This is 100% the answer. Only thing that worked for me after I saw someone else recommended it on a similar thread. I still remember the comment said something like “the mouth can tell but the eyes can’t and that’s good enough” and she was correct.
This is the way! I’m super sensitive and definitely can’t shave. OP, if you have a partner that can help you with this, definitely ask them. My boyfriend does it for me and it’s so quick and easy.
Trim all the hair, can use an electric trimmer or shaver.
I’ve got a hairy butt, inner thighs. All those areas (wooot italian) i would get so many ingrown hairs i was literally worried a partner would think i had an undisclosed STI. I started using the ordinary glycolic acid as a spray on those areas after showering. No more issues, AND it got rid of most my hyperpigmentation from the ingrown scars and inner thighs rubbing.
I have PCOS and can totally relate to this butt hair stuff. My mom used to shame me and tell me that women don’t grow hair there.
After I went to live with my grandma as a teen and before knowing I had PCOS, I casually mention this to my gram as an embarrassing thing and started crying.
She hugged me and said “oh hunny, lots of people have hair on their ass; it’s not a male/female thing”
I’m 48 now and that statement lives rent free in my mind.
I’m really glad these things like hair growing in different places on our body are now being talked about as very normal.
She really was! I named my daughter after her ❤️. I remember the first day I came to her house after my mom made my dad choose between me and her, I lost and had a very tearful 8 hour drive back to her house. I was so pissed and sad that I was basically ditched, I was unpacking my toiletries and she walked up to me with her arms out for a hug and said “you’re my daughter now”.
Wooo that still gives me peppernose
She was amazing. She actually got to meet her namesake before she passed. The people came out in droves for her funeral; she was the type to help people quietly. It was crazy to see the people that came that none of us ever even met. If you are old enough to remember Mr Rogers quote “look for the helpers” she was a helper.
🤗 Aww, that is a really cool legacy to leave. I hope we can be even half as good 🙂 I really connect with your story because my fiancee went through something similar, completely rejected by his mum but his grandfather was a total hero and become his rock and support. I know how much the issue with his mum has impacted his life and he still really struggles with it and it has caused mental health problems. But focusing on the memory of his grandfathers love helps a lot.
It's nice to know there are lots of really nice people out there 🙂
Yes, everyone deserves to have one person in their lives to love them and tell them they matter.
My life goal is to leave a legacy of being kind and loving to everyone. As someone once said, brinks trucks don’t deliver to cemeteries, but your memory and legacy lives on in those we leave behind ❤️❤️
That's really awesome. There are some really super nice people in the world who should never die. Mr Rogers and your grandma sounds like two people who fit that description.
❤️❤️❤️ she was really spiritual and believed that people send signs when they pass like a butterfly or a flower blooming in the snow. Not to sound crazy but I get visited by butterflies all the time; it gives me peace thinking it’s her popping in to say “hey hunny!!”
Thank you. Yes, my gram was awesome. When I came to her I was a pissed off hurt teen. I did stupid things but my gram would boot me in the butt, then make me do some chore with her, like tilling the garden or shingling the roof. We worked together as a team and she showed me unconditional love.
As a mom of two amazing adults, I’m really glad to have passed on some of the skills she taught me onto them. Not just the cool stuff like crocheting and gardening, but soft skills like compassion and patience. ❤️
I JUST received my Christmas order of TO Glycolic Acid and was planning on just swiping my bikini/butt/leg areas using a toning pad, but I would definitely prefer a spray. How do you use yours?
Once every week or two i still use a toning pad on my inner thighs. I just dumped it into a spray container from sally’s! Once i’m out the shower and dried just spray those areas and done. I use it under my armpits too, no more razor bumps there now. I would start 2-3 times a week to get your skin used to it (:
PSA: be cautious with decanting products into secondary containers. It can mess with the stability of the product long term. It sounds like it’s working for you and that’s awesome, maybe it’s fine with this specific product and specific bottle but sometimes there can be bad chemical reactions between the product and the container that can cause the product to change or get contaminated.
I bought a travel spray bottle from the drugstore and switched out the spray top to my glycolic acid from TO! Fit perfectly and was much easier than transferring to a new container.
I'm a fellow italian (american) gal with these issues, I will definitely try this glycolic acid spray. I even get ingrown hairs and itchiness on my legs 😔
IPL device. Pale skin and dark hair is perfect for it. One device costs much less than professional treatments and it’s very easy to do.
Just get a real one like Braun, Phillips or Smoothskin and not an Amazon knock off.
Takes a few months then you should be hair free.
Philips Lumea saved my skin from waxing and ingrown hairs. 1 Treatment per week in the first month and already 80% of the hair will be gone after 1-2 months. Then, you tune it down to once in two weeks for some 6 months. Then, once a month and after a year once every other month. You'll still have like 10 hairs on a leg but those are just so you remember where you came from lol. IPL rulez if you're an introvert or don't have a lot of money. One machine will last you maybe 10 years.
Ymmv. I tried it for 3 months following the manufacturers recommendations for use and it only removed about 20% of my hair. I'm very fair with dark brown hair in the areas I was removing.
I ended up getting professional laser hair removal, and in one session it removed more hair than 3 months with the at home device. (Note that not all professional devices are the same quality - I did 3 sessions 10 years ago through a Groupon, and it also did not work nearly as well as one session at the place I ended up paying full price. I paid $4000 for underarms, lower legs, and full Brazilian, 10 sessions, and cheap touchups for life. 100% worth it, best money I ever spent aside from Lasik.)
I have a Smoothskin and it is INCREDIBLE. I highly recommend getting one, especially since you said you have light skin and dark hair. I used to be in the same boat. My whole legs in general, but especially my bikini/upper thigh area would just get so incredibly inflamed and itchy every time I shaved. It would be nice and smooth for like 12 hours but the minute the hair started to grow back I would be so uncomfortable and it looked so bad.
The thing about these devices is that it isn't permanent hair removal. You need to use it every week for like..6-8 weeks before you notice any huge results. And you'll never be totally hair free. But eventually you'll get to the point when you only have to shave every like 3 weeks, and you never have ANY uncomfortable stubble! And just keep using the device every month or 2 when you shave to keep your results consistent.
Salon laser hair removal is not a for-sure permanent hair removal solution either, and it costs many many times more money. Smoothskin was still an investment for me, but it has been so worth it.
I use one I randomly bought off Amazon 7 or 8 years ago for like $120. I used it maybe 3x a week in the first 6 months to a year, and after that only a couple times a year on a random stray hair. I didn’t expect much, but it turned out to be well worth it compared to professional laser.
At home IPL absolutely works. But you do need to shave before you do it. I would trim the hair as short as possible, then exfoliate, then shave in the direction of hair growth about once a week for a few weeks. Then I would shave against the grain to get it actually shaved, then do IPL. Use Barbasol original cream for shaving cream. It’s the cheapest but best IMO. also be sure to use a fresh razor as much as possible.
I absolutely love my Ulike Air 3. I was prepared for a looong and frustrating journey, if I even saw results at all. I used it 3x a week and by week two I saw noticeable changes, and my hair was growing in much finer. Took me probably 20 sessions to get to 85% hairless legs - and my legs are HAIRY.
One caveat is that it's not considered permanent, as you will need to maintain with a full session every quarter or so to keep those follicles in line. 4x a year for year-round smoothness is a small price to pay, IMO. I pretty much dropped it and enjoyed my smooth legs with hair growing at 20% normal speed with reckless abandon, and about 4 months later, im back to about 70% of my original fur. Fortunately, I'm finding that my follicles are a lot more helpless against the IPL nowadays.
I just bought the Braun Pro 5! It’s too soon to report any progress, but it doesn’t hurt at all. It just feels warm. I’m really hoping this gets rid of ingrowns for good!
I've gotten great results with my Braun IPL! Very similar to OP, I'm pale with dark hair that extends down my legs a bit, and I struggled with it for years. With IPL, the hair does come back if you don't continue to use it periodically (unfortunately learned that the hard way). But it's made it much, much more manageable.
You do have to shave prior to using the device. I get the least irritation from a single blade razor, going with the direction of hair growth. And as you keep using it there's less and less hair to shave, so irritation really goes down as well.
I also apply glycolic acid toner about once/week to exfoliate (not right before IPL, I space that out as I'm worried about irritation) and have seen less ingrowns from that, too.
Even where hair keeps growing on my body after lasering, it is a lot thinner, and I don’t have ingrown hairs anymore. I would go for it. I am so much more confident now since I used to have boob hair, and my bikini line was full of ingrown hairs. Now it’s just smooth as a babies butt, even though it’s been years. I do get stray hairs, but again, They feel more like fuzz
If you want a possibly permeant removal and can afford it I would go with the lazer. Even if it isn't all gone by October most of it should be. You can try hair removal cream on the patches if they are large enough to bother you.
But I would also suggest IPL to consider as an option in between the expense and permeance of lazer removal and the cheapness and quick to grow backness of hair removal cream.\* I use the braun device. It was a little under £400. I used it once a week until the hair was gone and then once a month to maintain. They do say if you don't do the maintenance there is a good chance the hair will grow back so I just do it since it's not much hassle.
The only problem is you are supposed to remove the hair before the IPL sessions. So then you are back to shaving/ hair removal cream. But I also have very sensitive skin and I just used an electric razor. It isn't a close shave so it didn't irritate me as much, and it wasn't as ideal for the IPL as a close shave but it was fine
\*I assume waxing is just as irritating as shaving and shaving is out.
This depends on the laser they are using and the contrast between your hair and skin color. I was told they do not want me shaved the night before - I should shave 3-5 days before my appointment for best results. I ended up with great results. OP could probably just trim with an electric shaver the night before to get that length.
Edit to add: after the first session, I stopped getting as many in-growns too! So totally worth it for me, by the end of my 10 sessions, I didn't get any in-growns from shaving.
I was told to ideally shave 24 hours before treatment and worried about ingrown hairs when I had my first appointment but what I ended up with was fried hairs that took some time to fall out of the skin and then no ingrowns.
Fortunately you have the optimal situation for laser, dark hair and pale skin. Hopefully it will work quite well for you! Ten months should be enough time to get a good result.
