Tired of shaving in the shower every morning to get rid of those pesky stubble? Then you should think about waxing the bikini line. We’ll tell you how to do it as painlessly as possible.
Admittedly, the easiest way to get rid of annoying hairs in the intimate area is to shave. The big disadvantage: less than two days and the first stubble is back. In addition, when shaving the sensitive skin areas in the genital area, red pustules and skin irritations quickly develop.
The solution to the hairy problem: grow the bikini zone! The big advantage of intimate waxing: the skin remains smooth and hair-free for much longer – up to three or four weeks, depending on hair growth. In addition, there are no prickly stubbles when waxing the intimate zone. The hair grows back much softer and even more sparsely.
However, there is one downside that deters many of us from waxing our bikini line: the pain. The first intimate waxing in particular can hurt quite a bit if you do it wrong. It is therefore better to leave it in professional hands.
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Why do we have hair?
“It’s true that hair basically has the function of protecting the mucous membranes; we have hairs in the nose, on the trachea, etc., and they also have thermoregulatory functions,” explains beautician Marie-Pier Godbout, also founder and president of the Espace Mawaii beauty center.
“But that doesn’t mean removing them is dangerous,” she continues.
“Those who tend to have vaginitis easily could potentially expose themselves to having it more frequently. But in 16 years of practice, no girl has spoken to me directly about problems related to that, ”specifies the beautician.
However, she points out that some methods are more aggressive for the skin than others.
With a razor, for example, you can make painful microcuts, especially if you use an aged blade. This is a hair removal technique that Marie-Pier would eliminate right away.
Wax and pulsed light are very safe hair removal techniques when performed by a professional (at home, you could burn yourself with the wax or become irritated).
Marie-Pier recalls that full bikini hair removal has been well established for fifteen years now and that no client has confided to her that she had fears related to her health at the time of having her hair removed. Phew !
So if you choose to have your hair removed in a salon, I advise you to read this article in order to understand how you can prepare for this first waxing (…and how to alleviate some of your worries!).
How to prepare your skin before bikini waxing?
Bikini hair removal is a complex exercise. This area is very sensitive, it must be taken care of. But then, which method to choose? Bikini waxing? And how to epilate the lips of the jersey? Follow our tips for successful bikini waxing alone at home.
“Before waxing the bikini line, I recommend exfoliating the affected area the day before,” explains the expert. “It thus allows to activate the exit of the hair”, she adds. We then favor a gentle exfoliant for this particularly sensitive area. And we do not hesitate to redo another one, between two waxings, in order to avoid ingrown hairs.
Before epilating your bikini line at home, it is also important to disinfect the intimate area with an alcohol-free lotion, to epilate on perfectly clean skin.
“Before waxing, I put a little talc on the area to be waxed,” advises the beautician. This product prevents the wax from adhering too much to the skin. It also helps to make the area to be waxed perfectly dry. There is thus much less suffering when pulling out the hairs.
Finally, if you are cozy, remember to take a hot shower before waxing. The heat will, in fact, dilate the pores of the skin and the pulling out of the hair will thus be much less painful.
And if you decide to remove your hair with a razor , same process. Hot water will soften the bristles and the passage of the blade will be smoother.
8 Things You Need to Know Before a Bikini Wax
Just talking about it already hurts. We dread it, we delay it and we complain about it. But all those who have experienced it will tell you: it is not so terrible. Provided you are well informed.
However, too many women are unaware of the ba, ba of waxing. Can the same spatula be used twice? Getting waxed during pregnancy? And during menstruation? So many burning questions we posed to Melanie Gilliland, certified beautician, trainer and hair removal specialist at the European Wax Center. Here are, according to her, the eight things you absolutely need to know before waxing your bikini.
We can never repeat it enough: the more we use waxing, the more painless it becomes. Many women hesitate or give up after a first try because they fear it will hurt. But from the second time, it’s much easier, and it’s less and less painful session after session.
If you were used to waxing before pregnancy, you can continue without any problem. I have even waxed women a week before their due date, or even the same day. Our clients prefer to get closer to the date of the childbirth because they know they won’t be able to come back until they have the green light from their gynecologist. right away, and I frankly advise against it after the sixth month. The further the pregnancy progresses, the more difficult hair removal becomes, because the hair thickens under the effect of hormonal changes.
A curtain in the cabin instead of a door is a bad sign. If there is not enough space, the service may leave something to be desired. Poorly maintained cabin, reused spatulas, questionable wax pot, absence of gloves are all warning signs.
If it’s your first hair removal, I don’t recommend it. It may be even more unpleasant. Afterwards, the important thing is to do it regularly, your period will happen the week of your appointment. Don’t cancel. Just put on a tampon and tell the beautician.
Waxing makes the hair finer, softer and rarer. At what rate and in what proportions? It depends on each individual. I have had clients who have seen their hairiness halve in three or four sessions. For others, it may take longer.
