Anybody here ever get 'waxed'? (body hair removal)

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deadken

Diamond Member
Aug 8, 2004
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I'm a pretty average 46 Y.O. Male (5' 11", 180lbs). Not a overly hairy guy, but I certainly have chest hair. Occasionally, I'll manscape (trim around my junk). Sorry, no matter how many times I re-phrased it, that is the least ridiculous I could get the previous sentence to sound.

I do have two patches of hair on my back and behind my biceps. The spots on my back are kinda directly behind where my nipples are, but a bit more towards the outside. I don't know why, but those 4 spots of hair are beginning to bother me. So, I'm wondering about getting waxed. Frankly, I have no idea what is involved so, of course, the internet seems a fine place to ask. I've seen the 40 year old virgin and I'll expect it to be that kind of experience (again, I'm NOT that hairy).

My main questions are:
1) If you've been waxed, what are the downsides?
2) How long does it last? (how long before the hair grows back)
3) Is there anyone here who used to wax, but then decided to get laser treatment? Please tell me about it.
4) Does the hair grow back thicker or in any way worse than before? IOW: If I hate doing it, will I regret having it done once?
5) Where do you go to get a wax? I'm not talking Brazilian, but I'm wondering if this is a DIY project or best left to the professionals. Do most hair salons / spa settings do this?
6) I've noticed that people who have a tattoo, rarely have just one. I'm wondering if once you wax one or two spots, you end up not being satisfied and wanting more areas done. Is that a real concern?
7) Typical price range? I don't know if this is a $25 or $250 type of thing. Certainly, I could understand why removing hair off of a strangers body could entitle a person to a reasonable amount of compensation, then of course there is the need for materials and a private setting. I'm guessing I'm in for around $100 a treatment and I'll need to go twice a year. Does that sound right?

I assume that mostly men come to this forum. I assume that most men don't get waxed. But, I figure I'd ask here first anyway. Thanks in advance for any helpful information. Thanks in advance for any funny and well constructed humorous replies.
 

Zivic

Diamond Member
Nov 25, 2002
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Get laser hair removal. I have had it done and it is worth the money. I have had 5 treatments on my back, and 4 on my chest over the course of the last 7 months. very happy with the results.

it is a long process (multiple treatments over months) and you need to shave before going in. Other than that, it isn't very painful, and it is semi permanent.

and a lot of guys get waxed. Just not something most would talk about. personally, I would nair the areas before I waxed them.

I have looked into waxing, it is about the same price as the laser treatments I get. $50 for back or chest/abdomen, and $10-20 for smaller areas like the back of your arms. For 100 bucks, I get my chest/back/abdomen/shoulders lasered and she will spot treat on my arms
 

deadken

Diamond Member
Aug 8, 2004
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Thanks for the reply. I read it right away, but figured that I'd wait and see if someone else chimed in.

I guess I'll ask:
1) Any laser places better than others? IOW: Just grab someone out of the Yellow Pages, or should this be researched more?
2) Can you elaborate a bit on 'semi-permanent'? Is this a 6 month thing, or maybe a 6 year thing?
3) Is the 'bulk rate' pricing typical? I'm only thinking about those few small spots, but depending on your responses to questions 1 & 2, perhaps I should consider more.
4) Is it possible to do laser on your face / neck? Not having to shave would be pretty awesome!
 

Zivic

Diamond Member
Nov 25, 2002
3,505
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Thanks for the reply. I read it right away, but figured that I'd wait and see if someone else chimed in.

I guess I'll ask:
1) Any laser places better than others? IOW: Just grab someone out of the Yellow Pages, or should this be researched more?

I found my place via a groupon. I would assume most are using the same lasers. ask around a gym for word of mouth in your area.

2) Can you elaborate a bit on 'semi-permanent'? Is this a 6 month thing, or maybe a 6 year thing?
Not sure if this is 100% correct, but your body hair grows in cycles. not all follicles are active at the same time. Your body will continue to grow/develop new follicles as you age. the ones you have treated should stay inactive, but new ones will develop after treatment. the girl that does mine says she has some clients come back 1 time a year for touchups, while others don't come back for multiple yrs

3) Is the 'bulk rate' pricing typical? I'm only thinking about those few small spots, but depending on your responses to questions 1 & 2, perhaps I should consider more.

I would guess every market is different in terms of pricing. that is just the pricing I had when I had mine done

4) Is it possible to do laser on your face / neck? Not having to shave would be pretty awesome!

You can do laser anywhere. They will get into your neck area when/if you do your chest. The neck definitely doesn't tickle.

the only drawback to the treatment is the fact you have to shave prior to going in. it isn't painful enough to be an issue and costs about the same as waxing.
 

deadken

Diamond Member
Aug 8, 2004
3,196
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Thanks for the information. I had assumed that waxing would last longer. I guess I'm gonna look more into laser or just live with it.
 

Ventanni

Golden Member
Jul 25, 2011
1,432
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I've waxed my back and my chest after a fair amount of alcohol. I'm one of those "lucky" ones with hair everywhere but the top of my head, so I wanted to be hairless for vacation lol. Oh man...

The back wasn't so bad to wax. Painful, but doable. The chest, however, was unbelievably painful. My friend and I waxed an "N" on my chest and took a picture. I was so white from the pain but it was worth the picture. The next swipe after though and I was in tears for over a half hour. It was like everything came out the pain was so insane. Of course I look back and laugh, but at the time it was definitely one way to open the flood gates. Then I got smart and took some tylenol, which takes the edge off way more than alcohol does.

The hair was gone for about 3-4 weeks, and not something I'd ever do again. Not worth the pain. My hair is probably thicker than yours though, so your results my vary. If you can afford laser hair removal though, I'd recommend going that route.
 

CPA

Elite Member
Nov 19, 2001
30,322
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I used to use Nair for Men. Just be careful not to get it on your nips or lower region. it will burn.
 

Nebor

Lifer
Jun 24, 2003
29,582
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I get it done fairly regularly. I've tried doing myself and it's just not worth the time & pain. A professional gets it done faster for not much money (around $50.) I really don't think the pain is that bad, though I'm not that hairy. The belly area is the most painful for me.
 

smackababy

Lifer
Oct 30, 2008
27,024
79
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I've always wanted laser hair removal, but I haven't found any information on getting the naughty bits done. I am not hairy at all, but I would prefer not to have to shave certain areas as often as I do.
 

Jeffg010

Diamond Member
Feb 22, 2008
3,435
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My wife had electrolysis done. She needs maybe one or 2 more treatments and she will be done in private area. She then wants to get her legs and arm pits done. Electrolysis is cheaper then laser and from what I read is more permanent hair removal. When using laser it depends on your hair type. Darker hair is better with laser then light color. You have to make sure the person who is running the laser knows WTF they are doing. They can burn the skin and if they don't have the right frequency for your hair type it won't kill the hair very well.
 
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