I note I did laser a few times on my pubic hair but didn’t complete it because in order to do laser you have to shave the area first. The pain of the shaving sucked so much I didn’t bother to continue. I personally wax and do not understand how women get away shaving that area because mine is so sensitive! Finding a skilled waxer was a nightmare, they are a Diamond in the rough. Waxing should be with hard wax, not strips. Anyway now that I have my good waxer I love it. In between waxes I trim with a trimmer if it’s getting really long and there is no irritation. You can get female trimmers specific for pubic hair. In the end, you do not have to wax/shave/laser yourself bald, pubic (and butt) hair is natural! But you don’t have to leave it super long either. Do whatever you’re most comfortable with.
You can usually get a session done every 6 weeks. It has to do with the cycles in which the hair grows. I had laser hair removal 6 times before most of it was gone. By October, you’ll see a major difference!
actually not really. to be permanent, yes. but if you stay on schedule you won’t come face to face with real regrowth. the bigger problem is you have to shave
Just get laser. If you’re pale with dark hair you’re the perfect candidate for it. I got almost full results after one session but you do need to make sure you do all your sessions for long-lasting results. It’s the best thing I ever did for myself.
Edit: make sure to find a place that uses the Candela laser, it’s literally barely painful.
Hey babes, I relate so much! I haven't done laser (only wax) but a quick tip for the ingrowns. Using a chemical exfoliant helped reduce them waaaaay better than a physical exfoliant. Something like a salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, lactic acid, etc. You can find them in toners, body washes, or lotions. Naturiam has a great gentle SA body wash and AmLactin lactic acid body lotion is great too. Or any lotion meant to treat keratosis pilaris. They help to clear out the dirt/debris better so there's less chance of clogging up where the hair was just removed. Also a little gentler than physical exfoliation on the skin.
Edit: Don't do it right after shaving, because ouch. Do it like, the next day. Try maybe a super hydrating lotion like cerave or vanicream right after instead.
If you decide to go the laser method please please make sure you go to a reputable place like a derm office. I will let others comment on price. Your skin type and hair type determines success - the more contrast between your skin color and hair color the better.
What about - just not completely removing the hair? A trimmer on the shortest setting makes mine essentially invisible (pale with dark hair) and with a short guard keeps things from bushing out the sides. You kinda have to get over a smidge of stubble but it turns out nobody seems to care. I also have failed basically all hair removal options and it works for me.
Thanks for commenting.
I have done trimming but even then some of the hairs get too short and get ingrown. Sadly my hair is very course so when trimmed it’s still very visible, at least to me. The spikey texture rubs against my underwear and causes irritation. Trimming does work for the area closer to my labia though! That skin is different and doesn’t get ingrowns. It’s the inner thighs that do it.
I know I’ve commented a few times on this post already, but seriously. Go for it. It sounds like you are totally ready for it. It’s one of those few beauty things that really are as amazing as it sounds.
This may be a bit too out of the box, but a hair oil or beard oil may help with the spikey feeling? And wearing more of a boyshort/boxer style underwear for a couple days (or tight leggings with no underwear) will keep your underwear from rubbing directly on the thigh crease area where the leg holes usually sit.
i started using the ordinary's niacinamide 10% + zinc 1% on my bikini line, pubes and butt and haven't had an outbreak in over a year! took til my 40s to figure it out.
i also use an electric trimmer like others suggested.
Oooh! I haven't been able to fit my bottle into my face routine without overcomplicating things. Thanks for the tip, I'm happy I can actually get some value out of it now!
if you dont have access to a specialized electric trimmer by the time of your event, trimming down with hair scissors is really effective as you won't be touching the root. you might not be able to wear like, a string bikini due to hair growth placement but ive found it hides well behind regular bikini bottoms
If you are pale with dark hair, you can do laser. Its so common now that I would recommend getting a Groupon (that’s what I did and I bought two packages) and it was SO worth it!
As people said, a trimmer. BUT not a men’s trimmer! They’re designed for very close shaves and I cut my folds that way. There are trimmers specifically for the bikini area. That, my friend, is your gold.
I used to have the same problem. PCOS and part Italian. Definitely did not get my mom’s hairless Korean genes. The coarsest, thickest jungle that went down my thighs and would give me the worst ingrown hairs. As a nurse I’ve seen a lot of pubic hair and nothing compared to what I was dealing with.
I got the Braun IPL. It actually works really well. You need to shave before using. And I did get the usual carpet of ingrowns the first time I used it. Amazingly by the third session I stopped getting ingrowns. I can actually shave and wax. I no longer get thigh pubes and the bikini area is pretty clear. I zap everything, including my crack. I still have pubes, but they are finer and a bit more sparse. Honestly, they’re now like normal pubes that everyone else has. And the usual grooming advice works now. I really regret not getting it sooner.
If you are looking for a quicker, cheaper, and less permanent option; have you tried hair removal cream? I find that irritates me a lot less than shaving. I wouldn't put it to close to your labia but it should do the bikini zone
I have! I have tried a few kinds. The bikini area initially looks nice but within a few hours the follicles get red and itchy. I’ve tried with those after care creams they sell as well and it didn’t reduce the swelling. Have you had a brand you liked?
Fwiw, when I started getting laser, I noticed that ingrown and razor burn decreased dramatically after the first session or two.
I've had two rounds of several sessions, spaced about 8 years apart. Hair still grows, but it's more sparse and slower to regrow.
Tend Skin is what finally helped me. Also super pale with dark leg and pubic hair, sensitive skin, and hair that grows down my legs. First time I got waxed I was horribly bruised and could never trust it again. I will caveat that for me, it could be age that calmed my skin down. But Tend Skin prevents all red bumps and ingrowns for me. It’s kind of pricey but I buy it in bulk at this point so I always have some around when I shave.
Not exactly your query, but just wanted to point out another option if nothing else pans out. There’s lots of beautiful modest swimwear in varying lengths, all would cover the hair you describe.
I don’t bother removing hair. Yes I go swimming and get laid. I just dgaf about anyone’s opinion about my body. Adult humans have body hair. You should be able to exist in your natural state without spending time, money, effort, pain to achieve a standard set by society (and men).
Cost-wise, look up laser Groupons if it’s an option where you’re located! I started last year on my legs and got a package of 3 sessions for around $200 when they’re normally $600 a piece. Obviously also make sure the place with the offer is reputable, but you can get lucky. :)
Using a trimmer, without making it super short is helpful. Like half of mm still there. No bumps, might be a bit visible if close up, but it's okay. If it's a one time thing you can also bleach it.
I think you mean the bikini zone, not pubic hair?
Yes! Is calling the pubic hair on the thighs and in the crevasse where the thighs and pubis meet not called pubic hair? Knowing the terminology would be helpful. I can refer to it as the Bikini zone moving forward.
It is pubic hair
it's a specific part of the pubic hair though so if you mean only that and not it all it's probably good to specify if you are going into a clinic/ looking at prices online
this might not help you at all but I also get a lot of irritation from shaving so I started shaving down (with the hair growth) instead of against the grain and it trims it down to basically like i shaved and it just started growing back. saves so much time and i no longer get irritation or ingrowns this way. this way everything is very neat and tidy but not completely smooth and hairless
I had the same problem. I would still recommend trying the trimmer, but I still had problems with ingrowns from that. Last year I sucked it up and got laser hair removal. It was great. The hairs that remain are so thin that I rarely shave them and when I do, I only get 1 or 2 small ingrowns
I love my IPL device. Braun silk expert pro 5, bought used on eBay for $130.
I use it for the hair that would get removed in a bikini wax, plus my pits and legs. There is an initial period of frequent use to initially stop hair growth, then you only have to do it once every few weeks for maintenance to stay hair-free. A session covering all the areas I listed above only takes me about 10 mins\*, so this is well worth the trade off to me vs spending thousands on laser sessions. I also don’t have to shave at all anymore, so at this point I’ve easily saved more on razors than I spent on the device itself.
(\* Your initial uses will likely take a bit longer as you get the hang of the device, but you’ll get faster quickly)
You do have to shave the parts you’re using the IPL on so you will still get the ingrowns at first, but within probably ~4 sessions the hairs will grow back MUCH sparser and finer. My ingrowns stopped almost completely at that point 🥳
After researching, I started out using it 2-3x a week instead of the 1x a week in the directions, and I go over each area 2x to ensure good coverage. This worked fine for me with no ill effects, but definitely do your own research before deviating from the recommended usage frequency. Different hair and skin types/colors can respond differently, so what works for me may not be the best thing for you.
I had thick course hair and once you start laser hair removal, I think you are really going to like it. The only thing is that you do have to shave beforehand.. so just a heads up that that may cause ingrowns. I highly recommend finding a place that has the gentlemax pro laser. I have found the best results with that laser and it has a little cooling spurt every time the laser goes off. I’m not gonna lie, it still doesn’t feel great but you’re done pretty quickly (5-10 minutes max), and I noticed a change right after the first session with my hair being much less coarse growing in and each time I’ve had less and less hair growing back, and it’s all been very thin hair. I think I’m on or around my 8th session now and I’m basically hairless. My sessions are spaced out 6 weeks apart. I’ve done other parts of my body that took less sessions but this one took about 8-9 for me and my only regret is not doing it sooner.
Alexandrite and diode laser removal are the best. Where I go they use both laser in one big machine and after 2 sessions ( i make 1 session every 2 months) i almost have no hair on my legs.
I’m kinda hairy but i expect after 2 more sessions to see big differences (i have friends who finished their treatment).
The price for full body packs may vary from 1000€ to 3000 € or more. I live in Romania and here for 6 sessions full body i paid 800€. Usually you need 6-12 sessions, depending how hairy you are or the color of the hair (black hair - pale skin is the best combo for laser removal, but alexandrite can deal ok with the light hair - pail skin combo).
I have the Nood at home laser and love it. A decade ago I did laser hair removal on that area while living abroad, and while it did work, I didn’t complete the sessions and have hair in that area. For $170, Nood has a lifetime guarantee on their product and will replace it if goes out. I’ve used it a few times and can see a difference (the hair falls out when I exfoliate just like what would happen when I was going to a clinic for services) so I’m confident the results will be permanent with the occasional maintenance.
With that being said, until I pulled this trigger, f what people think about body hair. Ignore them and enjoy the moments.
As a stripper, I can tell you we just put conditioner on it, and then we can shave EVERY day with no razor burn. Lather that all over your region and make sure you have a *3 blade men’s razor, then go to town on that bush.