Solid wax is the only good one. Forget beeswax, it’s a thing of the past. Unwieldy, too hot, it can be dangerous for the skin. Not to mention that it hurts a lot more.
There are painkillers of course, but the best way to stop having pain is still to have your hair waxed regularly. The hairs should be neither too long nor too short. And then, don’t forget to relax Relax as much as possible and chat with your beautician to think about something else.
Sweat and wax residue on pubic hair don’t mix well. Exercising right after waxing may cause a reaction in recently waxed skin. I advise you to wait a day or two before returning to the gym, especially if it’s one of your first epilations. Good hygiene is essential to avoid irritation.
Waxing the bikini zone: what methods are there?
When waxing the bikini zone, a distinction is made between classic waxing and sugaring. While with sugaring only a sticky mass of sugar is applied and then pulled off with a jerk, waxing requires warm wax and a cotton strip. After the wax has been applied to the skin, the strip of fabric is pressed lightly on it and then pulled off with a jerk.
With sugaring, the sugar paste is applied against the direction of growth, but removed with the direction of growth. Sugaring is therefore particularly suitable for sensitive skin areas. In contrast to waxing, shorter hairs from approx. 3 mm can also be removed with sugaring.
Less pain when waxing: Here’s how
The intimate area is particularly sensitive. Therefore, pain is inevitable when waxing the bikini zone. But don’t worry: the more often you wax your bikini line, the more the pain will subside. The right hair length is also important to keep the pain within limits. The hairs should be neither too short (then the wax won’t grab) nor too long (then it hurts more). The perfect length is 3-4 mm.
Tip against pain: Before the waxing treatment you can cool your intimate area, for example with cooling pads. If you have very sensitive skin, you can get EMLA cream, a gentle numbing cream, from the pharmacy. It should be applied at least an hour before waxing.
However, since the cream is slightly greasy, the wax may not be able to grip the hair as well during the treatment. Therefore, be sure to inform the expert in the waxing studio that you have used the cream.
And: It is best to always postpone waxing the bikini zone to the evening, because in contrast to early in the morning we are less sensitive to pain in the evening!
Waxing the bikini zone with sugaring paste: waxing succeeds with these tips
Are you waxing professionals, have you waxed your legs countless times and want to tackle the ‘Wax bikini area yourself’ project?
Our tip: Use a homemade sugar mass instead of an industrially produced wax. We will show you how you can make the warm sugar mass yourself for proper hair removal in the bikini zone.
Make your own sugaring paste: a simple recipe
You need:
8 tablespoons table sugar
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons lemon juice (preferably fresh)
Here’s how it works:
1. Mix the sugar, water and lemon juice into a thick mass.
2. Then cook the mixture until it turns golden yellow. Caution! The mass can burn quickly. In any case, stop and stir again and again!
3. Now let the mass cool down to 40 degrees. Check the temperature with a thermostat.
Apply sugar paste the perfect way:
Important: You should not apply any greasy creams or lotions to the skin before waxing the bikini zone. Otherwise the sugar mass will not stick. It is best to wash your skin with clear water beforehand, dry it well and, if you sweat easily, put some baby powder on your skin to keep it dry.
1. When the sugar mass has reached a pleasantly warm temperature, you can apply it with a spatula. Make sure that you apply the sugar mass against the direction of growth and proceed quickly so that the mass does not cool down too quickly and harden.
2. Then place the cotton strip on the mass, press down lightly and pull off in the direction of growth. Here you should not be hesitant under any circumstances, otherwise it can be very painful! Redness can occur, especially the first few times.
3. To counteract slight swelling and irritated skin, you should then soothe the skin with cooling pads.
Tip: If the mass has become rather firm and not too sticky, you can also try to spread the paste on a small area with your hand and then pull it off in short, jerky movements in the direction of hair growth.
Hot Wax vs. Cold Wax: Which One is Better for Bikini Line?
For simple bikini hair removal, bet on wax. This is the most efficient method. But it is also the most painful, especially at first.
Hot wax for bikini line:
If you want to do waxing alone, “prefer waxes without strips or disposable waxes”, says Laurine Callaud. Before epilating, also check that the area is perfectly clean and dry. Pass a cotton ball of disinfectant alcohol and drop a little talc before applying the wax for an impeccable result.
“Also think about doing a wax heat test on your forearm beforehand. This reflex can help prevent burns”, underlines the expert. The area of the jersey being very sensitive, a burn could prove to be very painful and long to heal.
Finally, make thin strips of wax and tear them in the opposite direction of the hair. Perfectionists will push vice by finishing the job with tweezers. At the end of the hair removal, do not forget to disinfect the area and apply a moisturizer.
