“Hearst Magazines and Verizon Media may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.”
While removing bikini-line hair has never exactly been a walk in the park, the pandemic and subsequent salon and spa closures of the last year have truly made it more difficult than ever. Just thinking about at-home waxing immediately brings back (literally) painful memories of teenage experiments gone bad, so it’s no wonder so many of us have turned to the experts when it comes to getting rid of hair down there. But if our split-end-ridden hair and overgrown cuticles have taught us anything in recent months, it’s that we sometimes must take beauty matters into our own hands. Lucky for us, at-home hair removal solutions have come a long way since our middle-school days, and whether you’re after a full Brazilian or are just in need of a little maintenance, there are more options than ever.
Even with a number of new trimmers, electric razors, and devices to choose from, though, the hair and skin on our bikini area is different from that on the rest of the body, and it’s important that we treat it accordingly. When it comes to shaving, Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologist in NYC, says the most important (and often overlooked) part of doing bikini hair removal right is how you prep your skin, as well as how you care for it afterwards. With the help of Dr. Engelman’s tips, we break down the do’s and don’t’s of at-home bikini hair removal and the best tools for the job depending on your specific needs and goals.
( Also Checkout: Breeze Airbrush Makeup Kit )
Never dry shave.
Always use a shaving cream, gel, or “at least water,” Dr. Engelman says, adding that doing so “greatly reduces the chances of razor burn and irritation.” Find a cream-based shaving cream that, when applied to the skin, softens the hair and follicles so that when a razor goes across the skin, there is less irritation.
If you’re prone to razor bumps and irritation, exfoliate first.
Though it’s true that shaving exfoliates, those prone to irritation will benefit from exfoliating before shaving, too. “It ensures that the hair can cleanly come out, and will smooth skin texture, buffing away dirt that may be clogging your pores and causing inflammation” Dr. Engelman explains. While it might sound a bit odd, using your facial products—be it a cleanser, toner, or peel—on your bikini region before shaving can be a great help, but there are also slightly more site-specific solutions.
Shave in one direction.
“Shaving in all directions increases the chance of razor bumps, irritation, and even ingrown hairs,” Dr. Engelman explains. Her advice? “Shave in the direction of which your hair grows. Shaving against hair growth gives you a closer shave but the blunt-tipped end of hairs can grow back into the skin rather than up and out.” Don’t use a dull razor either. “A dull razor is actually more likely to cut you than a new, sharper razor,” Dr. Engelman says. If you shave every day, the general rule of thumb is to change your razor every two weeks, and if you shave every other day, you should change your blade every three weeks.
Remember to moisturize after.
“It softens the hair and hair follicle, as well as the skin, reducing the chances of ingrown hairs,” Dr. Engelman notes. Your usual body moisturizer will do the trick, but if you feel like treating your bikini line to a little extra something special, try an after-shave balm. If you do cut yourself or have post-shave irritation, Dr. Engelman recommends a standard facial toner. “Look for formulas with ingredients that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties like aloe, witch hazel, allantoin, or willow bark,” Dr. Engelman recommends.
Gabby Shacknai, Sara Spruch-FeinerJune 17, 2021·6 min read
“Hearst Magazines and Verizon Media may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.”
While removing bikini-line hair has never exactly been a walk in the park, the pandemic and subsequent salon and spa closures of the last year have truly made it more difficult than ever. Just thinking about at-home waxing immediately brings back (literally) painful memories of teenage experiments gone bad, so it’s no wonder so many of us have turned to the experts when it comes to getting rid of hair down there. But if our split-end-ridden hair and overgrown cuticles have taught us anything in recent months, it’s that we sometimes must take beauty matters into our own hands. Lucky for us, at-home hair removal solutions have come a long way since our middle-school days, and whether you’re after a full Brazilian or are just in need of a little maintenance, there are more options than ever.
Even with a number of new trimmers, electric razors, and devices to choose from, though, the hair and skin on our bikini area is different from that on the rest of the body, and it’s important that we treat it accordingly. When it comes to shaving, Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologist in NYC, says the most important (and often overlooked) part of doing bikini hair removal right is how you prep your skin, as well as how you care for it afterwards. With the help of Dr. Engelman’s tips, we break down the do’s and don’t’s of at-home bikini hair removal and the best tools for the job depending on your specific needs and goals.
( Also Checkout: Breeze Airbrush Makeup Kit )
Never dry shave.
Always use a shaving cream, gel, or “at least water,” Dr. Engelman says, adding that doing so “greatly reduces the chances of razor burn and irritation.” Find a cream-based shaving cream that, when applied to the skin, softens the hair and follicles so that when a razor goes across the skin, there is less irritation.
If you’re prone to razor bumps and irritation, exfoliate first.
Though it’s true that shaving exfoliates, those prone to irritation will benefit from exfoliating before shaving, too. “It ensures that the hair can cleanly come out, and will smooth skin texture, buffing away dirt that may be clogging your pores and causing inflammation” Dr. Engelman explains. While it might sound a bit odd, using your facial products—be it a cleanser, toner, or peel—on your bikini region before shaving can be a great help, but there are also slightly more site-specific solutions.
Shave in one direction.
“Shaving in all directions increases the chance of razor bumps, irritation, and even ingrown hairs,” Dr. Engelman explains. Her advice? “Shave in the direction of which your hair grows. Shaving against hair growth gives you a closer shave but the blunt-tipped end of hairs can grow back into the skin rather than up and out.” Don’t use a dull razor either. “A dull razor is actually more likely to cut you than a new, sharper razor,” Dr. Engelman says. If you shave every day, the general rule of thumb is to change your razor every two weeks, and if you shave every other day, you should change your blade every three weeks.
Remember to moisturize after.
“It softens the hair and hair follicle, as well as the skin, reducing the chances of ingrown hairs,” Dr. Engelman notes. Your usual body moisturizer will do the trick, but if you feel like treating your bikini line to a little extra something special, try an after-shave balm. If you do cut yourself or have post-shave irritation, Dr. Engelman recommends a standard facial toner. “Look for formulas with ingredients that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties like aloe, witch hazel, allantoin, or willow bark,” Dr. Engelman recommends.
Best For Precision Work: Philips Bikini Perfect Women’s Rechargeable Electric Trimmer
This hypoallergenic micro-shaver/trimmer has customizable length settings so you can groom your bikini area to your exact specifications. It can also be used in or out of the shower.
Best Electric Razor: Luminess Air Silk & Smooth Hair Remover Device
This battery-operated electric shaver gives close, precise results with zero pain by way of rotating twin blades. And contrary to Dr. Engelman’s tip above, this one requires no water or shaving cream.