Forums > Model Colloquy > Shaving and waxing problems anyone?

Model

SarahChristine

Posts: 103

Mountain View, Arkansas, US

Why won't these ingrown hairs or little red bumps go away! I've tried everything recommended: PFB Vanish, Tendskin, Benzyl Peroxide wash, aloe+Bikini Zone. And yes a dermatologist. She hasn't helped.
Feel like crying.sad

Oct 30 05 08:07 pm Link

Photographer

Glamour Boulevard

Posts: 8628

Sacramento, California, US

There is a new nair and other similar products that have been made for all areas including the pubic area which are very mild but effective in hair removal. You can find them pretty much anywhere you get hair removal items.

Oct 30 05 08:15 pm Link

Model

Magdalenka

Posts: 56

San Diego, California, US

I am too scared to do waxing and since I am using "bikini zone" anti bumbs gel I am a happy girl. I am surprised it doesn't work for you?
Have you really tried waxing? that shouldn't make you bumps no?

Oct 30 05 08:17 pm Link

Model

Zab

Posts: 273

Ellenton, Florida, US

SarahChristine wrote:
Why won't these ingrown hairs or little red bumps go away! I've tried everything recommended: PFB Vanish, Tendskin, Benzyl Peroxide wash, aloe+Bikini Zone. And yes a dermatologist. She hasn't helped.
Feel like crying.sad

Could it be the WAY in which you are shaving the area (try downwards instead of upwards)?
I use Bikini Zone and have no problems with red bumps anymore.

You might want to let your skin soak in a warm bath for about 10 mins. before shaving. It tends to ease the red bump skin reaction (for legs AND the nether regions).

Oct 30 05 08:17 pm Link

Photographer

RobHowardStudios

Posts: 555

Mount Pleasant, Michigan, US

I have really sensitive skin. I have to pluck to keep away ingrown hairs, bumps, and stubble.

All else failed for me... Good tweezers and a lot of time...

Oct 30 05 08:42 pm Link

Model

SarahChristine

Posts: 103

Mountain View, Arkansas, US

Thanks for your suggestions all. Something has to work it's about time.

Oct 30 05 08:47 pm Link

Photographer

area291

Posts: 2525

Calabasas, California, US

Stick deodorant after shaving.  Notice there are no bumps under your arms.

Oct 30 05 09:28 pm Link

Model

Clara Turk

Posts: 70

Dayton, Alabama, US

I had a very big problem with shaving and waxing. I have very dark hair and very sensitive skin. It was so bad (hideous and painful) that I eventually invested in laser hair removal. Now I never have to shave my bikini area ever again. If you've had problems that with bumps and ingrown hairs that are so bad that they leave scars, and you have tried everything you can, I recommend looking into laser hair removal. The one exception is that you must have dark hair for it to work.

Oct 30 05 09:29 pm Link

Photographer

Gary Davis

Posts: 1829

San Diego, California, US

Zabrena wrote:
Could it be the WAY in which you are shaving the area (try downwards instead of upwards)?


You might want to let your skin soak in a warm bath for about 10 mins. before shaving. It tends to ease the red bump skin reaction (for legs AND the nether regions).

Exactly what I was going to say.  Shave in the direction the hair grows (which is usually down, unless you shave standing on your head smile)  And I've also heard that soaking in warm water helps, though I haven't tried it myself...

You also might want to look into the Body Bare electric razor.  You might think an electric razor is the last thing you want on a sensitive area but I was amazed by how well this thing works (oops, I hope that wasn't more information than you wanted to know.. tongue)

http://www.shavesmooth.com/details.htm

Make sure you read the information on how to use it.

Oct 30 05 09:39 pm Link

Model

Clara Turk

Posts: 70

Dayton, Alabama, US

Magdalenka wrote:
I am too scared to do waxing and since I am using "bikini zone" anti bumbs gel I am a happy girl. I am surprised it doesn't work for you?
Have you really tried waxing? that shouldn't make you bumps no?

Bikini Zone doesnt work for a lot of people. It burned my skin when I used it because my skin is so sensitive. I also tried using Tendskin, hydrocortisone, and prescription topical medications like steriod creams and others. None of them worked for me.
Waxing also caused severe ingrown hairs that left scars that lasted for about 5-6 months. And Nair gave me a bad chemical burn. I was all scabbed up on my legs for about a month because I didn't do the patch test.