Cold wax for bikini line:
The principle of depilation of the bikini line with cold wax is the same as that with hot wax. We therefore prepare our skin in the same way. Cold wax is particularly recommended if you have sensitive or dry skin, as the formulations are often enriched with moisturizing agents, such as aloe vera or sweet almond. You also avoid the risk of burns and redness.
Cold wax is most often found in the form of ready-made strips, which makes it easier to use. Separate the sheet in two, place the strip on the area to be depilated in the direction of hair growth and smooth. The skin is stretched and the band is removed, in the opposite direction of the hair, with a sharp blow. Then press 3 seconds with your fingers on the area, to soothe the pain.
How to epilate bikini lips alone?
The issue of bikini lip waxing is tricky. And this for many reasons. This intimate area is particularly fragile. The skin of the labia majora and labia minora is very sensitive. Moreover, it is not always smooth. This is why it is preferable not to use a razor to wax your lips, otherwise you will have painful cuts which can then become infected…
Ditto for the depilatory cream . The chemical agents it contains are not necessarily without consequences on this intimate area. Better to forget this method of hair removal, therefore.
Only method available to you (sorry in advance for the most sensitive among us) if you want to depilate your lips: waxing. But, once again, since this area is fragile, it is better to wax the bikini line in a salon to get rid of the hairs on the small and large lips of the bikini line.
How to wax the full bikini line yourself?
If you want to wax your entire bikini area at home, consider exfoliating first. And opt for disposable or stripless waxes.
On D-Day, apply a little talc just before waxing. “Deposit the wax by making very small strips, and always start with the outer part of the jersey. Approach the lip area, as you go, never at the very beginning”, warns the expert. Then tear off the wax strips against the direction of hair growth. Finally, disinfect the area with a cotton ball and apply moisturizer.
Painless bikini waxing methods
To say goodbye to your pubic hair without suffering, there are two options.
- Depilation of the bikini line with depilatory cream
This is by far the least painful hair removal method. All you have to do is apply the right product to the area to be depilated, let the active ingredients destroy the hairs and then rinse thoroughly. Be careful though: the agents contained in the product are very powerful. So remember to wash yourself well afterwards with a pH-neutral product.
The application time of the depilatory cream will be indicated on the product instructions. Be careful not to exceed it, otherwise you will have redness and rashes.
- Bikini line hair removal with a razor
Another zero pain technique? Shave the jersey. Today, there are many products that ensure that they do not (too) irritate the skin. On the other hand, if you choose to shave your bikini line, take care to renew your razor very regularly because an infection can quickly arrive… But these methods are far from being recommended. “Thanks to waxing, we tear the hair from its bulb. With a depilatory cream or a razor, the hair is simply broken… And the carnage happened quickly,” says the beautician.
How to wax bikini lips with an electric epilator?
As with any hair removal method, it is best to carry out a gentle exfoliation the day before in order to dislodge all the hair and get rid of it more easily with the electric epilator. Hydrate your skin as much as possible so that the pain is less intense when passing the device.
Then just get started. Provided you have the right epilator! There are many products on the market today that are dedicated to the bikini area. But if you prefer to invest in an all-in-one electric epilator, be aware that suitable tips allow you to go from your legs to your bikini line without any difficulty.
What about pain? Admittedly, it is painful, but as with waxing, this method with an electric epilator will rid you of your pubic hair for at least two weeks.
However, beautician Laurine Callaud has reservations about this technique. “I really advise against the electric epilator for waxing the jersey… In my opinion, it’s even to be banned for this area,” says the expert.
How to wax your bikini line without pimples?
To avoid pimples and redness, it is essential to prepare your skin well before waxing your bikini line with a scrub, as already explained above.
After hair removal, two steps are also essential to have a perfect swimsuit. First, carefully disinfect the area concerned using a cotton ball. Then, “apply coconut oil or aloe vera oil to soothe and hydrate the skin well,” advises the expert. Before adding: “in case of pimples, mix three drops of tea tree essential oil with ten drops of a vegetable oil of your choice. Apply this treatment to small imperfections to make them disappear.”
Permanent bikini hair removal, the best methods
For those looking for a result that is as long-lasting as possible, consider permanent hair removal. Whether it is pulsed light hair removal or laser hair removal, both of these methods can be performed for bikini line hair removal.
- Permanent bikini hair removal with pulsed light
How it works ? The device sends pulsed light which will be absorbed by the black pigment of the hair. This light will then turn into heat to destroy the hair at its root and alter its regrowth.
Be aware, however, that the hair removal of the bikini line with pulsed light is not completely definitive because it involves touch-ups. We must thus redo hair removal every 1.5 months on average at the beginning. Then, every 2 months – or even 3 months – depending on the regrowth. After two years, we can go to 6 months, then 12 months.
- Permanent bikini laser hair removal
Laser hair removal, on the other hand, is permanent. So, you have to be sure you don’t want any more hair before starting because the result is (really) irreversible.