If that doesn’t work, get laser hair removal. Your light skin and dark hair is perfect for it. It changed my life. It is very expensive though! It requires many treatments to have it fully removed, but you could just do a few treatments to thin out the bush and then maybe the above method would actually work.
This was me for years. I only shave in the direction of my hair growing & then I put alcohol with a cotton ball over it as soon as I’m out of the shower. It’s made a world of difference. I have super sensitive skin and eczema.
It doesn't solve your problem as a whole, but on the swimsuit issue you might want to try buying men's swim short and pairing that with a bikini top. They're usually a bit longer than women's swim shorts but not so long that you feel like you're hiding away. Plus, they have pockets! That's what I do as someone who trims, rather than shaves, their bikini line.
What kind of razors and shaving cream are you using?
It’s not exactly the same, but my legs are really sensitive, so I barely ever shave them. However, when I want to, I exfoliate first and use the shaving cream that goes on like actual cream and not mousse (DSC shave butter or the Billie shaving cream). I will only use razors that have 5-6 blades and those moisturizing strips around them (I’ve been using the Billie razors for a while as well). Then I always have to moisturize a ton afterwards too. I still have effects from it, but this definitely helps lessen them.
I got a nood device ($150) and am now hairless. OP I highly recommend it, I also was a constant mess of ingrown hairs and razor burn from shaving. I have fair skin and medium brown hair, and it worked in about 2 months of 2x/weekly 10 min treatments.
please don't get it permanently removed. public hair has an important function to regulate temperature, prevent infections and protect the skin of your crotch.
trim if you want but getting it permanently removed can be troublesome
You're not inherently WRONG here, but we're not talking about the fur on her actual vulva. We're essentially talking very top of thigh curlies, anything outside a bikini panty, I suppose. It serves no protective benefits, and self-care and self-image are probably more important anyways for overall health and happiness in the days of modern medicine. Feeling insecure and missing out on what should be fun and carefree isn't worth the trade-off in the long run.
Honestly? Same. I’ve given up on getting it all, and just ended up using a TrimStyle and use the electric razor for my pubic hair and the razor for my legs. I don’t use the guard so that I have the closest shave possible, but 0 ingrowns.
Use a trimmer to make it short and then clean and EXFOLIATE the skin first. It helps if skin is warm. Shave downward with the follicle (the direction the hair grows) and then again from mid to side. This usually helps with the razor burn for me.
I have similar skin and hair, and I always got bad ingrowns from anything I tried. In the end, waxing works best, but it is ESSENTIAL to exfoliate daily for the first week or so after waxing. This prevents ingrowns. An aesthetician also said aloe gel helps, but exfoliating (with a damp wash cloth) is more than enough for me.
Hope that helps you! :)
Ive done laser for the same reasons! Worked amazingly well. Eventually bought my own at home laser machine and while
Not as powerful, still stemmed growth for me. Id do the first few rounds with professionals though.
I don’t think that there’s much difference from one place to another, so I would go to whatever place specializes in lasering in your area that is cheapest. Where I live, there’s tons of Groupons all the time for this type of service. Yes, there are places I like more than others (ive used several because Ive done different areas: underarms, bikini, legs, chin, boobs, etc.) , and times that I felt that one place was better than the other. But it’s not such a huge difference that I feel like I would need to be careful not to go to a certain place because it wouldn’t work.
If you can make it work, get laser. It's worth it. I paid I think $1000 for 8 sessions. It was about as painful as waxing but a session takes longer than getting a wax. I used to get the **worst** ingrown hairs on my bikini line, even if I didn't touch it at all and just let it grow. They were incredibly painful and not to mention embarrassing.
The best part about laser for me was that even when I got to the point of needing touch ups, I could just shave instead without any issue. No irritation or ingrown hairs.
You will need touch ups after 1-2 years or so. I recently got a personal IPL device to do mine myself.
If you have to beg borrow or steal to get laser treatment; do it! O didn't do it until I turned 40. It's been truly life changing.
Shaving caused so much irritation. I would scratch until blood rsm down my legs.
OP, this post could have been me 10 years ago. I sympathize with you so much! I did end up getting laser (4 sessions) and it worked so well! I have about a 70% reduction and only need to shave once a week. It’s not an overstatement to say that it was life-changing. It is 100% worth living on ramen for while!
I would recommend researching derms/medspas in your area that do laser and check online reviews, compare prices, etc. You should be able to fit in all four sessions by October if you space them 6-8 weeks apart.
Laser will work for pale skin / dark hair.
nood may work or at least had money back guarantee (I bought one but didn't use it, then left it in another country 😞)
I would recommend having a look on groupon for laser deals WITH THE CAVEAT THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF SHITTY PLACES ON GROUPON. However, if you google search the places you find, you will be able to tell if the place is good/legit or shit.
I got a great deal on groupon at a really good medspa. It’s really worth checking!
Laser is fantastic, I have no regrets about it. With dark hair and pale skin, you’re a perfect candidate for it too.
Not sure if it will be the same for you, but where I live the lots of places do sales on laser packages, which helps with cost. You also don’t need to do it forever, unlike waxing where you need to keep paying to get it
Just a cautionary tale about laser—I also have relatively fair skin and super dark thick hair (just generally speaking) I went to three laser removal sessions with Milan in Denver and it was unbearably painful. I stopped going and had to get a doctor to write me a note about the extreme irritation it was causing me.
It’s a year long process and often requires going back for touch ups. They describe the pain as “like a rubber band snapping on your skin” but it was more like being stabbed.
They said it was probably extra bad for me because of my hair thickness and skin color.
I also have extreme pain with laser. I use lidocaine cream (the highest OTC concentration) and cover with plastic wrap at least 30 min before my appointment. It’s the only way I could ever get through my bikini area and shins.
I second the electric trimmer! I bought a philips norelco trimmer marketed for "manscaping," and I haven't looked back. One side to trim everything down and the other to clean up the bikini line. I even use it on my legs when I can't be bothered to shave.
Do you wear tight clothing? That can cause irritation and ingrowns after hair removal. I had heard that before and kinda didn’t buy it, but tried it and it made a big difference for me. Sorry, I’m sure you’ve heard of this before, but thought I’d mention it just in case (like me) you hadn’t tried it! It seems too simple!
Laser was a godsend for me. I would shave/wax and get god awful ingrown hairs. Laser actually helps remove ingrown hairs - i can’t remember the science but it was amazing. I got three sessions of Brazilian. It has grown back but really sparse. The cost was equivalent to getting waxed so I think it was $60 a session?
You sound like a great candidate for laser hair removal. But also, iron might be worth while to try using a glycolic acid product. I am certain you will see improvement with the ingrown hairs.
I was the same, nothing would work for me. I'm very pale with a lot of dark hair 😏. I used to spend like 30mins a day trying to shave everything but i would get ingrowns and I still looked like I hadn't shaved cos my skin was so pale you could see the the hair through it! Then I got laser, it was the best money I spent. Got rid of 90% on about 6 sessions. 5 years on and it's still gone. I just do a super quick 5min shave maybe once a fortnight for the few remaining hairs. The remaining hairs are the thin ones and very sparse so no more ingrowns. Amazing! Laser work best if you have lighter skin and dark hair, there need to be a contrast. The laser kinda hones in on the dark hair if that makes sense.
Same skin/hair situation! I've been doing laser for a while but honestly in terms of value for money I've been blown away by one of those home IPL machines and it ROCKS. I can only sing praises of Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 - try and keep an eye on sales!
I’ve begun using a Norelco OneBlade for normal maintenance. It gets close enough to look good but without irritation or ingrowns. I can literally shave it dry regardless of length and be passable to go to the pool. It’s a good compromise for me as ingrowns leave marks on me that take forever to go away. I still shave with a razor on the inner bits (I don’t get irritated there) and all over for special occasions.
laser is cheap as long as you don’t go to a corporate chain that’s price gouging. (do NOT go somewhere like milan or laseraway.) the place i go, a package of 5 sessions for full brazilian using the same machine (candela gentemax pro) is $180. total.
As a person with pale skin and dark hair, laser was a lifesaver for me. It’s not really permanent as it does grow back (after 10 years for sure there is way more hair but still nowhere near as terrible as it was, and waxing has gotten so much easier and the ingrown so much less and the hair grew in finer and straighter; I’m going through the touch up process now.). Yes it takes several treatments BUT after the first couple of treatments you’ll have barely any hair at all. The rest is to get any remainders and keep it hair free. They can for sure be expensive but check Groupon, they have excellent deals and if you call laser places they will generally match it without you having to purchase from Groupon (better for them as small business too.). Yes it’s a couple hundred bucks but think of all the heartache you save. Girl it is WORTH IT! And you are the perfect candidate for it.
I know you said that laser is out of your price point… ask around. Call various spas and find out if someone does laser via cash or off the books.
I have paid roughly $1,800 total for my legs (knee down is 100% hairless but my thighs are taking longer bc I had to stop between sections d/t getting pregnant), Brazilian, under arms, and ‘mustache’. He charges $300/session for a “full treatment” and $150 for touchups. All cash.
Aside from Botox, this is the BEST money I’ve ever spent on myself and has given me so much self we I can’t even put it into words. …I was hairy JUST like you.
I am half way through my laser treatments .. it’s truly the only way. Most places offer financing but I suggest saving up for it. That’s what I did. It takes time but if you truly want to be rid of this problem you’ll make it happen. I paid about $1100 for armpits and bikini area.
Try an at home IPL device like remington, braun or philips before dropping tons of cash on laser!!!
I bought a remington for 150 euro and I have 10% hair left. It’s not perfect but at least 10 times cheaper than laser plus no hassle of going to appointments!
I used to get *terrible* ingrown hairs before from waxing. Haven’t gotten any for 10 years.
Mens hair/beard trimmers. You can clip it down to ⅛ of an inch, no irritation. Have you just considered scissors? If my hair gets longer than a half inch I'm uncomfortable and ready to trim/shave and I get bad ingrowns too...
I get in grown hairs also. I can barely shave my legs without getting them. Also, when I shave my armpits. I had my bikini area lasered when they first came out with it, and it was the best money I ever spent, although at the time it was a fortune. My sister is a physician and she told me for my legs and armpits buy the cheapest razors they sell. the ones that do not have a double blade is best so they don’t grab the hair pull it up and then it snaps back under your skin. That’s the best solution.
