Lip Waxing

OK i know you have a huge amount of responses.
My husband always gets samples of all kinds of things because he works at a resort. He has brought me razors, candies, and wax. I have been using the samples of the Veet prewaxed strips that come with a little oil towel to help sooth the area you wax and take of extra wax easily.
I like it so far.
I use it for the moustache and my eyebrows.
The only other wax I have used I really like is the one from Avon that one was really great.
Get their lotion for hair too...it helps to keep hair from growing back.

I wouldn't worry about the woman at the salon mentioning it, they like to just keep tacking on extras to rack up the bill. I do my own too with the Sally Hansen wax that you can get at Target. It's really easy, but it does take a couple of practice runs to get it all. Good luck!

I recently found a hair removal lotion by Avon and must say, it works wonders! Here's a link to the product on their website.

http://shop.avon.com/shop/product.aspx?department=&le...

Please just go to the salon and get a lip wax. Get it done fast and the "right" way without messing with messy do-it-yourself kits. Nair is a strong chemical, and I personally wouldn't put that on my skin. Waxing does hurt for a few seconds (the actual pulling off hair) then it's over.

I have black hair and my lip wax was visible in my early 20s. I wish it wasn't but it was. At least that lady was trying to help you by being honest.

My husband made a comment about it, then I asked a random cosmetic salesperson at an upscale NYC department store and she said, "I didn't want to say anything, but yes, it's pretty bad." So there! LOL. Be happy for the honesty. Not everyone is willing to spill the beans and risk making you feel bad.

I RARELY get painful red bumps. I now wax my eyebrows at a salon every 3 weeks because it grows so fast (I'm 40) and I shave my lip in between, but sometimes get both lip and eyebrow done.

Yes, it's pricey (at a salon) but get rid of the blonde mustache. Because up close (conversation close) people CAN see it.

Or you can just shave it every other day.

I wax my bikini only during the summer. I just shave my legs and underarms.

I had the same thing happen and let the woman wax it there on the spot. The next day, I broke out in tiny pimples all over my lip. I called the salon, and she said that was normal for people with sensitive skin. Other people told me to try a different place. I waited years before I did it again and the same thing happened. In the meantime, I tried a home depilatory. That's what I would recommend. It's cheap and painless and easy to do yourself. (I've tried home waxing on other areas with a wide range of results, depending on the temperature in my house at different times of year--hard to get the consistency of wax right.) The product doesn't smell great under your nose but it doesn't take long. Obviously it grows back faster than waxing, but it's worth considering. Good luck.

Hi K.
Sophie A and T A make a key point here - Nail/Wax salons are awful about trying to guilt you into unneccesary treatments. Of course, I don't know you, and maybe your your blond upper lip is actually noticiable, but I sincerely doubt it. Chances are, she's just trying to make money off you.
Last year I went to a new place for a bikini and underarm wax and the lady asked me if I wanted to do my upper lip. I have NEVER had a mustache; in fact, i have fine hair in most places where people have thicker hair! My upper lip has a very faint amount of blond fuzz totalling an area of about 1/3 of my upper lip (towards the outer edges only). I politely declined her 'offer' and over the next few weeks I asked several, TRUSTED people (including my hairdresser and other salon personnel as well as family and friends) and they ALL said 'uh...what is she talking about'?
Same thing goes for pedi - they ALWAYS try to get me to do '$5 extra' because my feet are a little bit rougher than some. I've noticed that they do it to everyone around me getting pedis, as well. But I just say 'no thank you, just the regular pedi please'. And yes, they always turn to their collegues and gossip about me behind my back in vietnamese (because unlike the mustache situation, I do actually have dry, rough skin on my heels). But the bottom line is, they are just out to make money.
Honestly, I almost never go to the salon anymore (one can do pedis and waxing at home!) because I am sick of the gossip factor and the pressure to obtain unwanted services. It's like that almost everywhere I've ever been, except for upscale places like day spas, etc.
If you do decide to get the wax though, I would get it done a week or so before your event, just incase there is any redness that ensues.
I hope this helps. Good luck!

My experience with lip waxing was that it looked even more ridiculous as it grew back in! I would personally forgo waxing (and definately don't shave! I'm amazed that works for one mama). If your skin gets any color in the summer, I bet it is barely noticable, even if you don't bother to bleach.

