetic to knock out a redhead.

My first ever wax was all off - grand. I have a ribcage tattoo - don't know why people say it's the most unimaginable pain ever :pac:

Or maybe I'm just weird although I'm not the type of redhead with invisible eyelashes and stuff..

Dolbert

Gunslinger92 wrote: »

I've always thought that redheads actually have a higher pain threshold than others.

Nope, generally lower, that's why we need more anaesthetic... I also have extremely strong hair and find waxing excruciating. I guess you won't know til you try!

fussyonion

I've tried everything (except waxing) in the past but what works for me is shaving.

I use a Gillette razor (men's one) and use shaving foam on the area. I find hair conditioner, although softening, can clog up the blades of the razor.

I foam up the area and then shave in the direction of the hair growth.

For years I always went against the rules and shaved in the opposite direction, thinking it was the only way to get the hairs, but that leaves you with painful ingrown hairs, lots of red spots and when the hair grows back, it rubs off your underwear making it sore and inflamed.

So shave IN the direction of the hair growth.
If you're careful and take your time, you shouldn't cut yourself.

Don't even attempt to shave your labia or anywhere like that; the skin there is way thinner than the pubic area and if you cut yourself, it'd be pretty nasty.

If you've any hair left around the labia, carefully use a scissors, if you're limber! Or an electric shaver might grab the hairs.

Finish by slathering on some aloe vera to soothe the area.

That's what I do anyway and I find it grand.

beks101

Yeah I wouldn't go near the area with hair removal cream. I hate the stuff, it's messy, it smells, it's an ordeal and it doesn't work any more effectively than shaving anyway.

I get a Hollywood about once every five weeks, it's an expensive habit to maintain but I swear I walk out of the salon feeling like a goddess. After so many years the maintenance wax costs about 30 quid (maybe E40), not cheap but once you've done it once the smoothness is addictive and hard to go back to the razor stubble and goose skin of shaving. (Not to mention the increased sensitivity during sexy time, amiright?;))

I shaved for years before I started waxing and that can be fine too, once your skin has gotten used to it and the re-growth 'itch' disappears. Mach 3 and some good shaving cream and make sure you keep it well moisturized.

pq0n1ct4ve8zf5

fussyonion wrote: »

I
Don't even attempt to shave your labia or anywhere like that; the skin there is way thinner than the pubic area and if you cut yourself, it'd be pretty nasty.

If you've any hair left around the labia, carefully use a scissors, if you're limber! Or an electric shaver might grab the hairs.

I shave there and it's fine, you'd want to be pretty careful and make sure to use a good razor but it's grand like

Goldenlady

Lollipop95Quote:
Originally Posted by Goldenlady
Veet Bikini Cream with Aloe Vera, its the best! Leave on for 15 mins and then jump in shower and it just comes off so easily! only using it for last few months and its a life changer

Oh really?! What areas do you use it on? Cause I know some people said you're not supposed to use it down there. Also, when you say with aloe Vera, do you just mix the 2 together into a paste? Thanks!




Its specific for Bikini area... so i use it and no issues at all. I cant do waxing as I suffer from ingrown hairs too badly! this is a life saver, never had any issues with it!

charlietheminxx

On the redhead thing, both posters were actually right! We have lower tolerances to some forms of pain and higher tolerances to others!

Sadly due to strong hair and sensitive skin, waxing isn't a runner for me happy enough with shaving, though I do still get razor burn very occasionally.

Gunslinger92

Thinking of booking in with waxperts next week, but eh.. For anyone who's been there before, can you just say that you don't your bum done if you've booked a Brazilian? I'm not quite that comfortable yet :pac:

Tigger99

Of course. Just say it to them. I've been that specific about waxing before (but different request)

Dial Hard

Gunslinger92 wrote: »

Thinking of booking in with waxperts next week, but eh.. For anyone who's been there before, can you just say that you don't your bum done if you've booked a Brazilian? I'm not quite that comfortable yet :pac:

You can, but tbh, that would kind of defeat the purpose, imo. It's like asking for a cappuccino and then telling them you don't want any coffee in it.

Ask them to talk you through the process before you make your mind up. Different salons use different techniques for that part, but nowhere is going to make you get on all fours while you present your arse like a dog in heat, if that's what you're afraid of

Sinall

Lollipop95 wrote: »

I am naturally...oh noooo seriously?!

I am a natural red head and have been waxing since I was 18. I'm 34 now and over the years the growth has really slowed down. Been getting a Brazilian for the last 10 years and get it done very regularly.