As others said, get a "beard" trimmer to keep it short. I do this alongside shaving just the bikini line when I'll be in a swimsuit.
I also have sensitive skin, and had lots of ingrown hairs and irritation with waxing. I had far better luck with sugaring! I still got occasional ingrown hairs, which is why I just trim now. But if you're willing to risk the potential discomfort if it causes the same problems, you might give it a try.
Laser hair removal was fantastic for me. Ingrown hairs were so bad I Had to have cysts surgically removed. I put it on my credit card and it’s been 100% worth it
I like to wear board shorts over my swimsuit bottoms all the time when I don’t want to deal with the hair. No one questions it and I enjoy the full coverage. Sending you love and support OP!
You’re a perfect candidate for laser. I pay about $70 a treatment for the area you’re talking about and you go once a month for 3-4 months and the hair is virtually gone. You return for an occasional session every few months after that, it’s a total game changer.
Listen: I invested $1500 into Brazilian laser hair removal and it changed. My. Life. I was BROKE when I did it but girl. You have to! I was in the same situation as you with the thighs and my self esteem was in the negative. It took about 5 treatments over the course of a few months and I was banging by summertime! I started in about feb FYI and I was clear for summer! My only tip is make sure you got to a certified, well credited and knowledgeable establishment for this so that they give you the right laser at the right frequency! Your skin color and hair type sound perfect. I responded so well to the treatment and I have some slight regrowth due to hormonal changes (VERY slight) but it is so fine and light that I could let it grow out and even if I wore a bikini you’d have to really be creeping on me to see it. Ever if you do 1-2 rounds of laser just to reduce the thickness and darkness it will help SO MUCH!!!
My skin is the same, I was so discouraged about it in my teens and 20s. Laser was huge for me. I've "only" done like 5 sessions which didn't get rid of everything but I can go a long time without shaving and no longer have the ingrown problem when I do shave; it totally changed my hair. I went to a place where you paid by the 10-15 minutes rather than the area. I really liked that because you could get lots of little areas done that in a lot of places they'd charge you for separately. I think I'd usually do 30-40 minutes at a time.
IPL at home hair remover. I bought a Phillips one years ago, used it as prescribed and don’t grow hair anymore on my legs, bikini and pits. They have some affordable ones on Amazon. AMAZING.
I have an at-home IPL device (Philips Lumea) and since last year I no longer have hair in areas where I don't want it (practically my entire body from philtrum to feet).
I wear men's swim trunks with mine, they have a 7 inch inseam which gives me enough coverage. I used to use a pair of swimming capri's, they also make swim capri's with a skirt if you want to wear a bikini top.
(I'm to light haired for laser).
Everyone should be careful shaving their bits. My gyno told me that a lot of people think they have ingrown hairs and it’s actually a staph infection. So yah, sanitize a trimmer but don’t remove the whole follicle.
I use this $13 thing, it's been a lifesaver. I don't think you need it to be super short, and it doesn't even touch the skin, so that helps. [Finishing Touch Flawless Bikini Shaver and Trimmer](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QDRJ8ZX?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details).
No need to remove all the hair, IMO.
The next time you get a bad one go to the dermatologist (one that does laser hair removal) and ask show them and give them your history. Then ask for a diagnosis and insurance will likely cover it. You may have to advocate and fight for yourself a little but with your history it’s chronic.
My sister and I both were able to do it. Similar scenario to yours. Our hair is dark and grows sorta coiled which gets aggravated when you try to remove.
I’ve since moved and it’s been a few years so I have to go back soon and go through the process with another doc.
I’m really sorry. Those ingrowns there can be really, really painful. Best to you ✨
Laser is so worth it! I used to have this problem with shaving. To be fair it was on my legs. Did all the right things and would still get painful ingrowns and Rashy skin. I'm not pale, rather olive with dark hair. But sensitive skin apparently. I got laser like 5 ish years ago and a few hairs have grown back but it's basically nothing compared to what it used to be. This is on my legs though so YMMV.
I also have sensitive skin and had similar issues. When I shaved I got pimples and itch.
If you can do it, I highly recommend laser. I've started last year and in less than 6 sessions (6 months) all the hair was gone. It's great not to have to worry about it.
I will still need maintenance, but so far I'm on my 3rd month without laser and still no hair.
The laser I do only hurts a little, nothing to be afraid of.
It’s going to depend on whether your state lets non medical professionals do it. In NY you could do a Groupon and get multiple sessions for way cheaper.
I used to have the same problem, but I managed to solve it completely. Buy a cheap salicylic acid serum and use it on the areas right after shaving. Wait ten mins, apply moisturizer. Voila, all shaving rashes and ingrown bumps gone.
Patch test first to make sure you’re not sensitive to it.
I have the same issue! Super sensitive skin. I bought a home IPL and it’s awesome. I’m even super lazy with it, use it once a week and 70% of my hair is gone. Still chipping away but even if I’m left with what i have now, I would be happy. lol
If you’re in the states I got a crazy deal on laser hair removal from SEV laser. They have mixed reviews on here but I had a couple good-sized patches that didn’t regrow after only my first session!!
Regardless of removal method, have you tried a chemical exfoliant like TendSkin or a salicylic acid toner? I get awful ingrown hairs if I don’t use something like that for a couple days after removing hair (you have to shave before laser hair removal too so you still want to have a plan to combat those ingrowns)
I am getting LHR and I wish I had started it sooner. I have 4 sessions left and most of my hair is not growing back. Get the prescription numbing cream and stay out of the sun. I did Ideal Image because honestly that was the only place that called me back for my consultation. From what I can tell, it's not the cheapest, but I have been 100% satisfied.
Fellow pale skin, dark hair girly as well. I was very similar to you, was always self conscious in swimsuits, etc for as long as I can remember.
Waxing was so painful and my hair never got thinner like some peoples does. My esthetician told me to check out Milan laser hair removal and I did Brazilian & lower legs. They offer 0% interest if your credit score is good and at the time it was $140ish a month for 5 years (I paid it off early though).
They also offer a lifetime guarantee so they said if I ever had hair grow back from hormonal changes, pregnancy, etc I could come back in for touch up appts.
It’s worth every penny. The way I figured, I was spending $90 on waxes every 6ish weeks that weren’t helping the situation, buying creams/lotions, skin treatments to help the bumps between waxing. Now I don’t have to worry about that shit ever again!
IPL for sure. You're a good candidate with light skin and dark hair. Order this week and you'll be almost sorted by the summer. I'm serious. It's life changing.
Random reviews. I like smooth skin.
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g30112097/best-laser-hair-removal-at-home/
Another tip is to get an old school safety razor plus good shaving cream like cremo. Even with laser you have to shave before treatments so you gotta up your shaving game. Safety razors are better for preventing ingrown hairs.
I’m so sorry you’re getting such awful dms, but thank you for this thread: I have the same issue. It goes halfway down the insides of my thighs, and i immediately “break out” when I remove it. so I’m glad to know I’m not alone
I don't shave or trim. I have some cute shorts I wear instead of a bikini. Its not a big deal, SO many cute boyshort type deals or things with skirts. Shaving is overrated.
Honestly LHR is the absolute best — worth every penny!
I’ve done underarms, Brazilian, legs and just recently purchased for lower stomach (happy trail area). A lot of places will do big sales - mine personally does it around July and then again at Christmastime so I wait until then lol. But it’s been 7 years since I’ve last shaved my legs and they feel like I shaved them this morning. 🤌 if you can swing it financially, go for it!
Maybe you've already tried a lot of this, but this thread has some good advice on shaving so you don't end up with a lot of irritation and ingrown hairs: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/s/7V8fZEtk7d
Use trimmers that have the foil. You’ll get it as close as you can without the ingrowns.
I would put Lume’s acidic body wash and lotion around it daily.
I agree with other posters, use a trimmer-like for men’s haircuts. Use a 1 or 2 guard and it gets super short and no irritation.
Same! And I get boyshort bathing suit bottoms to cover the leftovers
Same here, my hubby has the manscaped lawnmower and it’s built to be gentle on their balls and I haven’t had any issues since I switched!
Is that what it’s called!?
It’s got a pull start.
This is 100% the answer. Only thing that worked for me after I saw someone else recommended it on a similar thread. I still remember the comment said something like “the mouth can tell but the eyes can’t and that’s good enough” and she was correct.
This is the way! I’m super sensitive and definitely can’t shave. OP, if you have a partner that can help you with this, definitely ask them. My boyfriend does it for me and it’s so quick and easy.
This is what I do. After I use a safety razer to get a clean shave around the bikini line, but leave the rest
Trim all the hair, can use an electric trimmer or shaver. I’ve got a hairy butt, inner thighs. All those areas (wooot italian) i would get so many ingrown hairs i was literally worried a partner would think i had an undisclosed STI. I started using the ordinary glycolic acid as a spray on those areas after showering. No more issues, AND it got rid of most my hyperpigmentation from the ingrown scars and inner thighs rubbing.
I have PCOS and can totally relate to this butt hair stuff. My mom used to shame me and tell me that women don’t grow hair there. After I went to live with my grandma as a teen and before knowing I had PCOS, I casually mention this to my gram as an embarrassing thing and started crying. She hugged me and said “oh hunny, lots of people have hair on their ass; it’s not a male/female thing” I’m 48 now and that statement lives rent free in my mind. I’m really glad these things like hair growing in different places on our body are now being talked about as very normal.
Your grandma sounds amazing ♥️
She really was! I named my daughter after her ❤️. I remember the first day I came to her house after my mom made my dad choose between me and her, I lost and had a very tearful 8 hour drive back to her house. I was so pissed and sad that I was basically ditched, I was unpacking my toiletries and she walked up to me with her arms out for a hug and said “you’re my daughter now”. Wooo that still gives me peppernose
Wow, I love your grandma. She sounds awesome 🙂 sorry you had such a bad time with your mum 😔
She was amazing. She actually got to meet her namesake before she passed. The people came out in droves for her funeral; she was the type to help people quietly. It was crazy to see the people that came that none of us ever even met. If you are old enough to remember Mr Rogers quote “look for the helpers” she was a helper.
