Stubble can wreck your smooth skin flow. Check out our hair stories and take stock of your fuzz-busting options.
Smooth Move: Bikini Wax
“I tried a bikini wax a few years ago on a whim. I had been given a gift certificate and decided to spring for a “partial Brazilian.” Little did I know how incredibly smooth my skin would feel. Today it’s still my best-kept secret: It’s kind of like pretty underwear-no one else knows about it, well, except for hubby.
After a few bikini-waxing sessions, I did notice some hyperpigmentation-darkened areas on the skin that appeared after the hair was removed. Don’t trip if this happens; mine disappeared in about 24 hours.” -Mikki Taylor, Beauty & Cover Director.
GiGi Brazilian Bikini Wax Microwave Formula Hair Removal System (wax only), $30 for the kit, sallybeauty.com.
Smooth Move: Laser Hair Removal
“Thank God for laser hair removal. Now I’m free of ingrowns and irritation. I’m lucky enough to be under the care of Washington, D.C., dermatologist Eliot F. Battle, Jr., one of the pioneers in developing lasers that are safe for us (visit culturamed.com for more information). He advises women of color to ask about the Nd: YAG or Long Pulse Diode lasers, the best, he believes, for our skin. For the bikini area, you’ll need a minimum of six treatments. Costs approximately $250 per treatment.
Don’t let just anyone perform this service. Make sure the facility has a successful record with lasers on people of color.” -Pamela Edwards, Beauty Editor.
Pass on shaving altogether with Nair Hair Remover Lotion for Body, $6, drugstores nationwide.
Skip the shaving cream with Schick Intuition Plus, $9, available at drugstores nationwide.
Get a smoother shave with Gillette Satin Care Shave Gel for Women, Sensitive Skin, $3, drugstores nationwide.
Smooth Move: Hair Removal Creams
No for time-consuming beauty treatments. We recommend Nair Moisturizing Bikini Cream ($5, drugstores nationwide) for the bikini area. It only takes 20 minutes and can be applied in the shower. No fuss, no bumps, no itching.
Smooth Move: Threading
Shaving and waxing can torment the skin. Threading-a method of hair removal in which the hair is twisted and pulled out in small rows-has little to no irritation to the skin or discoloration.
Hair it goes! Here’s to smooth legs.