Hairy situation down there always scares me. I have always been self-conscious ever since I hit puberty and never really liked the appearance of a bushy "down there".
Not sure if y'all can relate, but I never want to be caught dead and be labeled unpleasant things, just like Cecilia Chung's infamous nude pictures (IF I ever had leaked nude photos *flips salt over left shoulder*). I personally find bushy pubic hair repelling, and I'd hate to always "do something about it" myself because I tend to not get it "shaped" nicely (because I'm not a pro hair stylist, you see).
There isn't much information on YouTube online, teaching you how to DIY trim/cut/shape your hair there. I found a few but honestly I didn't really find them helpful enough to get rid or reduce the hair there. I'm ashamed to admit that most of the time I end up getting myself careless cuts and the skin around the area starts to bleed (woe is me!!!). The most irritating part is I never ever enjoyed the process of DIY hair removal because (1) its messy (2) causes the drain to clog (3) I'm unskilled.
I decided that once and for all I'm taking the leap to reduce hair semi-permanently.
So naturally I signed myself up for a full 6 session with the hair removal expert, STRIP MALAYSIA.
I opted for the Strip's Powerpac 2.1 IPL, which is a proprietary technology offering advanced semi-permanent hair reduction with extra beautifying options. Aside from providing the most comfortable hair removal experience, I chose STRIP because of its high hygiene practices, its people, pre- and post-care, as well as value.
***
MYTH BUSTERS
1. IPL is a permanent hair removal treatment
Truth:
"Permanent hair removal" refers to any hair removal results that can last up to 2 years. So think of it as a semi-permanent hair reduction.
2. Unlimited IPL packages provide more value for money
Truth:
Sometimes less is more. An unlimited IPL package sounds too good to be true, but did you read the fine print when you signed up for the unlimited package? The interval between each session is 8 weeks for the first year. This means that you're required to go through a cycle of 6 sessions over a year. Now, do you really want to wait that long to see results?
For optimum results, book your IPL treatment every 6 weeks, and you'll notice the results in no time.
3. What's wrong with using electric shavers for IPL treatments?
Truth:
Hygience is the utmost importance and a communal electric shaver for all body parts increases the risk of bacteria and infections being transmitted from person to person.
4. My machine is better than your machine.
Truth:
Everybody is going to claim their machine is the best. The more important questions to ask are - Where are their machines from? Are they FDA approved?
5. Anyone can operate an IPL machine.
Truth:
At Strip, therapists are trained and certified at dedicated training school for 8 weeks before working on customers. Equipped with expert techniques, Strip therapists are able to provide the most comfortable and efficient hair removal experience.
6. Any trained therapist can operate a laser machine.
Truth:
Laser machines provide an intense focus energy, which is prone to causing burns. It should only be administered by a doctor.
***
Now that we have some things cleared, let's talk about my journey.
The Outlet
Mid Valley
Booking an appointment at Strip is pretty simple. Just like your regular beauty salon, appointments are necessary to ensure you have a reserved slot, to avoid disappointments.
It was fairly easy for me to book a session in Mid Valley on a Saturday morning (no jam, plenty of parking). Locating the shop in Mid Valley itself is a little challenging (I walked pass by and actually missed it!); it is located the highest retail floor, same row with Daiso's upper floor (Daiso has 2 floors in Mid Valley). You have take the escalator beside Connect Store heading one more floor up, then walk across the open bridge to the other side.
The view from outside
You don't have to wait long if you already have an appointment. Brazilian IPL treatment generally takes about ONE HOUR to complete thus you can ask your companion (if you brought one) to shop around while you get your fix.
The whole interior of the shop has a RAINFOREST feel to it. Earthy tones, wild animal miniatures and plushies... the whole theme was based on nature itself. (bushes = forest. geddit?!?)
There were tasteful signages on the walls and infographics to educate people on their mantra: Hygiene, Speed & Quality.
There are seven Strip outlets in Malaysia and you could also find them in Singapore, London, New York, Shanghai, Hong Kong, to Jakarta, Manila and Bangkok. In fact, their first outlet was curated in Singapore by founder Cynthia Chua in 2002, and have since "pruned" 3 million bushes..... and counting!
So be rest assured that you are in the hands of Waxperts!
The Treatment Room
Not long after checking in, I was brought into the treatment room, where there was a bed in the middle, covered with a few layers of soft purple towel. There was a fluorescent light hanging just above the bed, for better lighting I presume.
Just a quick tip, since the session will be about one hour long, it is better to go to the restroom and do whatever nature tells you to do before the IPL session begins.
As I lay down on the bed, I realized there was house music playing (which was good music choice IMHO) and it instantly calmed my wrecked nerves. I had already undressed my bottom half by this point, covering myself with the towel blanket given.
Hard wax and soft wax.
The IPL Experience
My therapist was a Bumiputera lady and she mentioned that she has been working at Strip for 4 years (that's considered new because some of her colleagues have been working there for 10 years!!!). I assume she's happy with her job because how often do you find employees staying with a company for more than 2 years?! I only can think Strip is treating their employees with utmost care and importance :)
She started off by using a non-alcohol wet tissue to clean the area. By this time I was already semi-trembling because HELLO, it's not easy displaying one's private part when it is being hidden inside for soooo.... long.
