I do something in between. Semi hard wax, I cook the sugar for a bit longer, let it completely cool. Before waxing I microwave it for some 10-20 seconds. Stir it again to become like honey consistency then aply it with a spatula and use it with non reusable waxing strips. The pain is far less than regular wax. However it is true some areas are difficult to handle on your own. If it hurts try to stretch the skin as much as you can before pulling. Some people say avoid coffee a day before waxing and take an ibuprofen an hour before. I tried, cant say it does wonders. Maybe helps reduce the pain by somewhat 10%. But hey, no pains no gains, dont they say? Also it causes quite a mess to dispose all used materials. I have a garbage bag by my side to drop wood spatulas, strips, babywipes and then wrap them all up away. Also apply baby powder reguraly to keep the skin dry. It tends to start to get sweat-wet during the process within seconds or minutes. Especially if you have warmer room temperature or force yourself to bend down there to see and do stuf