Bikini Hair Removal Tips

Whether you want to remove some or all the hair in your bikini area, you can pick from one of several fairly safe hair removal options, according to Kids Health. Everyone from female teens to busy moms can usually shave or use depilatory cream to remove pubic hair at home or, if they wish, book an appointment at a professional salon for a bikini wax. Before plunging into the world of bikini line hair removal, consider how to make this delicate process as drama-free as possible.

Depilatory Creams

If you decide to use a depilatory cream at home, read the label carefully to ensure the formulation you selected is safe for use on the genital area, according to Kids Health. Some people are allergic to the ingredients in depilatory creams; others may find the creams messy and smelly. Be especially careful to leave the cream on only for the amount of time listed on the label, even if your bikini area hair is especially coarse.

Shaving

Shaving your bikini area is not something to do lightly. Once you start, you need to do this process regularly, according to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Some women must shave their pubic area daily to avoid ingrown hairs. However, you can keep this experience as smooth as possible by using aloe vera, lubricating shaving gels and even traditional hair conditioner before shaving your sensitive region. Women who plan to shave their own bikini line region should also soak in a hot bathtub for a few minutes before hair removal and must never pull their skin while shaving. You can also keep this experience more painless by using a cool compress on the area right after shaving, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you notice ingrown hairs in the shaved or otherwise treated area, you may be able to remove them at home by washing the area a few times a day with a washcloth and gentle soap and water. However, serious ingrown hairs may require your doctor to prescribe antibiotics or exfoliating creams.

Waxing

Waxing is usually best done in a salon. While it can be painful–especially around the bikini area–the results are often smoother and longer-lasting than other hair removal techniques, according to Kids Health. However, you should exfoliate the area regularly to avoid ingrown hairs; ingrown hairs are possible with virtually any type of non-laser hair removal technique, according to the Mayo Clinic. To get the most out of your bikini wax, be sure not to shave or otherwise treat the area for a few weeks before your appointment.