De-furring my hairy bits... (Waxing - Hair Removal)

Member Name: karenuk

Product:	Waxing - Hair Removal
Date:	13/07/05 (9074 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Quick, easy, not too painful

Disadvantages: More expensive than disposable razors!

I think we’ve all seen those ‘wax virgin’ ads on TV? Well, that was me. I thought waxing would be too painful, especially as I have sensitive skin. But it’s the Summer and my poor legs are crying out for fresh air and freedom so, as British society demands women have only hairless legs on show, I had to do something to get rid of my unsightly dark leg hair.

I used to de-fur using Immac creams, but – let’s be honest – it’s a messy process and even all the new improved formulas stink! So I tried shaving and went through years of razor burn, bright red rashes and scary cuts. Although Gillette Venus helped alleviate the pain and harm, it still isn’t perfect.

So those convincing TV ads, a few friends recommending waxing and a free sample (URL below) from Veet convinced me to lose my status as a wax virgin. So how was it? Am I sitting here in agony? Read on…

The free sample comes in the middle of a pink booklet, so don’t throw it away as junk mail! There is a short Diary section, then instructions for use and the free samples along with some necessary information.

It is a generous sample of four wax strips in twos. You pull them apart to reveal the sticky wax inside. The strips are see-through with green wax coated down the middle. They are big enough to fit on the hairiest section of your legs, which is usually the front of the lower leg and I found it best to start with this section, because the wax is strongest on its first use and takes off most hairs.

The leaflet suggests your leg hair should be 2-5mm long, your skin needs to be clean and dry and you need to warm the strips before using them, just by rubbing them between your hands for 30 seconds. (Do this with the strips still stuck to each other or else you’ll lose palm skin instead of leg hair!)

You smooth the wax strip onto your hairy leg, hold your skin taut then pull the strip off quickly. I found this did hurt a bit – a kind of hot pain – but it didn’t last long and was much less painful than exfoliating (big ouch!) or cutting your leg with a razor!

Each strip can be used four times, although as the wax becomes covered with your hairs, it becomes less sticky so its effectiveness reduces. The four strips were just about enough to do both my legs, but I will have to shave off the odd ones I missed later on. I think the four will be enough though, once I have more practice!

I found the strips were very effective in the middle of my lower legs, but it was harder to remove the hairs from below my knees and above my ankles. I also found the strips didn’t stick as well on those areas, which aren’t as straight.

After you have finished waxing your legs, the leaflet tells you to wipe the skin with the moisturising wipe, which is enclosed in a small white sachet. The wipe is similar to a baby wipe, folded and slightly oily to the touch. This removes any bits of wax which are left (and as they’re green, believe me, you want them removed!) and makes your legs look soft and smooth.

The wipe was very good and enough for both legs, although it does feel a bit greasy afterwards. It helps ease the legs after the hair has been ripped out by the roots <grin> and I had very little pain or discomfort afterwards, even though my skin is not used to such torture!

Overall, I was very pleased with the Veet strips and waxing in general. My legs look great, are very nearly hair-free and I have no rashes, cuts or adverse reactions. While the idea of putting sticky hot wax on my legs has put me off, the ease of use and convenience of strips like this make it a much better idea.

I haven’t seen them in the shops yet, but the leaflet I received advertises boxes of Veet ready to use cold wax strips for short hair, sensitive skin and mini strips for facial hair and bikini line. An Ebay search has also found that these strips are available for men too!!

Each box of the strips for short hair contains twenty waxing strips and four moisturising wipes for £5.99, although they are currently available for £3.99 from Boots online and £3.59 on Ebay. I do wonder if only four of the moisturising strips would be enough though and if we want to, can we buy them separately or would another product suffice?

Anyway, I would definitely buy the Veet Waxing Strips to use on my legs. They can also be used on other parts of your body, but I am not sure if I might stick to shaving for those.

I was very impressed by this product and removing my leg hair this way was quick and easy. It wasn’t messy either. I waxed them while I was sat at the computer and didn’t need any water nor did I make any mess at all!

So am I a waxing convert? Probably. I will certainly buy these strips. But my opinion still hasn’t changed in some ways. I won’t be using the old hot wax method and you won’t see me in a salon with my bits out getting a Brazilian. Phew, bet that’s a relief! ;-)


Free samples available from http://www.veet.co.uk/offers.shtml

Summary: A great, quick way of getting rid of unwanted hair!