The bikini line or pubic hair region can be a tricky area to groom. But there are things you can do to help you avoid razor burn, ingrown hairs, itchiness, dry skin, and rash.
Read on to learn how to groom your bikini line and what to do if you’ve already gotten an ingrown hair or other skin issue from hair removal.
If you’re planning to trim or groom your bikini line, try these tips before removing hair from this area:
- Make sure your razor is clean and sharp.
- If you need to trim pubic hair before beginning, make sure the scissors are sharp and clean. Trimming the hair can make shaving or waxing easier and less painful.
- Before removing hair, soak in hot water to soften the skin, which may make hair removal easier.
- Use shaving cream.
- Use a mirror if you’re having trouble seeing your bikini line.
- Shave in the direction of the hair growth, not against the grain.
- Hold the skin taut for a smoother shave.
- If waxing, make sure the wax is evenly heated and not too hot.
- Leave depilatory creams on for the shortest amount of time possible.
- Use an alcohol-free moisturizer afterward.
- If you feel any burning or discomfort, apply aloe vera.
The following are some common complications from removing hair in the bikini area, plus what you can do to reduce your risk.
Ingrown hairs
Ingrown hairs happen when hair grows back into the skin instead of straight out.
To avoid ingrown hairs, make sure your skin is exfoliated, and soak your bikini area in warm water for a few minutes before removing hair.
To treat an ingrown hair, apply a warm compress on and off until the hair emerges. This may take a few days.
You may need to use a steroid cream, like hydrocortisone, to reduce inflammation. You should also clean the area with benzoyl peroxide to avoid infection.
Rashes
It’s not uncommon to get a rash or razor burn after shaving or waxing the bikini line. It can be itchy and uncomfortable.
To prevent razor burn, make sure you’re using a sharp, clean razor, and apply an emollient to clean, dry skin after shaving.
Razor bumps
Razor bumps occur when curly hair gets stuck in the hair follicle. To prevent razor bumps, keep the delicate skin around the bikini exfoliated and moisturized.
If you get razor bumps, try applying aloe vera or a steroid cream to the affected area. Reducing the frequency of shaving may also help.
Dry skin
Removing hair from your bikini line can actually remove a layer of dead skin, so it’s unlikely to cause dry skin.
If your skin is very dry or sunburnt to begin with, skip the hair removal. Always be sure to moisturize after hair removal.
There are many ways to remove hair from your body safely.
When grooming your bikini line, remember that the hair is a bit coarser than in other areas. The skin is also very thin and sensitive, which is why it’s prone to irritation.
Here are several methods you can use to remove the hair.
1. Shaving
Shaving requires a razor and shaving cream, but it’s a quick, reliable method for removing hair.
Be sure to shave in the same direction as the hair growth, and moisturize afterward. Always use a sharp razor.
2. Waxing
You can use wax at home, or you can get a bikini line or a full Brazilian wax in a salon.
When waxing your bikini line yourself, be very careful that the microwaved wax isn’t too hot before applying it.
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Apply the wax in the direction of the hair growth, and pull it off in the other direction.
3. Sugaring
Sugaring is similar to waxing, in that it pulls hair from the root. It’s made from a mixture of sugar, lemon, water, and sometimes honey. Unlike waxing, sugaring pulls hair out in the same direction that it grows.
It’s best to get sugared by a trained professional.
4. Depilatory creams
Depilatory creams, like Nair, use chemicals to dissolve the hair off the skin. While the hair shaft is removed, the root remains, just like with shaving.
Because depilatory creams burn the hair, they can also cause burns on the skin if not used properly or if left on for too long.
Make sure to always follow the instructions carefully. Start by keeping the cream on for the shortest recommended time until you know how your hair and skin will react.
Also, make sure to fully rinse the cream off of your skin when you’re done.
5. Epilator
An epilator is an electric tool you can use at home that plucks out multiple hairs at once, removing them from the root.
Make sure to exfoliate the skin first, then loosely hold the epilator and move it in the direction of the hair growth.
6. Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is a procedure that’s done by a professional in-office. It heats up the hair follicle, which stops new hair from growing.
It’s not totally permanent, but when the hairs do grow back, there will be fewer of them, and they should be finer.
In rare cases, laser hair removal can cause hives or purpura, which are purple bumps on the skin.
If you’re looking for a permanent solution for hair removal, you’ll want to see a trusted aesthetician who specializes in laser hair removal.
If you find that your bikini line doesn’t seem to be healing, or if you see blisters, oozing burns, or a possible infection, check in with your doctor as soon as possible.
There’s no health benefit to removing hair from the bikini area, but you may choose to do it for aesthetic reasons.
There are many ways to remove hair around the pubic area, including:
- shaving
- waxing
- sugaring
- applying a depilatory cream
- using an epilator
- undergoing laser hair removal
To minimize painful aftereffects, always use clean tools, and use shaving cream when appropriate. Apply moisturizer or aloe vera after removing the hair.