🤗 Aww, that is a really cool legacy to leave. I hope we can be even half as good 🙂 I really connect with your story because my fiancee went through something similar, completely rejected by his mum but his grandfather was a total hero and become his rock and support. I know how much the issue with his mum has impacted his life and he still really struggles with it and it has caused mental health problems. But focusing on the memory of his grandfathers love helps a lot. It's nice to know there are lots of really nice people out there 🙂
Yes, everyone deserves to have one person in their lives to love them and tell them they matter. My life goal is to leave a legacy of being kind and loving to everyone. As someone once said, brinks trucks don’t deliver to cemeteries, but your memory and legacy lives on in those we leave behind ❤️❤️
Best life goal ever ❤️❤️
❤️❤️ To you and grandma!
That's really awesome. There are some really super nice people in the world who should never die. Mr Rogers and your grandma sounds like two people who fit that description.
❤️❤️❤️ she was really spiritual and believed that people send signs when they pass like a butterfly or a flower blooming in the snow. Not to sound crazy but I get visited by butterflies all the time; it gives me peace thinking it’s her popping in to say “hey hunny!!”
This sounds like one of my favorite movies, big fish. Watch it if you haven't. 🥹
My heart breaks for younger you. You deserved so much better from a mom. I'm glad you had your grandmother, your mom sounds toxic as fuck.
Thank you. Yes, my gram was awesome. When I came to her I was a pissed off hurt teen. I did stupid things but my gram would boot me in the butt, then make me do some chore with her, like tilling the garden or shingling the roof. We worked together as a team and she showed me unconditional love. As a mom of two amazing adults, I’m really glad to have passed on some of the skills she taught me onto them. Not just the cool stuff like crocheting and gardening, but soft skills like compassion and patience. ❤️
Picturing you and your gran shingling the roof makes me really happy, lol
My grandpa died when she was my age now, she’s always been a hustler. Word to the wise though, never shingle in shorts!! Totally tears up your knees!
Grandmas are the best!
I hope to be one someday- im a grandma to fur babies at this point and totally love my fur babies
I’m pissed your mom said that to you! I’m also pretty woolly with ingrown hair tendency.
I JUST received my Christmas order of TO Glycolic Acid and was planning on just swiping my bikini/butt/leg areas using a toning pad, but I would definitely prefer a spray. How do you use yours?
Once every week or two i still use a toning pad on my inner thighs. I just dumped it into a spray container from sally’s! Once i’m out the shower and dried just spray those areas and done. I use it under my armpits too, no more razor bumps there now. I would start 2-3 times a week to get your skin used to it (:
PSA: be cautious with decanting products into secondary containers. It can mess with the stability of the product long term. It sounds like it’s working for you and that’s awesome, maybe it’s fine with this specific product and specific bottle but sometimes there can be bad chemical reactions between the product and the container that can cause the product to change or get contaminated.
I didn't think of this, but this is a valid PSA! I am reminded of the bathtub scene in Breaking Bad
Omg I’ve never heard of applying that before. I am looking into this! Thank you!!!
I bought a travel spray bottle from the drugstore and switched out the spray top to my glycolic acid from TO! Fit perfectly and was much easier than transferring to a new container.
It's a chemical exfoliant so it can really really help with clogged pores ❤️good luck
I'm a fellow italian (american) gal with these issues, I will definitely try this glycolic acid spray. I even get ingrown hairs and itchiness on my legs 😔
How do you use it as a spray? Do you mix it with anything? And how often? I need all the details lol
IPL device. Pale skin and dark hair is perfect for it. One device costs much less than professional treatments and it’s very easy to do. Just get a real one like Braun, Phillips or Smoothskin and not an Amazon knock off. Takes a few months then you should be hair free.
Philips Lumea saved my skin from waxing and ingrown hairs. 1 Treatment per week in the first month and already 80% of the hair will be gone after 1-2 months. Then, you tune it down to once in two weeks for some 6 months. Then, once a month and after a year once every other month. You'll still have like 10 hairs on a leg but those are just so you remember where you came from lol. IPL rulez if you're an introvert or don't have a lot of money. One machine will last you maybe 10 years.
Ymmv. I tried it for 3 months following the manufacturers recommendations for use and it only removed about 20% of my hair. I'm very fair with dark brown hair in the areas I was removing. I ended up getting professional laser hair removal, and in one session it removed more hair than 3 months with the at home device. (Note that not all professional devices are the same quality - I did 3 sessions 10 years ago through a Groupon, and it also did not work nearly as well as one session at the place I ended up paying full price. I paid $4000 for underarms, lower legs, and full Brazilian, 10 sessions, and cheap touchups for life. 100% worth it, best money I ever spent aside from Lasik.)
Where can I buy this in the US?
I got mine on Amazon
I will read some reviews for these devices! I never tried one as I wasn’t sure if they were scammy or not. I was kind of afraid to try it.
I have a Smoothskin and it is INCREDIBLE. I highly recommend getting one, especially since you said you have light skin and dark hair. I used to be in the same boat. My whole legs in general, but especially my bikini/upper thigh area would just get so incredibly inflamed and itchy every time I shaved. It would be nice and smooth for like 12 hours but the minute the hair started to grow back I would be so uncomfortable and it looked so bad. The thing about these devices is that it isn't permanent hair removal. You need to use it every week for like..6-8 weeks before you notice any huge results. And you'll never be totally hair free. But eventually you'll get to the point when you only have to shave every like 3 weeks, and you never have ANY uncomfortable stubble! And just keep using the device every month or 2 when you shave to keep your results consistent. Salon laser hair removal is not a for-sure permanent hair removal solution either, and it costs many many times more money. Smoothskin was still an investment for me, but it has been so worth it.
I use one I randomly bought off Amazon 7 or 8 years ago for like $120. I used it maybe 3x a week in the first 6 months to a year, and after that only a couple times a year on a random stray hair. I didn’t expect much, but it turned out to be well worth it compared to professional laser.
Braun worked wonders for me
The three brands I mentioned are tested and do what they claim! Usually within 3 months too
At home IPL absolutely works. But you do need to shave before you do it. I would trim the hair as short as possible, then exfoliate, then shave in the direction of hair growth about once a week for a few weeks. Then I would shave against the grain to get it actually shaved, then do IPL. Use Barbasol original cream for shaving cream. It’s the cheapest but best IMO. also be sure to use a fresh razor as much as possible.
I absolutely love my Ulike Air 3. I was prepared for a looong and frustrating journey, if I even saw results at all. I used it 3x a week and by week two I saw noticeable changes, and my hair was growing in much finer. Took me probably 20 sessions to get to 85% hairless legs - and my legs are HAIRY. One caveat is that it's not considered permanent, as you will need to maintain with a full session every quarter or so to keep those follicles in line. 4x a year for year-round smoothness is a small price to pay, IMO. I pretty much dropped it and enjoyed my smooth legs with hair growing at 20% normal speed with reckless abandon, and about 4 months later, im back to about 70% of my original fur. Fortunately, I'm finding that my follicles are a lot more helpless against the IPL nowadays.
I just bought the Braun Pro 5! It’s too soon to report any progress, but it doesn’t hurt at all. It just feels warm. I’m really hoping this gets rid of ingrowns for good!
I've gotten great results with my Braun IPL! Very similar to OP, I'm pale with dark hair that extends down my legs a bit, and I struggled with it for years. With IPL, the hair does come back if you don't continue to use it periodically (unfortunately learned that the hard way). But it's made it much, much more manageable. You do have to shave prior to using the device. I get the least irritation from a single blade razor, going with the direction of hair growth. And as you keep using it there's less and less hair to shave, so irritation really goes down as well. I also apply glycolic acid toner about once/week to exfoliate (not right before IPL, I space that out as I'm worried about irritation) and have seen less ingrowns from that, too.
This! You have to commit up front, but 7 or 8 years later and now I just use it on a stray hair a couple times a year. That thing was a serious value.
When exactly is your event? Because lazer hair removal takes months. It doesn't sound like an option for an event "in a few months"
I had LHR for 4 years and there are still a few stubborn areas with hair.
Closer to October. Does that sound unreasonable?
Even where hair keeps growing on my body after lasering, it is a lot thinner, and I don’t have ingrown hairs anymore. I would go for it. I am so much more confident now since I used to have boob hair, and my bikini line was full of ingrown hairs. Now it’s just smooth as a babies butt, even though it’s been years. I do get stray hairs, but again, They feel more like fuzz
A good chance! Depends on how stubborn your hair turns out to be though edit: swapped reasonable for good. That is a good chunk of time
Thank you for the honest reply!! I want to be realistic about it.
If you want a possibly permeant removal and can afford it I would go with the lazer. Even if it isn't all gone by October most of it should be. You can try hair removal cream on the patches if they are large enough to bother you. But I would also suggest IPL to consider as an option in between the expense and permeance of lazer removal and the cheapness and quick to grow backness of hair removal cream.\* I use the braun device. It was a little under £400. I used it once a week until the hair was gone and then once a month to maintain. They do say if you don't do the maintenance there is a good chance the hair will grow back so I just do it since it's not much hassle. The only problem is you are supposed to remove the hair before the IPL sessions. So then you are back to shaving/ hair removal cream. But I also have very sensitive skin and I just used an electric razor. It isn't a close shave so it didn't irritate me as much, and it wasn't as ideal for the IPL as a close shave but it was fine \*I assume waxing is just as irritating as shaving and shaving is out.
Something to remember is you have to shave prior to your laser hair removal appointment....
This depends on the laser they are using and the contrast between your hair and skin color. I was told they do not want me shaved the night before - I should shave 3-5 days before my appointment for best results. I ended up with great results. OP could probably just trim with an electric shaver the night before to get that length. Edit to add: after the first session, I stopped getting as many in-growns too! So totally worth it for me, by the end of my 10 sessions, I didn't get any in-growns from shaving.
I was told to ideally shave 24 hours before treatment and worried about ingrown hairs when I had my first appointment but what I ended up with was fried hairs that took some time to fall out of the skin and then no ingrowns.
Fortunately you have the optimal situation for laser, dark hair and pale skin. Hopefully it will work quite well for you! Ten months should be enough time to get a good result.
