There are many options for removing hair in your bikini area, but shaving is by far the most popular. It's fast, inexpensive, efficient, and (if done right), painless. With some preparation, a good razor, a little knowledge, and after-shave care, your bikini area will be as soft as dolphin skin.
Remember that it's not just women who have a "bikini line"! Men in athletic swimsuits (such as "Speedo-style" swimsuits for water sports) or tight-fitting swimsuits also need to spend a little time doing good grooming.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Shave
Step 1. Use a sharp razor
Hair in the bikini area is often coarser than hair on other parts of the body, so it may be difficult to remove it with the types of razors that are sold in large packs. Instead, choose a good quality razor specifically designed for sensitive skin. Use a razor with a new, sharp blade, as dull blades can cause blisters and hair growth into the skin.
- Men's razors are better suited for shaving your bikini area, as men's razors are usually stronger and have more than one blade, unlike women's razors. Men's razors can remove hair easily and take good care of sensitive skin. (You can usually tell the two types apart by their color. Men's razors are usually white. Women's razors are usually pink or pastel colors).
- Avoid razors that have only one blade, unless it's a very sharp razor. A razor that only has one blade is difficult to use to remove hair in the bikini area. Look for razors with three or four blades for a cleaner shave.
- A new and never used razor will be sharper than one that has been used before, if you are forced to use a low quality disposable razor, use a new razor every time you shave the bikini line for best results. A razor that has been used can always be used to shave the hair on the armpits and legs.
Step 2. Choose soap or shaving cream
The type of shaving cream or soap you use doesn't matter, as long as you're using something. Choose what you want: body wash, shaving cream, or even hair conditioner work just as well.
Fragrant soaps and creams can sometimes irritate sensitive skin. Test the product on other parts of the body that are not too sensitive before using it on your bikini area
Step 3. Determine how much hair you need to remove
Look in the mirror and decide how far you want to shave your head. Each woman's bikini line is slightly different, but in most cases, you will need to remove any hair that would be visible if you were wearing a bikini bottom. This includes the hair on your upper thighs, around your groin and below your belly button.
- As a simple shaving guide, take a piece of your underwear with you to the bathroom. Wear it when you shave. Anything that appears to be sticking out from under the hem of the pants should be removed. (Note: this will work best if your panties have the same seam line as your bikini bottom).
- If you want to remove even more hair, check out the article How to Shaving Your Pubic Hair.
- You can also consider getting a Brazilian Wax if you want a really clean finish.
Step 4. Cut the hair to a length of 0.6 cm
If the hair is too long while shaving, it will get caught in the razor and become messy. Prep your hair using hair clippers to cut it about 0.6 cm or shorter. This will make it much easier for you to get a clean shave.
- Gently pull the hair away from your body with one hand, then use the scissors to carefully cut it with the other hand.
- Be careful not to stab or injure yourself. Get your hair cut in a well-lit area before you enter the bathroom.
Step 5. Take a warm bath under the shower or in the bath
This will smooth out your skin and hair, making it easier to shave. Shave at the end of your shower, after shampooing your hair and doing everything you need to do.
- If you don't shave in the shower, you should still prepare the area to be shaved by softening it with a warm cloth. Skipping this step can result in razor burn and discomfort.
- If you have time, also exfoliate the area. This will prevent hair from growing into the skin after shaving.
Part 2 of 3: Shaving Hair
Step 1. Soak the bikini area with shaving cream or body wash
It's important to make sure your hair and skin are smooth before you start shaving. Otherwise, inflammation due to razors will inevitably occur. There's no such thing as using too much lubricant, so feel free to lather up the entire area. Keep the bottle near you in case you need more.
- As you shave, keep adding more cream or body wash to make the shaving process easier.
- You may need to rinse it every now and then to see the results of your shave, then reapply to continue shaving.
Step 2. Shave in the direction of the hair, not the opposite
Experts have found that shaving in the same direction as hair grows will result in less skin irritation. Use one hand to hold the skin in the bikini area firmly, as this will help the razor work effectively. Start shaving with the other hand, applying a little pressure for a clean shave. Continue until you have shaved the entire area you want to clean.
- Some people shave from below the navel, others shave from the groin. It's all up to you; do whatever makes it easy for you.
- Some people find it more difficult to get clean results if you shave in the direction of hair growth, rather than against the direction of hair. If you find that you are having trouble removing your hair, try shaving from the side. And as a last resort, shave in the opposite direction. There are other things you can do to prevent skin irritation.
- Don't shave too much. There is no need to repeatedly shave the same section after the hair is removed. If the section is clean of hair, leave it alone so you don't risk irritating your skin.
Step 3. Try on your bikini bottoms to see if any part is missed
(If you're satisfied that you've shaved everything, don't worry about this step, but if it's your first time shaving your bikini area, you may need to check again to see if you're happy with the results). Put on your bikini bottoms and check your body parts, then go back to the bathroom and shave off any areas you might have missed.
Step 4. Perform exfoliation on the part
Use a washcloth or a gentle body scrub to get rid of the raised dead skin cells. This simple step will go a long way in preventing ingrown hairs and other annoying side effects of shaving, so don't skip this step!
Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of Your Skin After Shaving
Step 1. Prevent skin inflammation from shaving
For people with sensitive skin, some precautions may need to be taken.
- Many people find that using witch hazel or other skin toners can help reduce or eliminate shaving inflammation. Use a clean cotton swab or cloth to apply a small amount of witch hazel or other mild toner to the area you are shaving. This will reduce inflammation and keep the bikini area feeling fresh and cool. (Keep in mind that it will sting or heat if you hurt your skin-be careful!)
- Dry with a hairdryer. Drying your bikini area thoroughly can prevent or reduce follicle irritation. Dry the shaved area thoroughly using a hairdryer on medium or low settings. If there's only one heat setting-you don't have to blow hot air on the area! If you don't have a hairdryer, (or perhaps, you don't want to explain to anyone why you use a hairdryer on your crotch!) drying your bikini area with a towel will help.
Step 2. Keep the area moist
If the skin is dry or cracked, it will feel uncomfortable and irritated. You can also increase your risk of developing lumps that look bad or hair growing into the skin. Apply moisturizer all over the area you shave, and keep the area damp for at least a few days after shaving. Soothing natural moisturizers like the following are good for this purpose:
- Aloe vera gel
- Coconut oil
- Argan oil
- Jojoba oil
Step 3. Avoid tight clothing for a few hours
This can cause the skin to become irritated and inflamed, so it's best to wear your loose-fitting underwear and a wide skirt or shorts until that area feels less sensitive.
Warning
- Don't borrow someone else's razor. It can spread skin disease or (very rarely) blood-borne disease even if it looks clean or has been washed with soap and water.
- Never leave razors lying on the floor. While modern razors may irritate you more than having to go to the emergency room if you step on them, it's still a bad idea.
