Hair Removal War Stories

How bad is a Brazilian, really? We polled real women about their most common hair removal tortures. And it turns out that pain lies in even the simplest defuzzing tactics - over 84 of women have had razor burn! Find out what hurt the worst, and how to avoid the same mistakes. Then quiz yourself to discover your best hair removal strategy.

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84 have had razor burn

It usually happens around the bikini area and thighs. Although skin sensitivity plays a factor, many admit to using a "dull blade" without "water or soap" in the worst cases. That's why it's so important to change blades often, use a soothing shaving lotion (like Gigi Brazilian Shave Gel, $6.95) and apply a toner. Try Kiehl's Simply Mahvelous Legs After-shave Lotion, $20.

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61 have had ingrown hairs

According to the ladies we polled, this problem seems to target the bikini area, and although it only happens "occasionally" for some, it's a chronic problem for others. ("My waxer tells me she feels sorry for me," said one.) Treat and prevent ingrown hairs by exfoliating the area before and after waxing and shaving, says Kerry Nicole, owner of Wax Poetic Salon in Burbank, Calif. Or use a product that thwarts ingrown hairs, like The Art of Shaving Ingrown Hair Night Cream, $30.

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42 have had raw skin, scabbing or extreme redness

Inexperienced technicians are the major culprit. "An aesthetician ripped my skin during a Brazilian," says one respondent. "I had trouble sitting for a week." Always get a referral when choosing a new wax technician and expect mild redness for a few hours after treatment. And don't even bother trying to cover redness if you own one of these 9 worst-rated concealers.

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26 have had wax burns

Although it's not as common, a quarter of those polled have been burned by too-hot wax. "I have a little scar under my brow thanks to a new waxer," says one. The only way to avoid injury? Find a salon that uses low-temperature wax, says Cindy Barshop, founder of Completely Bare Spa. Cirepil, Completely Bare, Aveda and Moujan are just a few salons that use low-temperature wax.

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23 have had a bad brow shaping

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but your brows are in the hands of your aesthetician. "Choose wisely," say polled women who have suffered botched brow jobs. "I went to a cheap-y place," explains one. "She took half of one brow off and it never grew back." Get a recommendation from someone with great brows, even if it means stopping a stranger on the street. And check out these bad celebrity eyebrow makeovers for solace.

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19 percent have had nicks, scrapes or deep cuts

"Slipping in the shower" is the cause of this occasional mishap. But when it happens, results are bloody: "The tub looked like that scene in 'Godfather 2,'" laments one member. Take your time when shaving and always use a clean blade. Stop bleeding in a flash with No Nix Astringent Styptic Pencil, $6.53.

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10 have had chemical depilatory burns or rashes

While those experiencing chemical burns acknowledge fault ("I left it on too long [and] it burned my skin and took weeks to heal," says one), many people have allergic reactions to depilatory creams, says Miami-based dermatologist Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd. "Always do a patch test."

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6 have had hair re-growth after laser hair removal

Only 16 percent of those polled had attempted laser hair removal (find out if you're a good candidate with this hair removal quiz), and a small percentage had found hair re-growth frustrating. "It lasted about six months," said one member. Another experienced a rare side effect: "hair growth where there was no hair before." Several factors, including hair color, texture and hormonal changes (such as menopause) can affect the success of laser treatments, says New York-based dermatologist Dr. Jody A. Levine. Always consult a doctor first: "I discourage anyone from laser whom I believe will not respond," she says.

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3 Products to try...

Here are some of the highest-rated hair removal products on TotalBeauty.com, guaranteed to make you a happy camper:

Bliss Ingrown Eliminator Peeling Pads, $38, pictured


Aveeno Ultra Calming Shave Gel, $4.15


The Body Shop For Men Shave Cream, $13.50

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