It's that time of year again...

[Misky]

Does anyone have any useful tips on waxing the bikini line? I can follow instructions, but know that sometimes people who do something regularly have little tips they've picked up along the way. I usually just shave, then every summer try a hair removal cream, but I've never found one that works, so this year I'm biting the bullet (or the bath side) and I'm going to use wax or Bodyshop sugaring. Any tips would be appreciated!

[craft1948]

Why not just have it done professionally.........I do and it's not expensive.......

[Misky]

Well I would like to, but a friend of mine worked in a place that does that, and the bitchy stories about other clients put me right off. It might only happen in that one salon, but I can't bring myself to surrender my downstairs to a stranger, and I don't want to ask a friend to do it! I know how ridiculous that sounds, but I have thought long and hard about it....

[Naomicorlett]

If you are just having your bikini line done then you can leave your drawers on and just tuck tissues under the edge to protect them.

[Misky]

Good call - then I hopefully won't end up too lopsided either! I wonder is it best to do it after a hot shower, when the pores are open (like when I pluck my eyebrows)?

[Pottyone]

I bought a 'Veet Home Wax Jar' home waxing kit from a leading supermarket. It was about �8 and it is water soluble, so if you put it on then bottled it, you can just wash it off. I find it works brilliantly but read all the instructions thoroughly first. And start gradually round the outside, just neatiening it up first, in case you don't like doing it, don't go mad just on one side incase you then daren't do the other. And don't do it when either on your period or due on as it is so much more sensitive.

[Misky]

Fab - I'll try that one - I priced the Nads and the Bodyshop sugaring kit and they were much more expensive than that I think... And a recommendation is always better than going in blind. My friend tells me you can't beat epilators, but even the thought of that makes me dizzy! Thanks for your help and advice.

[Naomicorlett]

Well I use epilator on legs ,bikini line and under arm but there aren't for the faint hearted !!

[Misky]

I would probably use one on my legs, I might get someone to wax under my arms (which never look like the women's on the tele!), but I'm determined to try this home waxing on my downstairs. I've warned my other half it may be noisy!!

[Naomicorlett]

Make it one of those special "together" moments......offer to do his bits at the same time.........oh! was that the sound of running away I heard?

[Misky]

hahaha - he was scared enough when I was looking at hair removal called "Nads" !

[Brinjal]

If you are just looking for a bikini line you can get quite a high wax by leaving your knickers on and using tissue to protect the sides. I have had that done in a salon for years. Recently tho I attempted a home brazilian. Was very ;painful and quite messy as i used hot wax not strips. Results were a bit patchy also. not sureif i will do that again in a hurry.

[Misky1]

Hi Brinjal - I'm on a different machine so can't rate your answer, which would have had three stars just for making sure I don't go too far and try and give myself a Brazilian!! Just a bit of a tidy up for the tourists is all I'm after.... blimey - you're so brave for trying.

[Pigletion]

remember ingrowing hairs afterwards can be a problem (and unsightly and sometimes painful). I just try to exfoliate a lot to reduce the problem, and not apply moisturisers too soon afterwards (give the pores a chance to calm down).

Saying that I epilate, just make sure the hair is realtively short to start with. After a bath/shower is good, as you said.

Also, the area will probably be a bit red afterwards. Possibly for a while if it's the first time.

[Misky]

Thanks Pigletion - I would have put loads of moisturiser on straight away, like after shaving - so you've saved me there!
Wizard, you're okay - don't trouble yourself.... haha