She then proceed to slap on ICE COLD ULTRASONIC GEL to give that numbing effect. When the gel touched the skin surface, it HURTS MY BRAINS (wtf) because the freezing ice cold feeling when up straight to my head. The gel has been kept inside the fridge and I felt a little brain dead.
Not long after, the gel was wiped off and came the shaving part. She sprinkled baby powder all over the area generously and even changed shavers twice (they prioritze hygience so shavers are immediately discarded once they become blunt). After all that shaving, the area now looks really neat - like a baby's. Literally.
Hair was collected and discarded.
***
Now comes the moment that I have been waiting for - the ZAPPING.
This time, the therapist put on her protective eye shades and handed me a pair too. She looked like a superspy with the thick frames on (I kid you not!). She asked me whether I wanted to play with my phone (I guess to make customers get distracted and feel at ease). I said yes and I felt SO - MUCH - CALMER.
(The scene looks like a spy carrying out her top secret mission and it was kinda cool, in my delusional head)
I was slapped on the ICE COLD ultrasonic gel once again and the machine was turned on and placed onto the treatment surface. The rubbing was done in circular motions, unlike my previous IPL experience at other salons where the machine only move in slow patting motion to cover all areas.
The zapping felt VERY WARM but with a non burning sensation. Certain hair follicles hurt like hell because of its thickness. So meaning if you have thick and heavily pigmented hair, brace yourself!!!
Credit: Head to Toe
The part that is highlighted in red in the dermis layer of the skin is where I sometimes felt a sharp pain when the light flashes. The pain is like a sharp needle poking through your skin within a milisecond, thus causing shock.
Fortunately for me, the therapist is very sensitive to my body language by observing my sudden body movements and feet curling motions thus she did it slower whenever she felt I was uncomfortable. It is all about communication so you need to voice out if it becomes too painful to bear. The therapist would lather up more gel to soothe the area.
After we are done at the front part, we moved on the back. I turned over and lay on my stomach for the crack part. Same procedure: Shave first then zapping. The crack is the most sensitive part therefore she was extra careful here.
After about 40 minutes, we are DONE!
Yay to no more unsightly hairs, especially bikini days!!!
The After Care
For the next 24 hours:
- No hot baths
- No swimming or sunbathing
- No heat or UV treatments like sun beds or saunas
- No tight clothing
- No perfumed products including deodorant, anti-perspirant, self-tanner or make up
- No touching, scrubbing or rubbing of the area (unless you want a bacteria infection)
- No intensive exercise
- Do apply X’ed Out Cream once a day, 24 hours after your treatment for 2 weeks to prevent/treat ingrown hair
- Do exfoliate every 4 – 7 days, starting 3 days after your wax
Additional tips for IPL:
- No extensive sun exposure for at least 4 weeks after treatment. Sun block is strongly recommended
- Do apply Ice Cream (soothing gel) for soothing lasting moisture, twice a day for at least 7 days after treatment
- No waxing, tweezing or epilating of your hair as IPL targets the hair roots, please shave instead.
Post Wax/IPL Body Care
Ongoing Promotions
Strip always have in store promotion so be sure to always check out their latest offerings to get the best deal for yourself, be it waxing or IPL!
July 2015 Promotion
STRIP’s Powerpac IPL is available at STRIP Bangsar, STRIP KLCC, and STRIP The Curve. Inviting all to experience this exciting new treatment, STRIP offers the exclusive price of RM288 for a Brazilian Powerpac IPL session, RM288 for a Bottom Half Leg (female) Powerpac IPL session, RM88 for an Underarm (female) Powerpac IPL session and RM388 for a Boyzilian Powerpac IPL session.
These prices are valid until 31 July 2015 for one time redemption.
Quote "Grace Myu" to enjoy this promo! :)
Terms and conditions apply.
What to Expect
Investment
- Time: One hour per session, once every 6 weeks
- Money: Full 6 sessions, expect to pay about RM5,000+ or less! Check your nearest Strip store
- for final quote.
- Pain Level: 6/10. 2 at normal areas, 6 at shocker moments lol.
Outcome
- No more plucking / shaving / waxing / ingrown hairs :)
- Gone all worries on bikini days :)
- Look sexy and confident all the time :))
- Stress level at all time low because no unwanted tugging of hairs back into undies or stuck in between zippers or pants, God-forbid!
Looking satisfied post-treatment!
So whether you're a Wax or IPL Virgin, or looking to do some touchups, make sure to pay Strip a visit! All their locations are easily accessible, especially those located in shopping malls (kill two birds with one stone!):
Bangsar Telawi | Mid Valley | Sunway Pyramid | KLCC | The Curve | Solaris
Gurney Paragon Penang
Location:
Lot T602, 3rd Floor Mezzanine, Mid Valley Megamall,
Mid Valley City Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Call +6 03-2283 5575 / 79
Email: reservation@strip-my.com
Visit www.strip-my.com
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/StripKL
Instagram @stripmalaysia
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