Oct 30 05 09:42 pm Link

Model

ModelPrincess

Posts: 374

Linthicum, Maryland, US

Another tip, if you do stick to shaving is, shave with conditioner. And the other girls are right about shaving the was the hair grows. My best friend shaves dry, now that will not work for me, but everyone is different.

Oct 31 05 07:51 am Link

Model

DawnElizabeth

Posts: 3907

Madison, Mississippi, US

I have found that the coarser the hair, the more problems with ingrown hairs and red bumps. Try shaving in the shower. My routine is to wash my hair and body. Rinse. Put conditioner in my hair and while that is setting, I shave with just water and a NEW/CLEAN razor. Sometimes if you let your razor get dull after about 3 uses, you have to press harder to get the hair out and that irritates your skin. Also, when you come out of the shower, use cocoa butter or shae butter with aloe on your skin. It helps to smooth the skin and lessen the irritation.

For me anyway, cause "My I can be a hairy gal"......

Oct 31 05 07:56 am Link

Model

Sascha

Posts: 2217

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Clara Turk wrote:
I had a very big problem with shaving and waxing. I have very dark hair and very sensitive skin. It was so bad (hideous and painful) that I eventually invested in laser hair removal. Now I never have to shave my bikini area ever again. If you've had problems that with bumps and ingrown hairs that are so bad that they leave scars, and you have tried everything you can, I recommend looking into laser hair removal. The one exception is that you must have dark hair for it to work.

that is exactly the next step I am thinking of taking!

Nov 01 05 02:56 am Link

Model

Lydia

Posts: 897

Tempe, Arizona, US

Clara Turk wrote:
I had a very big problem with shaving and waxing. I have very dark hair and very sensitive skin. It was so bad (hideous and painful) that I eventually invested in laser hair removal. Now I never have to shave my bikini area ever again. If you've had problems that with bumps and ingrown hairs that are so bad that they leave scars, and you have tried everything you can, I recommend looking into laser hair removal. The one exception is that you must have dark hair for it to work.

Sascha wrote:
that is exactly the next step I am thinking of taking!

I'm doing it and I love it! so smooth now!

Nov 01 05 03:03 am Link

Model

theda

Posts: 21719

New York, New York, US

Clara Turk wrote:
I had a very big problem with shaving and waxing. I have very dark hair and very sensitive skin. It was so bad (hideous and painful) that I eventually invested in laser hair removal. Now I never have to shave my bikini area ever again. If you've had problems that with bumps and ingrown hairs that are so bad that they leave scars, and you have tried everything you can, I recommend looking into laser hair removal. The one exception is that you must have dark hair for it to work.

So do I, but I haven't had too much trouble with ingrown hair.  I just can't shave too frequently.  It's a weird Eastern European thing.  My breother had some laser work done and it was pretty ineffective.

Nov 01 05 08:54 am Link

Model

Tina Ginger

Posts: 445

Magnolia, Arkansas, US

I think the problem is you have to use good razors and good lubrication.I shave "downstairs" everyday and never get those bumps.I use a liquid peppermint soap and I think it helps alot.Its called Dr Bronners hemp.Its good stuff.Shaving is much better in my book since you have to let the hair grow back out to wax & who wants to do that?

Nov 01 05 09:00 am Link

Model

Tina Ginger

Posts: 445

Magnolia, Arkansas, US

Clara Turk wrote:
I had a very big problem with shaving and waxing. I have very dark hair and very sensitive skin. It was so bad (hideous and painful) that I eventually invested in laser hair removal. Now I never have to shave my bikini area ever again. If you've had problems that with bumps and ingrown hairs that are so bad that they leave scars, and you have tried everything you can, I recommend looking into laser hair removal. The one exception is that you must have dark hair for it to work.

Darn I guess Im out since Im so blonde!!

Nov 01 05 09:03 am Link

Photographer

The Don Mon

Posts: 3315

Ocala, Florida, US

i dont have this problem why am i reading it....?....lol

Nov 01 05 09:06 am Link

Model

Tina Ginger

Posts: 445

Magnolia, Arkansas, US

The Don Mon wrote:
i dont have this problem why am i reading it....?....lol

haha omg!!