If you're really self concious about it, I'd go to a professional first and pay close attention to how they do it so you can replicate their technique at home.

Good luck, I'm sure you look beautiful!

Hi K.,

What ever happened to "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all!" Personally, I hate when "beauticians" try to give me advice that is unsolicited. I highly believe in the beauty of an individual, and whoever cannot see that unique beauty must have partial blindness. Look at Frida Kahlo, in my opinion she was/is very beautiful. Yet she said "to hell with convention (and the beauty standard)!" and showed off her natural upper lip hair. But I can understand wanting it gone, since I do it mysef! I became tired of tedious plucking when I decided to try waxing. I've had several bad waxing experiences. The "beauticians" applied the wax too hot and it literally burned and ripped off a top layer of skin. I was going to a party later that night and the whole night people kept telling me I had smeared my lipstick. I would say "no, that's my raw flesh." I had another inident, similar but not as bad, when I decided to do it on my own. You can buy a small jar of wax that you heat in the microwave, apply it with a wooden coffee stirer or popsicle stick, and peel it up once it dries and hardens. Just follow the directions on the container closely. make sure you test a spot on your hand first. I only do my upper lip this way, not the eyebrows. I took off too much, and just couldn't get the hang of it (i think laying down and having someone else do it works best.) But nowadays my preferred method of facial hair removal "threading" it's a fascinating technique that mainly middle eastern women know how to do. It doesn't hurt your the surface skin. Locally I've gone to a salon I believe it's called Yasmin's on San Fernando Rd near the Mall in Burbank. I've gone to a few places in Cerritos too. Good luck to you!

Dear K.:

I'd like to mention something that hasn't come up yet. In our family, we can't wax because the hair on our face is too fine and when it grows back, it makes terrible, itchy, red ingrown bumps. We all MUST bleach and the only other alternative is laser (which I cannot afford!). Consider the texture of your hair when you make this decision. Just a little heads up...

Best wishes,

M.

Waxing can stimulate the hair folicle and actually make your mustache grow in thicker, darker, and stronger.

If you're still interested in waxing, it's VERY easy. Either Walgreen's or CVS sells a great wax called "Surgi Wax." Pop it into the microwave and you're off. After waxing, use olive oil to remove any excess, then wash with warm water and gentle soap.

Laser hair removal has become pretty affordable. It'll cost roughly the same as waxing in a salon, but it'll last a lot longer.

Pre-waxed strips work great for me.

Used an alcohol-dipped cotton swab to gently cleanse the hair after you have washed your face. Try not to touch your skin.

The faster you pull of the strip the less it will hurt.

Better to wax than to bleach. No chemicals on your skin :)

How do YOU feel? If its is something that bothers you then look into it. EVERY time I go to get my nails done they try to get you to do anything else. They are running a business. Of course they want to get you hooked so you will keep coming back. If they really made you feel uncomfortable I would say something to the owner. Its ok for them to offer something but once you declines they should respect your wishes not make you feel self conscious. Chances are no one really notices it. Ask a close trusted friend or family member for their honest objective opinion. Good luck. Dont change yourself because others tell you to. Do it for you!

I know you have received lots of advice...... here is my input. I stared bleaching my lip when I was 13 years old. (I am now 39). I was so afraid to try waxing because I had heard the hair grows back thicker, etc.... I started waxing about 15 years ago and it is so easy. I do it myself. I only have to do it about once a month and it is not messy at all.
I get my wax from a beauty supply store and the strips too. I have a wax warmer.
I would try getting it waxed in a salon the first few times and then trying it yourself.
I think any hair on the upper lip is noticeable- even blonde.

Good Luck

Ok, so it sucks to have that kind of thing pointed out...but I'm in your same boat. I take meds that have caused me to have a fine hair on my face & upper lip, which I tried bleaching, but it is still noticeable. I have tried waxing, but I have been burned or it has caused me to break out with tiny little red bumps that are irritating. I switched over to "threading" which is a middle eastern hair removal technique that works great! It is kinda painful the first couple of times (until you get used to it) but I find that it lasts longer with better results. It costs about the same as threading and is becoming more popular so it is easier to find someone who does it. If you are near LaVerne I have a great reference if you are interested in trying it. I pay $15 for my eyebrows & lip plus tip. Good Luck!

if you can google hair threading in your area. It is less painfull not as , plus you don't get swollen or red after. They basically use thread like scissors and can do any where on your face.
Good luck.

well there are some waxing kits by Sally Hansen. but let me speak to you from the voice of experience, waxing the hair above your lip hurts ALOT. i simply shave mine now because i can't stand the pain. of course it grows back within a week, but i don't mind the inconvenience, as compared to the pain.