Red hair is very strong but 2 paracetamol an hour beforehand does the trick for me!

Dial Hard

Dial Hard wrote: »

You can, but tbh, that would kind of defeat the purpose, imo. It's like asking for a cappuccino and then telling them you don't want any coffee in it.

Ask them to talk you through the process before you make your mind up. Different salons use different techniques for that part, but nowhere is going to make you get on all fours while you present your arse like a dog in heat, if that's what you're afraid of

I've heard of some doing just that!!

I'd say if you discuss it beforehand anyway you'll be grand

RacoonQueen

If you can get laser, get laser. I've done hollywood laser and it's fab. Just got a top up recently...literally now it's a top up once a year (€40). Considering the price of waxing / razor blades (which if you're shaving you will rake through them) over the years and laser is really a money saver in the long run. All I shave now is my legs and the cheap disposable razors do the job there for me. Would love to get my legs done but there's only a small window of the year were I would have no tan lines at all on my legs that I could get it done during as they won't do it while I've smidgen of tan due to risk of wrecking me

Have never done waxing anywhere other than my eyebrows so not an advocate of waxing here.

Galadriel

RacoonQueen wrote: »

If you can get laser, get laser. I've done hollywood laser and it's fab. Just got a top up recently...literally now it's a top up once a year (€40). Considering the price of waxing / razor blades (which if you're shaving you will rake through them) over the years and laser is really a money saver in the long run. All I shave now is my legs and the cheap disposable razors do the job there for me. Would love to get my legs done but there's only a small window of the year were I would have no tan lines at all on my legs that I could get it done during as they won't do it while I've smidgen of tan due to risk of wrecking me

Have never done waxing anywhere other than my eyebrows so not an advocate of waxing here.

How expensive was it at the beginning for the laser and how long did it take?

RacoonQueen

I got the laser as part of a deal so I got 6 sessions for 79 or 99 euro can't remember. That was 6 x underarm and bikini, to get an extended bikini I paid an extra 20 per session. I did 5 of them (missed one) and at the end of that bikini still needed work so they offered me another bundle for 99 I think...after 3 of them I was pretty much done but I used the rest up over longer periods to just make sure.

It's a great way to do it if you're a good candidate. Overall it's cost me about €400 maybe for underarms and bikini. Worth every cent.

Tigger99

God I wish I could get it, would be epic.

greenfrogs

RacoonQueen wrote: »

I got the laser as part of a deal so I got 6 sessions for 79 or 99 euro can't remember. That was 6 x underarm and bikini, to get an extended bikini I paid an extra 20 per session. I did 5 of them (missed one) and at the end of that bikini still needed work so they offered me another bundle for 99 I think...after 3 of them I was pretty much done but I used the rest up over longer periods to just make sure.

It's a great way to do it if you're a good candidate. Overall it's cost me about €400 maybe for underarms and bikini. Worth every cent.

What colour is your hair? Also what kind of laser did they use? I was quoted more than a thousand for legs, bikini line and underarm using a candela laser. Unfortunately I got one session done but then I lost my job so I couldn't continue.

daisybelle2008

greenfrogs wrote: »

What colour is your hair? Also what kind of laser did they use? I was quoted more than a thousand for legs, bikini line and underarm using a candela laser. Unfortunately I got one session done but then I lost my job so I couldn't continue.

I'm another huge fan of Laser, have had my full legs under arms and bikini line done. It really improves the condition of the skin also, no more ingrowns.

Underarms and bikini line was €79 per session, works better the lighter your skin and darker the hair. I pay as I go. It's a few years since I got my legs done, the were a bit more expensive, but not much more than a waxing session and hair is gone permananty for me. Medical grade 4 laser, whatever that means, it worked a treat, Can't recommend it enough and saves a fortune in the long run.

greenfrogs

daisybelle2008 wrote: »

I'm another huge fan of Laser, have had my full legs under arms and bikini line done. It really improves the condition of the skin also, no more ingrowns.

Underarms and bikini line was €79 per session, works better the lighter your skin and darker the hair. I pay as I go. It's a few years since I got my legs done, the were a bit more expensive, but not much more than a waxing session and hair is gone permananty for me. Medical grade 4 laser, whatever that means, it worked a treat, Can't recommend it enough and saves a fortune in the long run.