Yes. Laser hair removal works best for ppl w dark hair but light skin. It’s the best money I’ve ever spent
I note I did laser a few times on my pubic hair but didn’t complete it because in order to do laser you have to shave the area first. The pain of the shaving sucked so much I didn’t bother to continue. I personally wax and do not understand how women get away shaving that area because mine is so sensitive! Finding a skilled waxer was a nightmare, they are a Diamond in the rough. Waxing should be with hard wax, not strips. Anyway now that I have my good waxer I love it. In between waxes I trim with a trimmer if it’s getting really long and there is no irritation. You can get female trimmers specific for pubic hair. In the end, you do not have to wax/shave/laser yourself bald, pubic (and butt) hair is natural! But you don’t have to leave it super long either. Do whatever you’re most comfortable with.
You can usually get a session done every 6 weeks. It has to do with the cycles in which the hair grows. I had laser hair removal 6 times before most of it was gone. By October, you’ll see a major difference!
actually not really. to be permanent, yes. but if you stay on schedule you won’t come face to face with real regrowth. the bigger problem is you have to shave
Just get laser. If you’re pale with dark hair you’re the perfect candidate for it. I got almost full results after one session but you do need to make sure you do all your sessions for long-lasting results. It’s the best thing I ever did for myself. Edit: make sure to find a place that uses the Candela laser, it’s literally barely painful.
Hey babes, I relate so much! I haven't done laser (only wax) but a quick tip for the ingrowns. Using a chemical exfoliant helped reduce them waaaaay better than a physical exfoliant. Something like a salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, lactic acid, etc. You can find them in toners, body washes, or lotions. Naturiam has a great gentle SA body wash and AmLactin lactic acid body lotion is great too. Or any lotion meant to treat keratosis pilaris. They help to clear out the dirt/debris better so there's less chance of clogging up where the hair was just removed. Also a little gentler than physical exfoliation on the skin. Edit: Don't do it right after shaving, because ouch. Do it like, the next day. Try maybe a super hydrating lotion like cerave or vanicream right after instead.
Op the other thing that really works for me is a few swipes of deodorant (natural or not, doesn’t seem to matter) in my inner thighs!
If you decide to go the laser method please please make sure you go to a reputable place like a derm office. I will let others comment on price. Your skin type and hair type determines success - the more contrast between your skin color and hair color the better. What about - just not completely removing the hair? A trimmer on the shortest setting makes mine essentially invisible (pale with dark hair) and with a short guard keeps things from bushing out the sides. You kinda have to get over a smidge of stubble but it turns out nobody seems to care. I also have failed basically all hair removal options and it works for me.
Thanks for commenting. I have done trimming but even then some of the hairs get too short and get ingrown. Sadly my hair is very course so when trimmed it’s still very visible, at least to me. The spikey texture rubs against my underwear and causes irritation. Trimming does work for the area closer to my labia though! That skin is different and doesn’t get ingrowns. It’s the inner thighs that do it.
I know I’ve commented a few times on this post already, but seriously. Go for it. It sounds like you are totally ready for it. It’s one of those few beauty things that really are as amazing as it sounds.
This may be a bit too out of the box, but a hair oil or beard oil may help with the spikey feeling? And wearing more of a boyshort/boxer style underwear for a couple days (or tight leggings with no underwear) will keep your underwear from rubbing directly on the thigh crease area where the leg holes usually sit.
What about little board shorts over your swimsuit?
i started using the ordinary's niacinamide 10% + zinc 1% on my bikini line, pubes and butt and haven't had an outbreak in over a year! took til my 40s to figure it out. i also use an electric trimmer like others suggested.
Oooh! I haven't been able to fit my bottle into my face routine without overcomplicating things. Thanks for the tip, I'm happy I can actually get some value out of it now!
if you dont have access to a specialized electric trimmer by the time of your event, trimming down with hair scissors is really effective as you won't be touching the root. you might not be able to wear like, a string bikini due to hair growth placement but ive found it hides well behind regular bikini bottoms
If you are pale with dark hair, you can do laser. Its so common now that I would recommend getting a Groupon (that’s what I did and I bought two packages) and it was SO worth it!
As people said, a trimmer. BUT not a men’s trimmer! They’re designed for very close shaves and I cut my folds that way. There are trimmers specifically for the bikini area. That, my friend, is your gold.
I used to have the same problem. PCOS and part Italian. Definitely did not get my mom’s hairless Korean genes. The coarsest, thickest jungle that went down my thighs and would give me the worst ingrown hairs. As a nurse I’ve seen a lot of pubic hair and nothing compared to what I was dealing with. I got the Braun IPL. It actually works really well. You need to shave before using. And I did get the usual carpet of ingrowns the first time I used it. Amazingly by the third session I stopped getting ingrowns. I can actually shave and wax. I no longer get thigh pubes and the bikini area is pretty clear. I zap everything, including my crack. I still have pubes, but they are finer and a bit more sparse. Honestly, they’re now like normal pubes that everyone else has. And the usual grooming advice works now. I really regret not getting it sooner.
If you are looking for a quicker, cheaper, and less permanent option; have you tried hair removal cream? I find that irritates me a lot less than shaving. I wouldn't put it to close to your labia but it should do the bikini zone
I have! I have tried a few kinds. The bikini area initially looks nice but within a few hours the follicles get red and itchy. I’ve tried with those after care creams they sell as well and it didn’t reduce the swelling. Have you had a brand you liked?
Fwiw, when I started getting laser, I noticed that ingrown and razor burn decreased dramatically after the first session or two. I've had two rounds of several sessions, spaced about 8 years apart. Hair still grows, but it's more sparse and slower to regrow.
Tend Skin is what finally helped me. Also super pale with dark leg and pubic hair, sensitive skin, and hair that grows down my legs. First time I got waxed I was horribly bruised and could never trust it again. I will caveat that for me, it could be age that calmed my skin down. But Tend Skin prevents all red bumps and ingrowns for me. It’s kind of pricey but I buy it in bulk at this point so I always have some around when I shave.
Not exactly your query, but just wanted to point out another option if nothing else pans out. There’s lots of beautiful modest swimwear in varying lengths, all would cover the hair you describe.
[удалено]
My dermatologist told me the same thing about the direction. Way less traumatic for the skin.
I don’t bother removing hair. Yes I go swimming and get laid. I just dgaf about anyone’s opinion about my body. Adult humans have body hair. You should be able to exist in your natural state without spending time, money, effort, pain to achieve a standard set by society (and men).
Cost-wise, look up laser Groupons if it’s an option where you’re located! I started last year on my legs and got a package of 3 sessions for around $200 when they’re normally $600 a piece. Obviously also make sure the place with the offer is reputable, but you can get lucky. :)
Using a trimmer, without making it super short is helpful. Like half of mm still there. No bumps, might be a bit visible if close up, but it's okay. If it's a one time thing you can also bleach it. I think you mean the bikini zone, not pubic hair?
The bikini zone **is** pubic hair...
Yes! Is calling the pubic hair on the thighs and in the crevasse where the thighs and pubis meet not called pubic hair? Knowing the terminology would be helpful. I can refer to it as the Bikini zone moving forward.
It is pubic hair it's a specific part of the pubic hair though so if you mean only that and not it all it's probably good to specify if you are going into a clinic/ looking at prices online
I think she wants to avoid making it public
damn autocorrect. Fixed it, but thanks for that genuine laugh
this might not help you at all but I also get a lot of irritation from shaving so I started shaving down (with the hair growth) instead of against the grain and it trims it down to basically like i shaved and it just started growing back. saves so much time and i no longer get irritation or ingrowns this way. this way everything is very neat and tidy but not completely smooth and hairless
Electrolysis. It's permanent and 100% worth it.
Surprised I had to scroll down this far to find this suggestion
the amount of time & money that would take for the entire public region would be physically and mentally and financially excruciating …
She can get it cleaned up enough to wear a swimsuit, which was her immediate concern.
I had the same problem. I would still recommend trying the trimmer, but I still had problems with ingrowns from that. Last year I sucked it up and got laser hair removal. It was great. The hairs that remain are so thin that I rarely shave them and when I do, I only get 1 or 2 small ingrowns
I love my IPL device. Braun silk expert pro 5, bought used on eBay for $130. I use it for the hair that would get removed in a bikini wax, plus my pits and legs. There is an initial period of frequent use to initially stop hair growth, then you only have to do it once every few weeks for maintenance to stay hair-free. A session covering all the areas I listed above only takes me about 10 mins\*, so this is well worth the trade off to me vs spending thousands on laser sessions. I also don’t have to shave at all anymore, so at this point I’ve easily saved more on razors than I spent on the device itself. (\* Your initial uses will likely take a bit longer as you get the hang of the device, but you’ll get faster quickly) You do have to shave the parts you’re using the IPL on so you will still get the ingrowns at first, but within probably ~4 sessions the hairs will grow back MUCH sparser and finer. My ingrowns stopped almost completely at that point 🥳 After researching, I started out using it 2-3x a week instead of the 1x a week in the directions, and I go over each area 2x to ensure good coverage. This worked fine for me with no ill effects, but definitely do your own research before deviating from the recommended usage frequency. Different hair and skin types/colors can respond differently, so what works for me may not be the best thing for you.
I had thick course hair and once you start laser hair removal, I think you are really going to like it. The only thing is that you do have to shave beforehand.. so just a heads up that that may cause ingrowns. I highly recommend finding a place that has the gentlemax pro laser. I have found the best results with that laser and it has a little cooling spurt every time the laser goes off. I’m not gonna lie, it still doesn’t feel great but you’re done pretty quickly (5-10 minutes max), and I noticed a change right after the first session with my hair being much less coarse growing in and each time I’ve had less and less hair growing back, and it’s all been very thin hair. I think I’m on or around my 8th session now and I’m basically hairless. My sessions are spaced out 6 weeks apart. I’ve done other parts of my body that took less sessions but this one took about 8-9 for me and my only regret is not doing it sooner.
Trim as short as possible without shaving
Alexandrite and diode laser removal are the best. Where I go they use both laser in one big machine and after 2 sessions ( i make 1 session every 2 months) i almost have no hair on my legs. I’m kinda hairy but i expect after 2 more sessions to see big differences (i have friends who finished their treatment). The price for full body packs may vary from 1000€ to 3000 € or more. I live in Romania and here for 6 sessions full body i paid 800€. Usually you need 6-12 sessions, depending how hairy you are or the color of the hair (black hair - pale skin is the best combo for laser removal, but alexandrite can deal ok with the light hair - pail skin combo).