Nov 01 05 09:09 am Link

Model

Clara Turk

Posts: 70

Dayton, Alabama, US

theda wrote:

So do I, but I haven't had too much trouble with ingrown hair.  I just can't shave too frequently.  It's a weird Eastern European thing.  My breother had some laser work done and it was pretty ineffective.

Some people have found it to be no help. Sometimes all the hair gets removed and sometimes it doesn't. But if the hair hasn't been removed totally, it should be at least minimized. Otherwise, there are two problems. Your hair is not thick/course and dark enough (there needs to be a strong contrast between your hair and skin) or the laser specialist isn't doing a good job. Also, with my bikini line I only had to have 3 sessions of treatment, but some people need to have 6.

Nov 01 05 01:37 pm Link

Model

SarahChristine

Posts: 103

Mountain View, Arkansas, US

So shaving in the direction of hair growth is down? I thought it was up since hair grows up out of the skin...that doesn't sound smart:P
anyway I'm not sure so I always both in the supposed direction than opposite. Still having problems.
Maybe waxing is aggravating it too so I guess I'll just have to save up for laser-or  get a great-paying modeling job soon.
But what does bikini laserhair removal involve? Besides just the bikini line does it include the actual privates and nethers? Can they remove ingrowns?
Uh...I didn't want to ask it that way but I need to know so I can feel more comfortable and confident down there.
Gosh this is not comfortable to talk about-private emails to me welcome!

Nov 03 05 07:26 pm Link

Photographer

Glamour Boulevard

Posts: 8628

Sacramento, California, US

DawnElizabeth Moderator wrote:
Sometimes if you let your razor get dull after about 3 uses, you have to press harder
For me anyway, cause "My I can be a hairy gal"......

-doubling over- be CAREFUL! sheesh, you`ll cut yo,,,,,you your,,,,,your SELF!

Nov 03 05 07:30 pm Link

Model

Doxa

Posts: 8

Boston, Georgia, US

theda wrote:

So do I, but I haven't had too much trouble with ingrown hair.  I just can't shave too frequently.  It's a weird Eastern European thing.  My breother had some laser work done and it was pretty ineffective.

Hee hee what are you shaving? You are one hairy gal from what I saw on your site :grin:

Nov 03 05 07:52 pm Link

Photographer

Glamour Boulevard

Posts: 8628

Sacramento, California, US

Doxa wrote:

Hee hee what are you shaving? You are one hairy gal from what I saw on your site :grin:

There goes Thedas website hit meter! Hear it spinnin?!

Nov 03 05 08:02 pm Link

Model

ModelPrincess

Posts: 374

Linthicum, Maryland, US

area291 wrote:
Stick deodorant after shaving.  Notice there are no bumps under your arms.

I'm gonna guess you're a guy. Underarms, are way less sensitive than the bikini area! That's why razor bumps are less. They do exist however, even there for some people!

Nov 03 05 08:11 pm Link

Model

ModelPrincess

Posts: 374

Linthicum, Maryland, US

Tina Ginger wrote:
I think the problem is you have to use good razors and good lubrication.I shave "downstairs" everyday and never get those bumps.I use a liquid peppermint soap and I think it helps alot.Its called Dr Bronners hemp.Its good stuff.Shaving is much better in my book since you have to let the hair grow back out to wax & who wants to do that?

I've found that shaving everyday helps a lot! There are still days where it's red, I lotion up right after and let the area dry before you put anything on. Clothes rubbing against the area right after shaving can make the "situation" worse!

Nov 03 05 08:15 pm Link

Model

Doxa

Posts: 8

Boston, Georgia, US

Glamour Boulevard wrote:

There goes Thedas website hit meter! Hear it spinnin?!

Let it spin let it spin...hopefully the meter wont get all tangled smile)

Nov 03 05 08:24 pm Link

Photographer

area291

Posts: 2525

Calabasas, California, US

ModelPrincess wrote:

I'm gonna guess you're a guy. Underarms, are way less sensitive than the bikini area! That's why razor bumps are less. They do exist however, even there for some people!