I do suffer badly from ingrown hairs. It looks terrible but I definitely don't have the money for waxing atm. Laser does seem like a good investment. I have pale skin but my hair wouldn't be the darkest. When I was getting a consultation to see if I was suitable for laser the beautician thought my hair had a red tinge in my bikini area. She even brought in someone to double check it on two seperate occasions. It was dark enough after all but I was mortified.

daisybelle2008

greenfrogs wrote: »

I do suffer badly from ingrown hairs. It looks terrible but I definitely don't have the money for waxing atm. Laser does seem like a good investment. I have pale skin but my hair wouldn't be the darkest. When I was getting a consultation to see if I was suitable for laser the beautician thought my hair had a red tinge in my bikini area. She even brought in someone to double check it on two seperate occasions. It was dark enough after all but I was mortified.

They sound very expensive anyway by the quote you got.

For anyone not doing laser Dealz have Nair hair removal cream for bikini line for €1.49 for a big tube. It is a good brand.

beks101

Gunslinger92 wrote: »

Thinking of booking in with waxperts next week, but eh.. For anyone who's been there before, can you just say that you don't your bum done if you've booked a Brazilian? I'm not quite that comfortable yet :pac:

Believe me when you're lying spread-eagled in front of your beautician with her chatting away about the weather right into your vagina, not much else seems embarrassing or uncomfortable. Plus IME the pain is way less with the backdoor than the front porch

Was just reminiscing with a friend about my first brazilian today. I took no painkillers, drank about three coffees beforehand and almost wept with the pain. Your first one can be tough! Panadol and half a glass of wine is definitely the way to go. Pain decreases phenomenally with every wax after that. At least it did for me.

bscm

This thread (and payday) prompted me to book into Urbana for a laser hair removal consultation :P No more being tempted to try hair removal creams

daisybelle2008

beks101 wrote: »

Believe me when you're lying spread-eagled in front of your beautician with her chatting away about the weather right into your vagina, not much else seems embarrassing or uncomfortable. Plus IME the pain is way less with the backdoor than the front porch

Was just reminiscing with a friend about my first brazilian today. I took no painkillers, drank about three coffees beforehand and almost wept with the pain. Your first one can be tough! Panadol and half a glass of wine is definitely the way to go. Pain decreases phenomenally with every wax after that. At least it did for me.

Apparently also your pain threshold is much lower when you are pre-menstrual. They told me when I was getting laser and I kept asking them to turn down the machine. I avoided anywhere near my time of the month after that. Would apply to waxing too I imagine...

Lollipop95

beks101 wrote: »

Believe me when you're lying spread-eagled in front of your beautician with her chatting away about the weather right into your vagina, not much else seems embarrassing or uncomfortable. Plus IME the pain is way less with the backdoor than the front porch

Was just reminiscing with a friend about my first brazilian today. I took no painkillers, drank about three coffees beforehand and almost wept with the pain. Your first one can be tough! Panadol and half a glass of wine is definitely the way to go. Pain decreases phenomenally with every wax after that. At least it did for me.

Do you think it was worth the pain?!

Dial Hard

Lollipop95 wrote:

Do you think it was worth the pain?!

It genuinely isn't that painful and if women didn't think it was worth it it wouldn't be the massive industry it is.

beks101

Lollipop95 wrote: »

Do you think it was worth the pain?!

Yeah definitely. The smoothness is a beautiful thing. And you'll get a week or two out of that before any regrowth, which is great and saves you shaving time in the shower if you're already grooming down there. I find my regrowth is way way lighter and the hairs are softer, not nearly as coarse as they were previously.

And moreso, you just feel like a queen, or at least I do.

TBH outside of this thread I haven't met many women who didn't experience a fair whack of pain during their first brazilian/hollywood. Not insufferable, but a bit like "WOAH MOTHERFCUKER!"

There are obviously things you can do - reputable therapist and the right kind of wax, not near your TOTM, painkillers etc - but your labia and all the equipment down there is pretty damn sensitive, no getting around it. And when you haven't been waxed before it's literally stripping the hairs from the roots so it's not going to be a walk in the meadows.

I find as well if I leave it more than two months or so without getting waxed, the regrowth from the roots makes it that bit more painful as well. That's why I'll never leave it more than 4-5 weeks.

Day Lewin

Votes for shaving, with a Gillette Venus. And ordinary soapsuds.

But if the little devils try to grow into the skin surface, exfoliate clean dry skin before ever you start, using a handful of sugar or salt mixed with with a little oil, or even conditioner. [The plastic micro-beads block drains, pollute the oceans and poison fish and seabirds]

Peachy smooth!

P.S. Stray wanderers that try to grow outside the line that's visible in a swimsuit may have to be plucked out with a tweezers for perfect poolside or beach modesty.