Bikini wax pre-race?

[mjrosso]

Ok, I have a fairly personal question, but I don't know how else to get an answer! I am running in the princess half marathon in a few weeks. We arrive in FL the Tuesday before and all my daughter is talking about is swimming, so I know that we'll be hitting the pool early and often. Ordinarily, I shave my bikini area, but within 2 days, it is an itchy ingrown mess, which would leave me in no condition to run a half marathon. So I"m considering a bikini wax, which is something I've never done... anyone have any experience and can offer advice on whether this is a good/bad idea and what sort of timing I should use if I do it?
Thanks!

 

[poppinspal]

Eek I guess I'll be the first person to own up and admit to having had one done but I know I was looking for some advice on my first one. I swear by them due to the fact that I have dark hair and it grows back so quickly, it just is nice to not have to shave every day.

I suggest you do it about a week in advance, you could go with less but where you've never had one you should give it more time. It makes my skin a little more sensitive for the first day or so and you wouldn't want that while you were running. I know you can take advil or ibuprofen or one of those 15 minutes before and it will help with any pain. I don't know which it is as I don't think I need it. If there is any discomfort it's only for a second and it's over, to me it's so worth the three or so weeks of not having to shave.

Any good place will be happy to answer your questions and they'll do their best to make you feel comfortable while you're there. I think it takes my girl about 15 minutes to do, we chat and it's over before I know it.

Geesh hope all this helped a little.

 

[gbanshee]

I have never had a bikini wax, so I will default on that.

BUT I too used to get the bumps after shaving. HATED it. Then I was told to use cheap, thick hair conditioner to shave with. I had some of the hair coloring conditioner leftover and tried that. IT WORKED! I now buy cheap conditioner at the dollar store and shave arms, legs, pits and bikini area using that. Works like a charm.

 

[TinkerBrie]

I do waxing. You should get it done about 1 week before your vacation. I don't know when the marathon is but if you could do it twice before you go that would be better. It should last aprox 6 weeks. So do it aprox 7 or 8 weeks before your va~cay so you can be sure that you like it, and then again 1 week before. I think you will love it!!!! Any other questions, just ask!!!!

 

[fashionista311]

make sure you go to a higher end spa that uses hard wax...never never never (can i say it enough??) let them use honey wax with the paper strips. and make sure they know what they are doing...a good waxer will work in large sections and have you sit in a pretzel-like position.

getting one done about 8 weeks before, and then another one a few days before it's a great plan...really, as long as you're not sensitive to the wax (which you'll know the first time around) you can get it done that sun-mon before you leave since the race won't be until the following sunday is fine i think. the more you get it done, the less it hurts!

 

[bgenew1]

I sometimes think the eyebrow wax is more painful!

But what is hard wax? I have always had the honey wax and strips. Does it hurt less?

 

[TinkerBrie]

I sometimes think the eyebrow wax is more painful!

But what is hard wax? I have always had the honey wax and strips. Does it hurt less?

Hard wax is a wax that "cools" to a "plastic like" condition. It is applied exactly the same as a honey or sugar wax is applied. Instead of applying a muslin strip at this point, it allowed to cool and then removed.

It does not hurt less. It is exactly the same. The "uncomfortableness" that you experience during a waxing service is from the hair being removed from the root. Not the wax product.

Hard wax is chosen over a honey or sugar wax by your technician simply because you can "detail" a lil better!

I fully agree that you need to go to a high end salon or spa that is immaculately clean and sanitary.

 

[fashionista311]

Hard wax is a wax that "cools" to a "plastic like" condition. It is applied exactly the same as a honey or sugar wax is applied. Instead of applying a muslin strip at this point, it allowed to cool and then removed.

It does not hurt less. It is exactly the same. The "uncomfortableness" that you experience during a waxing service is from the hair being removed from the root. Not the wax product.

Hard wax is chosen over a honey or sugar wax by your technician simply because you can "detail" a lil better!

I fully agree that you need to go to a high end salon or spa that is immaculately clean and sanitary.

actually hard wax is pretty recognized to be much gentle on your skin than the honey wax, but of course it depends on the person

 

[Cruise]

Also, if ingrown hairs are usually a problem for you, you might want to get an exfoliating sponge - something like a Buff Puff - and use it gently on the area as the hair is growing back out. I have a lot less problems with ingrown hairs when I do this.

 

[3DisneyKids]

I'm a runner and I swear by waxing. Actually, I had my bikini line lasered about a year ago and that was the best investment ever. It was $600 and it is permanent. Of course, you don't have time for that at this point, plus you might not want to make that investment.

So, back to waxing. Even though I had the bikini line lasered, I get everything else waxed. Yes, Brazilian. Sorry of that is TMI but I know the first time I had it done I would have been a MESS and completely lost as to what to expect if I didn't have my girlfriend to talk to. So, in the same spirit that she told me everything, I am answering you.

The advice you have already received is excellent. High end spa, for sure. That way you know the person will be licensed and experienced. And if you are at a higher end spa, they will automatically use the right wax. You need hard wax for most areas, but there are a few areas where the softer wax is necessary. A good technician will use different waxes on different areas and/or different types of hair.

Ideally, you could have tried it out before and then get a second one right before your trip, but since we are only 3 weeks out, I would go 3-4 days before your trip. That way, any redness or irritation will be gone by the time you get to FL.