I would definitely go to a salon. At home kits could cause burns. "Threading" is another alternative and laser hair removal is supposedly permanent.

Hi, K.,

My mother-in-law is naturally blond and has a blond moustache and a blond beard. She does not try to remove them. Blond facial hair is not always invisible. It's just harder to see than dark facial hair.

I tried three rounds of laser hair removal on my upper lip several years ago. Hair is still growing in. The office that did it told me that all the hair might disappear after three rounds, but I think that I probably needed at least five rounds. I might go back some day.

However, I'm pretty happy with my home waxing treatment. I use Moujan's wax strips. They're easy, fast, not messy, and leave one's skin feeling smoother for longer than shaving will because they pull the whole hair strand out. Doing it yourself is cheaper than letting a salon do it. I have never found it painful. Just make sure that you follow the directions, esp. the one about pulling away from the direction of hair growth. That will help prevent you from developing ingrown hairs, which cause bumps to form. (That might be what some of the other respondents are referring to.)

Sincerely,
Lynne E

I use gigi but you have to know how to pull your hair so it comes off easily. When i first started i took off a portion of my eyebrows and then i started leaving scabs near the crevice of my mouth. If you don't know what you are doing i suggest you go to a school of cosmetology school. Their prices are affordable. To get a face wax at a beauty school cost me $15. You can ask them questions and pay attention to how they pull the wax strip. Then when you are comfortable go out and buy one after doing research on what wax to use. There is so much out there to chose from. Don't be embarrassed about your hair cause their is someone else out there that has more hair than any woman should. And its me...i hope this helps...good luck with your experiences and findings...

Hi K.,
I have had it waxed at the salon and one quick whack and it is gone, but as well a good sting. I tried an at home kit that you plug in and place the individual sticks of wax in the unit to heat and then it is suppose to be clean and neat roll on wax, but ended up feeling like I was playing in honey. Then I couldn't get the goo off my lip. Eventually, I just left it there. Now recently, there is a store in the mall that threads, so I decided to try my eye brows and then threw in the mustache, well that hurt like hell!

As far as the lady at the salon, she was looking for it because they are slow and the economy is not so wonderful. I am sure she has hit everyone up she possibly could. In fact, I went in and checked off Pedi on the sign in sheet and then nonchalantly confirmed a Pedi and manicure.

If it is not an actual whisker, don't worry about it. Let the guys tease.

I have half a dozen in-laws who are hair stylists so I get my lip waxed about once a month. It's inexpensive and they have a lot of experience. If you're going to do it yourself, remember to wax that spot only ONCE at a time. Otherwise the wax could tear off your top layer of skin. best wishes!

I just wanted to let you know about threading, it is pain free and they can do your whole face as well or just lip.Good luck.

OMG!!! DO NOT DON'T NO WAY do it yourself!! especially if you've never done it. you could end up with burns or bruising or worse. the outcome will not be satisfactory and i PROMISE that you will regret it. it's not as easy as you might think. put too little wax on your skin and it won't work. put too much and it'll drip onto your lip and you'll never be able to tear it off...you'll have to spend an hour wiping it off with baby oil.

just go to a pro. it's not that expensive and the price you would pay to buy the supplies would be about the same.

I use Andrea's tweezerless Wax. It's easy and cheap. Let it sit for 20-30 seconds before you apply it so you don't burn yourself. It's the safest and easiest one I have found.

Hi K., I used to bleach my mustache, then I had it waxed, then a couple of years ago I decided to ----Shave it!!!! And I only have to do it once or twice a week - it does NOT grow in thicker, nor does it grow back darker or any of the things I'd been told over the years. It has never gotten prickly - Several of my friends have started shaving theirs and every single one is very happy - saving money and time and pain!!!! Have fun at your reunion!!