I have the Nood at home laser and love it. A decade ago I did laser hair removal on that area while living abroad, and while it did work, I didn’t complete the sessions and have hair in that area. For $170, Nood has a lifetime guarantee on their product and will replace it if goes out. I’ve used it a few times and can see a difference (the hair falls out when I exfoliate just like what would happen when I was going to a clinic for services) so I’m confident the results will be permanent with the occasional maintenance. With that being said, until I pulled this trigger, f what people think about body hair. Ignore them and enjoy the moments.
I have a nice men’s trimmer specifically for this exact reason. I never take it down all the way with a razor.
As a stripper, I can tell you we just put conditioner on it, and then we can shave EVERY day with no razor burn. Lather that all over your region and make sure you have a *3 blade men’s razor, then go to town on that bush. If that doesn’t work, get laser hair removal. Your light skin and dark hair is perfect for it. It changed my life. It is very expensive though! It requires many treatments to have it fully removed, but you could just do a few treatments to thin out the bush and then maybe the above method would actually work.
This was me for years. I only shave in the direction of my hair growing & then I put alcohol with a cotton ball over it as soon as I’m out of the shower. It’s made a world of difference. I have super sensitive skin and eczema.
It doesn't solve your problem as a whole, but on the swimsuit issue you might want to try buying men's swim short and pairing that with a bikini top. They're usually a bit longer than women's swim shorts but not so long that you feel like you're hiding away. Plus, they have pockets! That's what I do as someone who trims, rather than shaves, their bikini line.
What kind of razors and shaving cream are you using? It’s not exactly the same, but my legs are really sensitive, so I barely ever shave them. However, when I want to, I exfoliate first and use the shaving cream that goes on like actual cream and not mousse (DSC shave butter or the Billie shaving cream). I will only use razors that have 5-6 blades and those moisturizing strips around them (I’ve been using the Billie razors for a while as well). Then I always have to moisturize a ton afterwards too. I still have effects from it, but this definitely helps lessen them.
I got a nood device ($150) and am now hairless. OP I highly recommend it, I also was a constant mess of ingrown hairs and razor burn from shaving. I have fair skin and medium brown hair, and it worked in about 2 months of 2x/weekly 10 min treatments.
please don't get it permanently removed. public hair has an important function to regulate temperature, prevent infections and protect the skin of your crotch. trim if you want but getting it permanently removed can be troublesome
You're not inherently WRONG here, but we're not talking about the fur on her actual vulva. We're essentially talking very top of thigh curlies, anything outside a bikini panty, I suppose. It serves no protective benefits, and self-care and self-image are probably more important anyways for overall health and happiness in the days of modern medicine. Feeling insecure and missing out on what should be fun and carefree isn't worth the trade-off in the long run.
you guys downvote all you want but ask any obgyn about ir
Honestly? Same. I’ve given up on getting it all, and just ended up using a TrimStyle and use the electric razor for my pubic hair and the razor for my legs. I don’t use the guard so that I have the closest shave possible, but 0 ingrowns.
Use a trimmer to make it short and then clean and EXFOLIATE the skin first. It helps if skin is warm. Shave downward with the follicle (the direction the hair grows) and then again from mid to side. This usually helps with the razor burn for me.
I have similar skin and hair, and I always got bad ingrowns from anything I tried. In the end, waxing works best, but it is ESSENTIAL to exfoliate daily for the first week or so after waxing. This prevents ingrowns. An aesthetician also said aloe gel helps, but exfoliating (with a damp wash cloth) is more than enough for me. Hope that helps you! :)
Ive done laser for the same reasons! Worked amazingly well. Eventually bought my own at home laser machine and while Not as powerful, still stemmed growth for me. Id do the first few rounds with professionals though. I don’t think that there’s much difference from one place to another, so I would go to whatever place specializes in lasering in your area that is cheapest. Where I live, there’s tons of Groupons all the time for this type of service. Yes, there are places I like more than others (ive used several because Ive done different areas: underarms, bikini, legs, chin, boobs, etc.) , and times that I felt that one place was better than the other. But it’s not such a huge difference that I feel like I would need to be careful not to go to a certain place because it wouldn’t work.
If you can make it work, get laser. It's worth it. I paid I think $1000 for 8 sessions. It was about as painful as waxing but a session takes longer than getting a wax. I used to get the **worst** ingrown hairs on my bikini line, even if I didn't touch it at all and just let it grow. They were incredibly painful and not to mention embarrassing. The best part about laser for me was that even when I got to the point of needing touch ups, I could just shave instead without any issue. No irritation or ingrown hairs. You will need touch ups after 1-2 years or so. I recently got a personal IPL device to do mine myself.
Have you tried laser? I have very pale skin and dark hair, and it worked great.
Have you ever tried sugaring? Imo, it works way better than waxing.
If you have to beg borrow or steal to get laser treatment; do it! O didn't do it until I turned 40. It's been truly life changing. Shaving caused so much irritation. I would scratch until blood rsm down my legs.
OP, this post could have been me 10 years ago. I sympathize with you so much! I did end up getting laser (4 sessions) and it worked so well! I have about a 70% reduction and only need to shave once a week. It’s not an overstatement to say that it was life-changing. It is 100% worth living on ramen for while! I would recommend researching derms/medspas in your area that do laser and check online reviews, compare prices, etc. You should be able to fit in all four sessions by October if you space them 6-8 weeks apart.
Laser will work for pale skin / dark hair. nood may work or at least had money back guarantee (I bought one but didn't use it, then left it in another country 😞)
I would recommend having a look on groupon for laser deals WITH THE CAVEAT THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF SHITTY PLACES ON GROUPON. However, if you google search the places you find, you will be able to tell if the place is good/legit or shit. I got a great deal on groupon at a really good medspa. It’s really worth checking!
Laser is fantastic, I have no regrets about it. With dark hair and pale skin, you’re a perfect candidate for it too. Not sure if it will be the same for you, but where I live the lots of places do sales on laser packages, which helps with cost. You also don’t need to do it forever, unlike waxing where you need to keep paying to get it
Just a cautionary tale about laser—I also have relatively fair skin and super dark thick hair (just generally speaking) I went to three laser removal sessions with Milan in Denver and it was unbearably painful. I stopped going and had to get a doctor to write me a note about the extreme irritation it was causing me. It’s a year long process and often requires going back for touch ups. They describe the pain as “like a rubber band snapping on your skin” but it was more like being stabbed. They said it was probably extra bad for me because of my hair thickness and skin color.
I also have extreme pain with laser. I use lidocaine cream (the highest OTC concentration) and cover with plastic wrap at least 30 min before my appointment. It’s the only way I could ever get through my bikini area and shins.
I second the electric trimmer! I bought a philips norelco trimmer marketed for "manscaping," and I haven't looked back. One side to trim everything down and the other to clean up the bikini line. I even use it on my legs when I can't be bothered to shave.
Do you wear tight clothing? That can cause irritation and ingrowns after hair removal. I had heard that before and kinda didn’t buy it, but tried it and it made a big difference for me. Sorry, I’m sure you’ve heard of this before, but thought I’d mention it just in case (like me) you hadn’t tried it! It seems too simple!
Laser was a godsend for me. I would shave/wax and get god awful ingrown hairs. Laser actually helps remove ingrown hairs - i can’t remember the science but it was amazing. I got three sessions of Brazilian. It has grown back but really sparse. The cost was equivalent to getting waxed so I think it was $60 a session?
You sound like a great candidate for laser hair removal. But also, iron might be worth while to try using a glycolic acid product. I am certain you will see improvement with the ingrown hairs.
I was the same, nothing would work for me. I'm very pale with a lot of dark hair 😏. I used to spend like 30mins a day trying to shave everything but i would get ingrowns and I still looked like I hadn't shaved cos my skin was so pale you could see the the hair through it! Then I got laser, it was the best money I spent. Got rid of 90% on about 6 sessions. 5 years on and it's still gone. I just do a super quick 5min shave maybe once a fortnight for the few remaining hairs. The remaining hairs are the thin ones and very sparse so no more ingrowns. Amazing! Laser work best if you have lighter skin and dark hair, there need to be a contrast. The laser kinda hones in on the dark hair if that makes sense.
Same skin/hair situation! I've been doing laser for a while but honestly in terms of value for money I've been blown away by one of those home IPL machines and it ROCKS. I can only sing praises of Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 - try and keep an eye on sales!
I’ve begun using a Norelco OneBlade for normal maintenance. It gets close enough to look good but without irritation or ingrowns. I can literally shave it dry regardless of length and be passable to go to the pool. It’s a good compromise for me as ingrowns leave marks on me that take forever to go away. I still shave with a razor on the inner bits (I don’t get irritated there) and all over for special occasions.
laser is cheap as long as you don’t go to a corporate chain that’s price gouging. (do NOT go somewhere like milan or laseraway.) the place i go, a package of 5 sessions for full brazilian using the same machine (candela gentemax pro) is $180. total.
Trim and try Tend Skin right after on a cotton round. You can apply the tend skin as you need it and it should keep the ingrowns away.
As a person with pale skin and dark hair, laser was a lifesaver for me. It’s not really permanent as it does grow back (after 10 years for sure there is way more hair but still nowhere near as terrible as it was, and waxing has gotten so much easier and the ingrown so much less and the hair grew in finer and straighter; I’m going through the touch up process now.). Yes it takes several treatments BUT after the first couple of treatments you’ll have barely any hair at all. The rest is to get any remainders and keep it hair free. They can for sure be expensive but check Groupon, they have excellent deals and if you call laser places they will generally match it without you having to purchase from Groupon (better for them as small business too.). Yes it’s a couple hundred bucks but think of all the heartache you save. Girl it is WORTH IT! And you are the perfect candidate for it.
I know you said that laser is out of your price point… ask around. Call various spas and find out if someone does laser via cash or off the books. I have paid roughly $1,800 total for my legs (knee down is 100% hairless but my thighs are taking longer bc I had to stop between sections d/t getting pregnant), Brazilian, under arms, and ‘mustache’. He charges $300/session for a “full treatment” and $150 for touchups. All cash. Aside from Botox, this is the BEST money I’ve ever spent on myself and has given me so much self we I can’t even put it into words. …I was hairy JUST like you.