As for running, I LOVE the difference. Again, this might be TMI but I know that this is an embarrassing topic, so I'll just put it out there-- First, the sweat issue. Sweat clings to hair, right? Like at the back of your neck, etc. Well the same happens in "that" area. And I would have a damp patch and it was uncomfortable. And although I always wear black running shorts or tights, I always wondered if it would show through if wearing a lighter color. No one needs a wet spot right there, kwim? So, having it waxed completely eliminated that whole issue. I feel so much more "clean" if that makes sense. Secondly, there is no chaffing! If you are someone with coarse hair or just a heavy growth pattern where you have hair into the crease where your leg meets your groin, you can get some serious chaffing during those long runs of 8+ miles. Again, with no hair there, this is a non-issue. And of course, you don't have to worry about a thing when you put on a bathing suit.

If you have any questions, ask away! I know it can be a personal or embarrassing topic, so what better place to ask these types of questions, right?

 

[momto2littlemonsters]

3DisneyKids I'm with you and had the laser treatment done about 2 years ago and it was absolutely the best investment I've made in myself! I have very coarse dark hair and would get those ugly bumps, now I have soft skin and never have to worry about a last minute trip to the beach or pool! Love, love, love it!!! I also did my underarms because the same thing would happen with bumps and again I love it, smooth soft skin and worth every penny spent!!!

I agree with everyone else in going to a high end spa. If the person is not experienced you could end up with ingrown hairs and very irritated skin. I would do it a week before so your not sensitive down there and don't have to worry about being rubbed the wrong way during the half!

Good luck

 

[princessbride6205]

I've had these before and much prefer them to shaving. However, I've always gone to nice-enough spas with the soft wax.
How do I find a higher end spa with the wax that hardens?

 

[roselark]

Wow, I am so glad you started this topic. This is one of those things I was always curious about, but was too embarrassed to ask!

I wish I could get the nerve up to get a bikini wax done. It is more about shyness than fear of pain. I probably should not worry about that because these people are professionals. Anyone willing to go through what the process is when you go in? Or possibly just send me a pm?

I am really glad you posted the info about running 3DisneyKids. I will be running soon for the first time and I never would have thought of this. And now, I might have to seriously consider laser Was it painful at all? How many sessions did it take?

 

[rubato]

I love that everyone is being so brave here, so I'll be brave too and give my 2 cents.

I had IPL done and, WOW, what a life changing thing. Imagine never having to worry about it again as long as you live. Plus, I had really bad ingrowns. I just got it all removed and love it. I had 8 sessions with almost no pain at all! In fact, I'd say none!

I, too, started waxing because of the ingrown hair problem. What a mistake for me. For one thing, I decided I would get a brazilian and had to quit halfway through. Luckily she started on the outside and worked her way in! But, after I started waxing, instead of ingrown hairs, I developed boils. Horrible nasty things. Apparently, I'm not a good candidate for waxing.

I agree that you should do it at 7 or 8 weeks and then again at 1. But, since the Princess is the first weekend in March, you obviously can't do that. So, I'd go with the 1 to 1 1/2 week mark. It should be fine. Don't worry about the pain. It's only temporary. Take ibuprofen if it' too bad, but you shouldn't need it.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Wow, I am so glad you started this topic. This is one of those things I was always curious about, but was too embarrassed to ask!

I wish I could get the nerve up to get a bikini wax done. It is more about shyness than fear of pain. I probably should not worry about that because these people are professionals. Anyone willing to go through what the process is when you go in? Or possibly just send me a pm?

I am really glad you posted the info about running 3DisneyKids. I will be running soon for the first time and I never would have thought of this. And now, I might have to seriously consider laser Was it painful at all? How many sessions did it take?

Laser was NOT AT ALL painful. And really, I have no tolerance for pain. Total wimp when it comes to pain! And it really didn't bother me.

The first few treatments were literally nothing. But with each subsequent treatment, they turn up the juice, so to speak, so the last 2 treatments I felt it. But even then, it was really, really minor. It took 6 sessions, each session 4-6 weeks apart. I totally recommend it.

I am going to go back and have more done. I really didn't know what to expect at first so I went very conservative. I am going to go back and while I won't go Brazilian (because who knows if I will want that forever!) I will definitely get a good portion lasered off for good. OMG, to be worry-free of that for life?!?! Sign me up! I am going to get a quote on how much it would be to do my legs from the knee down. Because again, to never have to worry about shaving my legs? Heaven!

 

[Evi]

hrm wow should I go here??? ok so growing up I had a few friends who were professional dancers who moonlighted as ahem professional dancers lol I guess the ballet does not pay as well, anyhow I always wax, still do. But I remember one of them telling me not to wax to shave. She told me she shaves everyday and applies betodine after shaving for first week and then just uses deodorant and doesn't get ingrown's ever. I never tried it because I figured daily shaving was just to much maintenance but I've heard this from other people that after shaving to apply deoderant. As far as waxing I've just recently invested in laser hair removal just hate that waxing doesn't last me a whole month even if I go to a spa so though its expensive I hope to not have to go through the hassle anymore.

 

[princessfionasmom]

Wow this is great, I'm so glad you have all been brave enough to post. I have been considering getting laser done and it's good to hear your experiences. Is the pricing generally the same everywhere? and are the mall places a no no? At the Braintree Plaza in MA they have a laser place but I've never stoped in to check it out. Those of you who have had the laser done, how did you go about finding a good reputable place to get it done?

Thanks for being so brave ladies!

 

[Evi]

I would start by asking friends for referrals or also check on yelp. Make sure you verify licensing and ask them what kind of equipment they use. Don't go for the mall shops they charge way to much. For those prices your better of going to a drs office.