Bikini Wax and Other Hair Removal Tips

Spring is just around the corner, and here in southern California it means that we'll be prancing around poolside and on the beach in our bikinis soon. However, we gotta make sure no hairs are peeping through our bottoms.

Bikini hair removal can be a tough job. It's important to try out different methods to see which one is better suited for your skin. I'm sure most women would want permanent hair reduction through laser treatments. They've become very popular as a method to remove unwanted hairs but can cost around $150-$300 per session for the bikini area, and you'd typically need anywhere between 5-7 sessions.

These are some tips and other alternatives for a nice and neat bikini line:

Shaving

Shaving is best done in the shower with warm water; it softens the hairs which makes them easier to shave off. Use a cream instead of a foaming gel like Skintimate Moisturizing Cream Shave to make the hairs even softer so the razor blades glides over your skin more smoothly. Choose a razor with multiple blades and/or has a head that curves. The Gilette Venus Divine razor is very popular and is probably the best when it comes to closeness and comfort. It has three blades, a pivoting head and three moisture strips. I started using the Divine when it first came out and still use it today. The Schick Quattro Bikini Trimmer is a trimmer and razor in one. It's shower safe and is designed for easy trimming.

If you're prone to getting nicks and cuts from shaving, then you might want to look into getting an electric shaver. You won't really have the closeness you'd get from a razor but you can benefit from it if you have sensitive skin. The Panasonic Close Curves electric shaver is really affordable (about $26) and performs better than other shavers that cost more, and it comes with a bikini trimmer attachment.

Waxing

Bikini waxing can be painful but lasts longer than shaving. It's probably best done by an Esthetician but it can be pretty expensive (around $20-$40 per session). If you'd rather not have some strange woman pull out hairs down there, at-home waxing kits can save you some money. Gigi Brazilian Waxing Microwave Formula Kit has everything you need for DIY waxing at home. It's a hard wax formula that's gentle and doesn't require any strips. Another great kit is the Alexandria No-Heat Wax Gel. It's reasonably priced and you don't have to use heated wax so there's no risk of burning yourself. If you're sensitive to pain, I'd recommend taking a pain killer an hour before you start waxing to ease any discomfort.

Depilatories

Hair removal creams are probably the most painless form of hair removal. Be sure to check out the ingredients to make sure you don't have any allergic reactions. The procedure is really fast and simple. You just apply it to the desired area, wipe off with a dry towel, and wash off with lukewarm water. A popular and very affordable brand is Nair Bikini Cream, which removes the hair beneath the skin (takes less than 3 minutes). Revitol is a hair removal cream that is made with natural plant extracts.

No matter which method you choose, it's important to soothe the skin after the procedure. The Art of Shaving After Shave Balm helps moisturize and protect the skin. You can also use Aloe Vera lotion or chamomile to prevent any inflammation. Exfoliate the area regularly to prevent ingrown hairs.