Gigi Microwaveable Brazilian Bikini Hard Wax

Suffice it to say that I am painfully aware of the horrors of at-home waxing.

I've been at this for a few years. I've had $70 professional waxes at the spa, $35 waxes at the nail / wax / massage salon, and yes, d.i.y.

I can tell ya, shell out the $70 and save yourself the trauma.

But if you wanna go the cheap route, or if you're too modest to put your knees to your chest and have some woman you just met wax your bum (while thinking... "she has a really shitty job"... ha ha) then, my friend, go for the GiGi hard wax.

My first at-home kit was the famous poetic waxing kit. It was so freaking annoying, because you can't microwave it. It comes in a metal jar, and you have to do a double-boiler thing like you're making freaking sabillon. The oil and cleanser it comes with is cool, though.

The cold formulas and cream formulas (hot or cold) are the worst. Seriously. I still have a glob of pink hot cream wax (from GiGi) on my blue sink from months ago, and several washings later, my bath mats are still sticky.

I also used a microwavable stripless hard wax kit from Nad's (the Naughty Nad's product). What a nightmare. That stuff sticks to your skin... but not your hair. And if you've ever used a wax that didn't grip your hair properly... you know I wanted to kill somebody. It yanks your hair.... but doesn't pull it out. And since it sticks to your skin... ouch!
I dunno what the neighbors were thinking after that.

The Gigi hard wax, though, was a dream to work with. It sets fast, grips the hair really, really well, and DOES NOT STICK TO SKIN!!!!

Well, In case you decide to try it, here are some tips:

• Go with a strip-free formula. These have just worked better for me.
• Start applying the wax on a section of hairless skin, and apply inward towards hairy skin. Haha. This makes it easier to grab the wax when you're going to peel it off.
• Work from the outer hairline in (duh).
  
• Remove hair in small, long strips where hair is thickest (if you catch my drift).
• I know it says pull in opposite direction to hair growth, but you'll find that even the pros pull the wax downward if you're removing "everything". How should I say this.... for the regular bikini line, go opposite to hair growth. To go full-on brazillian, start from the top and pull downwards, removing hair in long, thin strips. If you pull in the opposite direction to hair growth here, you will end up in the ER. Trust me.
• Firmly hold skin still while removing wax. Flexibily and dexterity would help here.
  
• Spring for the after-wax lotion or oil from the same brand. You'll need it. Apply liberally.
  
• As I'm sure it says on the label, wait 2 hours before showering. (This is when that after-wax lotion or oil comes in handy).
  
• If you forgot it, use a body oil. (I like Carol's daughter Rose and Jojoba body rub).
• Go to a pro first and just observe their methods before trying it at home.
  

Whether you choose to go pro or solo, get your softest, best-fitting seamless boyshorts out. You'll see.