Expert Tips for a Smooth Bikini Line
If you have any plans to wear a bathing suit this summer, one thing is for sure-you'll be looking to maintain your bikini line. Here are the two best methods to keeping your hair down there properly groomed-and the need-to-know tips.
Best Option: Wax
"The hair in the bikini area tends to be coarse and thick, which is ideal for waxing. Plus, since the hair is pulled out from the root, it grows back thinner over time," says Katherine Goldman, owner of Strip Bar Wax in San Francisco. Related: 8 Do's and Don'ts of At-Home Waxing
Bikini Line: Expert Waxing Tips
• Whether you have an appointment with a professional or you're going the DIY route, make sure that the hair is at least 1/4 inch long, says Goldman.
• Avoid extreme heat or exercise for 24 hours postwax to prevent irritation. This includes sunbathing (a no-no regardless!), saunas, and hot tubs.
• Do not shave between waxes, warns Goldman. Find out the trick to staying smooth between waxes.
Bikini Line Runner-Up: Shaving
Shaving the bikini area can be a bit tricky, but it's a cheap, quick, and, most of all, painless alternative to waxing. It's also more convenient during the summer since you don't have to let your hair grow out very much between sessions. Related: More Hair Removal Methods
Bikini Line: Expert Shaving Tips
• Make sure you soften the hair with warm water before you shave and use a moisture-rich shave gel, according to the experts who make Venus razors.
• It helps to pull the skin taut to create a level surface that's easier to maneuver. You should also shave in the direction that the hair grows to minimize itchy, red bumps.
• If you're planning a day at the pool or beach, shave in the evening to avoid irritation from sun, salt, or chlorine.
Bikini Line Must-Have: Shaveworks The Cool Fix
Apply this soothing blue gel after hair removal to keep ingrown hairs, itchy bumps, and redness at bay.
$11; sephora.com
Related Links
Reprinted by Hearst Communications, Inc.
