On the advice of a reader, I got an epilator. The good part is that it makes me totally, amazingly smooth without stubble, in a way shaving never did. The bad part is that it hurts like a red-hot cheese grater dipped in acid. I can only stand to use it for a minute or two before taking a Pain Break. This is worse than some minor surgeries. This is worse than the dentist.
But if it's easier in the future (I've never even waxed, so I'm attacking totally virgin follicles here), and it makes me super-smooth all the time, that's worth it. I really love the feeling of smooth. Even if I'm not totally keen on the feeling of AUGH IT BURNS.
Ooooh... yeah... You should've waxed first, then gone after the regrowth with the epilator.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking only in regards to waxing; it definitely gets less painful. I might flinch for the first rip these days, but after that it is actually a very relaxing experience for me. I breathe through all discomfort and go very zen :)
ReplyDeleteWhat epilator did you get?
I am curious... you're only epilating your legs, right? It seems insane to epilate the lady parts, and yet, shaving is such a PITA.
ReplyDeleteIt hurts less each time I've done it, so I'd hope it'd be the same for everybody. Maybe I just have high pain tolerance? Epilating's always just been a little twingy for me, not screamingly painful.
ReplyDeleteThe first time I used an epilator, it made my eyes tear up an I also took "pain breaks". It was awful.
ReplyDeleteIt quickly got better, and each subsequent epilation session was less painful. Now it doesn't really hurt at all.
I have an epilator as well. I used to use it on my legs. Hurt like a mother-fucker on my inner thighs, just hurt everywhere else. I never really got used to the pain... Also took bleeding forever, and was louder than any vibe I've ever seen. >.<
ReplyDeleteI only tried it once on my lady parts. Ow. I could manage the top all right, but around my lips? OMFG, ow, no, that was way beyond me. If you are using it there....wow girl....you are more woman than I am!
I'm really curious now. Are any of you ladies epilating your pussies (labial areas included)? Is it at all tolerable? I tried tweezing there once, and it did NOT go well. But if this isn't too horrible to stand I'll probably try it. Razors can't be the best option.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Holly, I'm in ur blog making it a beauty tips message board.
I've epilated my mons and the 'bikini area', those were tolerable. As long as you keep the skin taut, it doesn't hurt too badly. Labia though, I just couldn't do, I couldn't get the skin taut at the edge, but I could do up to the edge okay-ish, it was rather scary honestly..
ReplyDeleteIs it safe to assume that the now-deleted recent post was a hacker?
ReplyDelete... or not?
ReplyDeletedimethirwen - No, it's just me having second thoughts about what I do and don't want to say here. I'll probably put it back up once I'm done biting my nails.
ReplyDelete"Hmm, an epilator, you say? I wonder what that is..."
ReplyDeleteAn epilator is an electrical device used to remove hair by mechanically grasping multiple hairs simultaneously and pulling them out.
"IT DOES WHAT?!"
I am cringing right now.
I have used it on my labia - I can actually get it smoother there than I ever can on my legs, which is odd. You do have to be rather vigilant about keeping them taut and I always use a mirror so I can see what I'm doing.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I love/cringe at my epilator's instructions - there's a warning about not using it on your EYELASHES.
I've been epilating my lady parts for about a month or two. I do it every few days since the hair starts to grown back at different times. I definitely dread doing my labia though. Took me about five to six hours the first time because if you don't pull the skin tight enough it hurts like an SOB.
ReplyDeleteI generally shave my legs and then the next day, or a day later, epilate. That way its just a tiny bit of regrowth and doesnt hurt nearly as much. Then just epilate every couple of days till its all gone. Applying aloe vera gel to epilated areas has a really great cooling effect and takes a lot of the after-pain away.
ReplyDeleteCliff, I think it is best to wax before you epilate. It sort of desensitizes the hair follicles. Never epilate long hair. The lady parts? Oh Gawd. Cringe. I learned that the hard way. Like others suggested, I shave first and wait a few days before using the epilator. It hurts but my boyfriend loves my smooth skin. I can't complain.
ReplyDeleteHere is a great tip that I found: rub an ice cube on your skin before using your epilator. The pain simply goes away!
ReplyDelete