Check out facial nair. Really easy to use and completely removes the hair pain free.

you can use the hair removal cream/lotion home kit but it may take practice. If you leave it on too long it leaves a little red burnlike appearance, last no longer than a day. The other option is threading. I'm not a fan of waxing. Laser removal sounds like a good future investment.

Hi K.-
I have tried many hair removal products and have done the waxing thing. Last summer, I decided on laser hair removal for my bikini area. It sounds extreme, but it is SO WORTH IT! The reason is, it works and it is PERMANENT. You never have to deal with the hair again. It is more costly up front, but if you compare this cost to a recurring cost, the laser hair removal is cheaper BY FAR. I suggest looking at a medi-spa, or professional salon. Don't fuss around with these cheapy nail salons. Their methods are cheap because their products are cheap! I had a wax at a nail salon once and it was so painful- I swear I suffered burns. I understand your self-conscious feeling. The world sees your face and you want to feel good about it. Let us know what you decide. Good luck!

Okay, first of all don't worry about looking like a man at your high school reunion...one quick wax and the hair is gone!!
I have been waxing for years, eyebrows, lip, bikini.. too much of a baby to do my underarms though!
I would suggst, first time around, having the salon do it. Watch and feel how it's done. Yes, it stings. But the hair comes off clean, takes about 4 weeks to grow in and will grow in thinner. From what I understand continual waxing damages some of the follicles so not only does the hair come in "thin" unlike shaved "bristle" but it will actually thin out. After a while you get used to the sting and remember you only have to do it every 4-6 weeks. Please please don't start shaving..if you do the hair will grow in thicker and quicker and before you know it will be much more noticeable than it was before!!
Yes, you will have some redness but that generally goes away after 1/2 hour or so. Once you are ready to go solo there are plenty of good products out there. If you are just doing your lip you don't really need to mess around with melting the wax, Sally Hanson and Parrissa make great pre-waxed strips. Simply peel apart, like a bandaid, apply and pull. If you do get this done at a salon watch how they do it. They will put the wax strip on and will press it down in the direction of your hair growth and then, very quickly pull off the strip in the opposite direction of the hair growth (for example the strip by your lip will be pulled up not down..make sense?)
Good luck and have fun at the reunion...
PS i have had the threading done, once, and it hurt so much I had tears running down my cheeks. Not only did I find it hurt more it is not nearly as quick as waxing..so it was just not for me.. They say the threading damages the follicle even more (I am not sure why) and so the hair will grow in even thinner...but for me the pain wasn't worth it. If I were you, I'd start with the wax and then if you want to try it go for the threading. I have a feeling if yo thread first only half your lip will get done;)

Well, first of all good for you for not letting the lady at the salon push you into doing something you didn't really want to do - just because she wanted the extra few dollars don't make it right for her to try and coax you into doing something that was not your idea to begin with and, in the end, make you feel self-conscious. I'm sure it wasn't her intention to do so, but still! If you feel like bleaching is good enough for you, then that's all that matters! If you decide to start waxing, that's cool too, but be sure it's YOUR idea. As for home kits, that is what I use for my eyebrows (and have been using for years now), and I am always satisfied with the results. I use cold wax strips that you don't have to heat up in any way - you just peel a little strip that looks like scotch tape, apply, and yank it off real fast. They are called "Hair-off" or something like that. However, I'm sure that waxing your lip is very different from waxing your brows, so I can't tell you if they work well for that or not...
Best of luck to you!

It is not that expensive and they will do a better job. It will hurt less too.

Don't buy the drug store kind, go into a beauty supply and buy he microwavable bees was to be used with muslin fabric strips. This works the best and I agree with the lady in the salon waxing is so much better than bleaching. After years and years of waxing I did laser hair removal on many parts of my body and I am very satisfied with the results. GOOD LUCK!

Hi K.;
Depending where you live, you can get your lip, eyebrows ad even whole face threaded for a decent price (average is $10 for eyebrows, ranging to $25 for whole face in W.LA). I have sensitive skin and it only stays red for abut an hour afterwards. You may breakout, but it goes away the next day.
Good luck

I concur with the threading suggestions. It is inexpensive and not painful. It is sooo much better and they will take all the tiny hairs off your face giving you a more uniform look. They will do your eyebrows, too, and it looks so much better than waxing. I would recommend doing an at home facial mask the day you get threaded. All the little pores are exposed and it helps with break outs after. If you do happen to break out a little it goes away right away.
Good Luck!!