I'm not sure of the brand, it might be Dove.  This came up on another forum and after those followed that advice given by a model the many confirmations that followed were supportive that it worked.

Nov 03 05 08:28 pm Link

Model

ModelPrincess

Posts: 374

Linthicum, Maryland, US

You know, I will try it, I guess it's surprising what thing will work in certain situations. Sorry to treat you like a guy, will you forgive me?

Nov 03 05 09:24 pm Link

Model

theda

Posts: 21719

New York, New York, US

ModelPrincess wrote:

I'm gonna guess you're a guy. Underarms, are way less sensitive than the bikini area! That's why razor bumps are less. They do exist however, even there for some people!

Nope. He's right.  Applying deodorant to the area immediately after shaving closes the pores and helps prevent ingrown hairs.  It's an old stripper trick.

Nov 03 05 11:47 pm Link

Photographer

photosbydmp

Posts: 3808

Shepparton-Mooroopna, Victoria, Australia

decided to sport a beard, shaving after a night on m/m, and the turps, just don"t work for me now.

Nov 03 05 11:52 pm Link

Model

Stormy1

Posts: 188

Lombard, Illinois, US

SarahChristine wrote:
Why won't these ingrown hairs or little red bumps go away! I've tried everything recommended: PFB Vanish, Tendskin, Benzyl Peroxide wash, aloe+Bikini Zone. And yes a dermatologist. She hasn't helped.
Feel like crying.sad

I totally have the same problem

Nov 04 05 12:44 am Link

Model

ruby_marquis

Posts: 32

Elk Grove, California, US

I must second (or at this point, third) the deodorant trick. I go with a good conditioner instead of shaving foam followed by the unscented roll-on stuff. Have never looked back. tongue

Nov 04 05 09:25 am Link

Model

Daphne Adair

Posts: 332

Melbourne, Arkansas, US

Clara Turk wrote:
I had a very big problem with shaving and waxing. I have very dark hair and very sensitive skin. It was so bad (hideous and painful) that I eventually invested in laser hair removal. Now I never have to shave my bikini area ever again. If you've had problems that with bumps and ingrown hairs that are so bad that they leave scars, and you have tried everything you can, I recommend looking into laser hair removal. The one exception is that you must have dark hair for it to work.

I am interested in getting the laser treatment done. If you don't mind, can you share how much you paid for your sessions? Thanks
Jena

Nov 04 05 02:42 pm Link

Photographer

Mann Made Imagery

Posts: 5281

Lubbock, Texas, US

I don't shave but I do wax! and yeah... bumps happen sometimes.  I like to use a nice minerla oil after, it seems to sooth my skin very nicely you should try it! and i'll try that deodorant thing! ^_^

Nov 04 05 02:46 pm Link

Model

kylie2night

Posts: 13

Denver, Colorado, US

All of us are different so what works for me ,may not work for you but your asking so i'm telling.
#1 most important thing is a good razor ( I use the gillette M3 power for men)
I have tried them all and this is the best.
After you shave rinse the razor real good in hot water and store in a dry place (do not leave it in the shower) warm, moist place (shower)  is ideal home for bacteria.
I have to shave every day so I change my cartridge every 1-2 days

#2 use LOTS of water along with shave gel ( I use edge advanced mens gel)
and like some other people said the direction you shave is a factor.
This works great for me and I have very sensitive skin I don't ever get any ingrown hairs or red bumps.

Nov 06 05 05:36 pm Link

Photographer

cookie monster

Posts: 132

Alamo Heights, Texas, US

I hope some of this advice will apply to hairy backs. I am to scared to wax or shave my groin region, but my girlfriend wants me to try it. I might just have to dump her over the issue.

Nov 08 05 08:03 am Link

Photographer

nonoco

Posts: 1

Scottsdale, Arizona, US

Two things you can do to eliminate the ingrowns:

1) Use a loofah pad on the affected area when in the shower or bath. This helps!

2) Use a product called FOLLIQUE http://www.follique.com/ . This works!

Nov 08 05 09:49 pm Link

Model

SarahChristine

Posts: 103

Mountain View, Arkansas, US

Thanks for your suggestions everyone. Now hoping for a miracle.

Nov 08 05 09:54 pm Link