Neatening up your bikini line can give you the confidence to hit the beach in your new two-piece. However, in our efforts to look fuzz-free down below, we can irritate our skin, leaving painful and unsightly red bumps and rashes.
So, how do we safely maintain our bikini line without any skin-irritating side effects?
From shaving to laser bikini hair removal, there are a multitude of methods to choose from. Which one you go for depends on your pain tolerance and how your skin reacts afterwards. Although the goal is to achieve a smooth bikini line, it’s important to be kind to your skin in the process.
Understanding Your Skin and Hair Type
To minimize any kind of reaction to beauty treatments, you must first understand your skin and hair type. If you have sensitive skin, which flares up when you use certain creams and lotions, you need to take care when removing hair from your bikini line. This area is notoriously delicate and can easily get irritated if you apply the wrong products for your skin type.
People with sensitive skin should opt for beauty products designed specifically for their skin type. Typically, you should avoid waxes and creams that use fragrances, drying alcohol, and preservative ingredients. These are well-known for irritating sensitive skin.
Hair types can also influence which bikini line hair removal method you choose. Very coarse hair can resist store-bought wax kits and depilatory creams. People can be tempted to reapply wax and creams to stubborn areas, causing repeated damage to the skin as they attempt to rip the hair out.
Which Bikini Hair Removal Method Should You Choose?
As with any beauty treatment, be selective about which ones you go for. Not all bikini hair removal methods are suitable for everyone. Check out this mini guide to find out which bikini hair removal will work best for you.
Shaving
Using a razor is a quick and pain-free way to carry out bikini line maintenance. Many people opt for this method as a razor is cheap and easy to use. Or so they think. There are pitfalls to shaving the bikini line area instead of choosing other methods. For one, if you shave against the direction of hair growth, you are at increased risk of experiencing ingrown hairs.
To achieve a close shave without bumps or rashes, use a clean, new razor (rather than reusing the same one for months), smother your skin in shaving foam or gel, and shave in the direction of hair growth. Exfoliating the skin beforehand can also help you achieve a smoother shave by shedding dead skin cells and preventing ingrown hairs.
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Trimming
If you just want to tidy up the bikini line, rather than remove it altogether, trimming might be the most suitable option for you. Either with a pair of scissors or a specially designed electric shaver, this method shouldn’t really irritate the skin, as the contact with the skin’s surface is minimal.
However, ensure that the equipment you use is cleaned thoroughly before and after each use. This will reduce the risk of spreading skin infections.
Waxing
Now, this method involves some pain and preparation, as hair needs to be long enough to adhere to the wax so it can be ripped from the root. With home kits, ensure that you buy one designed for coarse bikini hair and follow the instructions carefully.
As the hair is removed from the root, you can expect a longer-lasting result compared to shaving. However, it is tricky to wax this area by yourself. So, if you can’t contort yourself into various positions, consider getting a professional bikini wax. They can also assess your skin and hair type, carrying out the procedure quickly and with minimal irritation.
Depilatory Creams
While depilatory creams are pain-free, their strong chemical solutions can irritate the skin. Once applied to the bikini line, leave the cream on for the recommended time, and not a minute more. If, before the time is up, you feel a burning sensation, quickly wash off the cream. Your skin may be reacting adversely to the cream.
Choose a depilatory cream labeled as “sensitive” if you are concerned about it irritating your skin. For the best results, be sure to buy a cream designed to tackle coarse pubic hair rather than finer body or facial hair.
Laser Hair Removal
The most permanent way of removing hair is by zapping the bikini line with a laser. Laser hair removal works best on individuals with lighter skin and darker hair, as the laser targets the pigment in the hair. The hair is then treated with the laser at the follicle. Around six sessions are needed to see results.
In terms of safety and irritation, you may experience discomfort during the sessions and be offered a numbing gel to ease the pain. At the hands of a professional laser hair removal specialist, the treatment is safe, and you will be properly briefed on aftercare.
The Importance of Aftercare
Whichever method you choose, either in a salon or at home, treat the area with care afterwards. When you wax your legs, do you leave them dry and unmoisturized? No, so why would you treat your bikini line any differently?
However, as this is a sensitive spot, look for pH-balanced moisturizing lotions and potions that won’t irritate the bikini area. If you are getting your bikini hair removed in-salon, be sure to ask about aftercare. An expert will be able to advise you of the best products to use that won’t lead to itching or a burning sensation.