K., I don't see how blonde hair is going to be all that noticable. I am a natural blonde and i have never had my mustache waxed. My girls on the other hand have dar hair. My youngest daughter has her eyebrows and lip waxed ever two to three weeks and it looks great. my oldest daughter does not do the lip but she does have her eyebrows threaded. she likes the threading process better than waxing. she has never had bumps. the waxing cost about 10 - 15 dollars and the threading is about 7-10 dollars. i would not recommend doing it at home. do some research but don't let people pressure you. you could ask one of your girlfriends or all of them and see if it is something they recommend. Now that you bring it up, I'm asking mine today at the offic to see what they say.

You would be much better off to just let the professional do it. I go have my eyebrows and lip waxed every 3 weeks. It's no big deal.
I have tried a home kit and just ended up with scabs and not one hair removed.

Hi K.,
Sometimes I wax at the salon where I get my nails done and sometimes I use "Nair Facial Hair Remover" at home. Both work great for me. My hair does NOT grow in thicker after using either method. I also get the sides of my face waxed and use "Nair" there too. "Nair" doesnt hurt and only takes ten painless minutes to remove the hair and lasts pretty long...as a matter of fact, I am about to go do it in a few minutes. I will also add that my make-up goes on nice and smooth when I am hair-free. I am closing in on my 50th birthday and one day noticed a hair growing under my chin. I use "Nair" there too now, I don't want to even know this beard thing might happen to me!!! I used to get my legs waxed at the salon as well but it is too costly so I continue to shave those. Tried waxing my own legs and that was a disaster, waste of time and money! &&&& never EVER...EVER try a Brazillian wax at home!!! I won't go into detail...just trust me on this one! Good luck, C.

I think that you should do laser hare removal, its gone for ever. if its white or blond it wont work. Tell her A. sent you.
www.skinspecifics.com Anusha is the best.

Sounds like she's trying to make an extra buck. Times are tough. I'm sure you look beautiful just the way you are!!

well buying the kit are you going to be able to actually pull it off? i unfortuanly deal with the same issue only i do the worse thing and shave it because im too chicken to get it waxed lol... (yet i pay to wax my eyebrows lol). what i suggest is to have it done professionally once to see how it feels. if its something you think you can do at home then by a kit.

Hi K.-

First of all, I am sure you don't look like a man. I have been waxing my lip forever. It's just one of those annoying things.

Okay- the lip area is pretty sensitive. I personally would not do it myself. It should only be about 5 bucks I believe and you can tip like 2 bucks. Maybe not a that salon, but I think you can find one that doesn't charge much.

If you want to do it before your reunion, do it a week before because your lip could get a few little pimples. I usually get a little pimple or or 3 in that area. You may need time to heal.

Anyhow- I love how my lip looks and it should last a while.

GL!

Gigi makes a microwave wax that you dont' use fabric strips - basically, you warm the wax, apply it, let it harden and pull it off. You can purchase this at Sally's Beauty Supply for about $8 for a small jar, which will last a couple months.
Good luck!

I've never waxed my lip, but have waxed other body parts and would definitely use a salon at first. It's a sensitive area and you don't want to muck with it yourself (watch and learn!) Even after salon treatments-- I've seen the telltale red upper lip on gals. The good news is, it seems like waxing does make the hair come in lighter. And if people can notice it, and you're self concious.. do yourself a favor and get rid of it.

But you might look into the cost of permanent laser hair removal as an option

No no no waxing.

You can buy a little razor. I wouldn't call it a razor because it doesn't hurt like one. It is meant for lip and facial hair on woman. You can buy it at Bed bath and beyond. I forget the name, but it is called _________touch. It is an informercial item and is the best. You can use it for above your eye brows too. It is a small stick, has a little battery, and is the greatest invention ever! Let me know what you think. You would be silly not to get it.

plus you dont feel a thing!!!!! dont listen to that other person, trust me
thanks G.

Don't know about home kits-- but at the salon it usually is about $10 and I usually only have to do it every 6-8 weeks or sometimes longer. You do have a red spot for a while but it is really easy and quick and the redness goes away within an hour or two.

Good luck