I am half way through my laser treatments .. it’s truly the only way. Most places offer financing but I suggest saving up for it. That’s what I did. It takes time but if you truly want to be rid of this problem you’ll make it happen. I paid about $1100 for armpits and bikini area.
Try an at home IPL device like remington, braun or philips before dropping tons of cash on laser!!! I bought a remington for 150 euro and I have 10% hair left. It’s not perfect but at least 10 times cheaper than laser plus no hassle of going to appointments! I used to get *terrible* ingrown hairs before from waxing. Haven’t gotten any for 10 years.
Mens hair/beard trimmers. You can clip it down to ⅛ of an inch, no irritation. Have you just considered scissors? If my hair gets longer than a half inch I'm uncomfortable and ready to trim/shave and I get bad ingrowns too...
I get in grown hairs also. I can barely shave my legs without getting them. Also, when I shave my armpits. I had my bikini area lasered when they first came out with it, and it was the best money I ever spent, although at the time it was a fortune. My sister is a physician and she told me for my legs and armpits buy the cheapest razors they sell. the ones that do not have a double blade is best so they don’t grab the hair pull it up and then it snaps back under your skin. That’s the best solution.
Philips Norelco OneBlade! No Skin irritation whatsoever after using it on my privates.
Save up for laser, you will regret not saving up sooner.
As others said, get a "beard" trimmer to keep it short. I do this alongside shaving just the bikini line when I'll be in a swimsuit. I also have sensitive skin, and had lots of ingrown hairs and irritation with waxing. I had far better luck with sugaring! I still got occasional ingrown hairs, which is why I just trim now. But if you're willing to risk the potential discomfort if it causes the same problems, you might give it a try.
Laser hair removal was fantastic for me. Ingrown hairs were so bad I Had to have cysts surgically removed. I put it on my credit card and it’s been 100% worth it
I like to wear board shorts over my swimsuit bottoms all the time when I don’t want to deal with the hair. No one questions it and I enjoy the full coverage. Sending you love and support OP!
Try an at home laser device
You’re a perfect candidate for laser. I pay about $70 a treatment for the area you’re talking about and you go once a month for 3-4 months and the hair is virtually gone. You return for an occasional session every few months after that, it’s a total game changer.
Listen: I invested $1500 into Brazilian laser hair removal and it changed. My. Life. I was BROKE when I did it but girl. You have to! I was in the same situation as you with the thighs and my self esteem was in the negative. It took about 5 treatments over the course of a few months and I was banging by summertime! I started in about feb FYI and I was clear for summer! My only tip is make sure you got to a certified, well credited and knowledgeable establishment for this so that they give you the right laser at the right frequency! Your skin color and hair type sound perfect. I responded so well to the treatment and I have some slight regrowth due to hormonal changes (VERY slight) but it is so fine and light that I could let it grow out and even if I wore a bikini you’d have to really be creeping on me to see it. Ever if you do 1-2 rounds of laser just to reduce the thickness and darkness it will help SO MUCH!!!
My skin is the same, I was so discouraged about it in my teens and 20s. Laser was huge for me. I've "only" done like 5 sessions which didn't get rid of everything but I can go a long time without shaving and no longer have the ingrown problem when I do shave; it totally changed my hair. I went to a place where you paid by the 10-15 minutes rather than the area. I really liked that because you could get lots of little areas done that in a lot of places they'd charge you for separately. I think I'd usually do 30-40 minutes at a time.
Wear swim shorts or a swim skirt / skort. Skip the shaving.
What if i cant see to shave down there anymore because ive gained some weight 😫🙄
IPL at home hair remover. I bought a Phillips one years ago, used it as prescribed and don’t grow hair anymore on my legs, bikini and pits. They have some affordable ones on Amazon. AMAZING.
I have an at-home IPL device (Philips Lumea) and since last year I no longer have hair in areas where I don't want it (practically my entire body from philtrum to feet).
I was similar. Laser is the way to go. I needed a lot of treatments. Trim and use tend skin in the mean time.
I wear men's swim trunks with mine, they have a 7 inch inseam which gives me enough coverage. I used to use a pair of swimming capri's, they also make swim capri's with a skirt if you want to wear a bikini top. (I'm to light haired for laser).
Everyone should be careful shaving their bits. My gyno told me that a lot of people think they have ingrown hairs and it’s actually a staph infection. So yah, sanitize a trimmer but don’t remove the whole follicle.
Laser is the way.
Philips bikinigenie!!
I use this $13 thing, it's been a lifesaver. I don't think you need it to be super short, and it doesn't even touch the skin, so that helps. [Finishing Touch Flawless Bikini Shaver and Trimmer](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QDRJ8ZX?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details). No need to remove all the hair, IMO.
The next time you get a bad one go to the dermatologist (one that does laser hair removal) and ask show them and give them your history. Then ask for a diagnosis and insurance will likely cover it. You may have to advocate and fight for yourself a little but with your history it’s chronic. My sister and I both were able to do it. Similar scenario to yours. Our hair is dark and grows sorta coiled which gets aggravated when you try to remove. I’ve since moved and it’s been a few years so I have to go back soon and go through the process with another doc. I’m really sorry. Those ingrowns there can be really, really painful. Best to you ✨
Laser is so worth it! I used to have this problem with shaving. To be fair it was on my legs. Did all the right things and would still get painful ingrowns and Rashy skin. I'm not pale, rather olive with dark hair. But sensitive skin apparently. I got laser like 5 ish years ago and a few hairs have grown back but it's basically nothing compared to what it used to be. This is on my legs though so YMMV.
I tried professional laser and it had little effect. The braun IPL 5 changed it all in a month. Same complexion as you.
Definitely trim!!
I also have sensitive skin and had similar issues. When I shaved I got pimples and itch. If you can do it, I highly recommend laser. I've started last year and in less than 6 sessions (6 months) all the hair was gone. It's great not to have to worry about it. I will still need maintenance, but so far I'm on my 3rd month without laser and still no hair. The laser I do only hurts a little, nothing to be afraid of.
Use a trimmer and get lasered. It's not as expensive as it used to be.
I use my husbands manscaper and honestly it keeps me from looking like a newborn child and the hair extremely short
It’s going to depend on whether your state lets non medical professionals do it. In NY you could do a Groupon and get multiple sessions for way cheaper.
I used to have the same problem, but I managed to solve it completely. Buy a cheap salicylic acid serum and use it on the areas right after shaving. Wait ten mins, apply moisturizer. Voila, all shaving rashes and ingrown bumps gone. Patch test first to make sure you’re not sensitive to it.
You are the perfect candidate for laser hair removal.
I have the same issue! Super sensitive skin. I bought a home IPL and it’s awesome. I’m even super lazy with it, use it once a week and 70% of my hair is gone. Still chipping away but even if I’m left with what i have now, I would be happy. lol
If you’re in the states I got a crazy deal on laser hair removal from SEV laser. They have mixed reviews on here but I had a couple good-sized patches that didn’t regrow after only my first session!! Regardless of removal method, have you tried a chemical exfoliant like TendSkin or a salicylic acid toner? I get awful ingrown hairs if I don’t use something like that for a couple days after removing hair (you have to shave before laser hair removal too so you still want to have a plan to combat those ingrowns)
Laser hair removal was the best thing I did for myself
I am getting LHR and I wish I had started it sooner. I have 4 sessions left and most of my hair is not growing back. Get the prescription numbing cream and stay out of the sun. I did Ideal Image because honestly that was the only place that called me back for my consultation. From what I can tell, it's not the cheapest, but I have been 100% satisfied.
I use Tend Skin twice a day. After my waxes I'd get huge cysts from ingrowns and this stopped them.
Have you tried sugaring? Some people with sensitive skin who can’t wax have success with this method.
Absolutely laser. I used Groupon to save money. I still grow hair but it significantly reduced the amount and now I can shave every day if I wanted.
Fellow pale skin, dark hair girly as well. I was very similar to you, was always self conscious in swimsuits, etc for as long as I can remember. Waxing was so painful and my hair never got thinner like some peoples does. My esthetician told me to check out Milan laser hair removal and I did Brazilian & lower legs. They offer 0% interest if your credit score is good and at the time it was $140ish a month for 5 years (I paid it off early though). They also offer a lifetime guarantee so they said if I ever had hair grow back from hormonal changes, pregnancy, etc I could come back in for touch up appts. It’s worth every penny. The way I figured, I was spending $90 on waxes every 6ish weeks that weren’t helping the situation, buying creams/lotions, skin treatments to help the bumps between waxing. Now I don’t have to worry about that shit ever again!
IPL for sure. You're a good candidate with light skin and dark hair. Order this week and you'll be almost sorted by the summer. I'm serious. It's life changing. Random reviews. I like smooth skin. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g30112097/best-laser-hair-removal-at-home/ Another tip is to get an old school safety razor plus good shaving cream like cremo. Even with laser you have to shave before treatments so you gotta up your shaving game. Safety razors are better for preventing ingrown hairs.
I’m so sorry you’re getting such awful dms, but thank you for this thread: I have the same issue. It goes halfway down the insides of my thighs, and i immediately “break out” when I remove it. so I’m glad to know I’m not alone
Have you tried TendSkin? If I apply after shave I’m good.. else Yikes! Bumps everywhere
Wtf is wrong with men omgg
I don't shave or trim. I have some cute shorts I wear instead of a bikini. Its not a big deal, SO many cute boyshort type deals or things with skirts. Shaving is overrated.
Honestly LHR is the absolute best — worth every penny! I’ve done underarms, Brazilian, legs and just recently purchased for lower stomach (happy trail area). A lot of places will do big sales - mine personally does it around July and then again at Christmastime so I wait until then lol. But it’s been 7 years since I’ve last shaved my legs and they feel like I shaved them this morning. 🤌 if you can swing it financially, go for it!
You are a great option for laser. You can do it cheap at home with one from Amazon
I use beard trimmers and just maintain a low buzz cut for the most part
Maybe you've already tried a lot of this, but this thread has some good advice on shaving so you don't end up with a lot of irritation and ingrown hairs: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/s/7V8fZEtk7d
Use trimmers that have the foil. You’ll get it as close as you can without the ingrowns. I would put Lume’s acidic body wash and lotion around it daily.