Whichever method you choose, keep in mind that you should not epilate within 30 days of the first session, except with the shaving method.
You should also not expose yourself to the sun during the three weeks following your last session (reason for which it is advisable to do permanent hair removal sessions in winter, to avoid UV rays as much as possible).
Finally, count between 5 and 10 sessions to permanently get rid of your hair. “It’s a certain budget, it can be a bit restrictive because this method requires several sessions. but it’s a very good compromise”, admits the expert.
Waxing the bikini zone: the right care afterwards
You should consider this after the waxing treatment:
- Sun and solarium are taboo for 24 hours before and after waxing or sugaring.
- You should also avoid care products with skin-irritating additives, such as alcohol or perfume, for at least 24 hours.
- Instead, use creams with soothing ingredients, like aloe vera, to soothe irritated skin.
- After waxing, you should avoid synthetic fibers in your underwear, as they quickly rub the treated skin sore.
6 Different Bikini Line Wax Styles and Shapes
Even though it’s still cold, you should be prepared for your next beach vacation. It’s also a good time to choose the style of bikini hair removal: classic, Brazilian, metro ticket, geometric. This little guide will help you make the right choice.
Classic bikini waxing is considered the easiest. It consists of epilating the hair above the pubis and at the level of the groin which exceeds the panty area. This style is suitable for all women who don’t want to show off too much, but want to look perfect on the beach. To achieve a classic hair removal, you must identify the hairs that exceed your underwear. Then, increase this area by 1 cm to be sure that no hair sticks out. You can do classic hair removal yourself by equipping yourself with a razor, wax or depilatory cream.
The purpose of the metro ticket shirt is to create a thin rectangular band at the level of the pubis, like the shape of a metro ticket. If you don’t like this rectangular look, you can leave a small triangle or another shape of your choice. Indeed, many women are attracted to this style because it is very easy to maintain. If you want to perform semi-integral bikini hair removal, you can use a razor, electric epilator or wax in the areas above and on the sides of the pubis. Remember to remove the hair in the back area to get a neat result.
The style of the Brazilian jersey is also very popular with many women. It consists of creating a small triangle on the pubis. If you want the point of the triangle to stop above the vulva, you must remove the hair from the inter-gluteal furrow and the labia majora. You can also leave a small strip of hair on the labia majora. It’s a question of taste. It should be noted that the Brazilian swimsuit is suitable for you if you are a fan of olé-olé style underwear and swimsuits.
The purpose of waxing the full bikini area is to remove all the hair located on the pubis, on the lips as well as those on the buttocks line. This technique is very complicated to perform and also requires special care. If you are not ready to compromise with the hair on this area, we advise you to test this technique. For best results, it is best to use a wax and proceed in small areas. To limit pain, try to keep your skin taut when pulling the band.
The American jersey waxing technique consists of completely waxing the lips and leaving a small triangle on the pubis. Like full hair removal, the American jersey is also difficult to perform and the use of a sugar-free wax that can be used without strips is essential. It also meets the needs of perfectionists who want to keep some hair in this area. When doing the operation, remember to draw a small triangle pointing down.
The geometric jersey is more or less similar to the metro ticket jersey. Instead of leaving a rectangular band on the pubis, you can draw other shapes of your choice: star, round, heart, square… You don’t have to epilate your lips either. In order to get the shape you want, we advise you to use a bikini trimmer.
When to wax your bikini line?
Going on vacation with clear skin and keeping it for 15 days is a bit of an obstacle course. We are not all equal when it comes to hair growth and even if the wax marks promise 3 weeks of smoothness, this is rarely the case.
Beauticians advise waiting at least 5 weeks between each hair removal session so that all the hairs have time to grow. This way the cycle starts all over again and you can leave with peace of mind. That’s the theory. In practice, not everyone can necessarily afford to leave their jersey fallow for more than a month.
Our No. 1 tip is to start by restoring a regular hair removal routine at least 2 months before your vacation. Follow this rhythm to the letter to avoid double or triple pushes.
Plan your hair removal session at least 2 to 3 days before your departure, as this can allow time for the very young hairs to show their nose and for you to eliminate them in a jiffy with tweezers .
Take good tweezers and a few strips of cold wax with you to eliminate the rebels who decide to come back early. We do not recommend the electric epilator on the jersey because it tends to promote ingrown hairs.
Tips for the appointment in the waxing studio
If you want to wax your bikini line for the first time, then it is best to put yourself in the hands of professionals. They can advise you extensively and take away your fear of the pain. You should note the following points:
- Before your waxing appointment, you should clarify with the studio how long the hair must be at least.
- So that the treatment does not become a painful procedure, you can numb the intimate area with some EMLA cream. Since the cream is slightly greasy, inform your beautician that you have used it before.
- The following applies on the day of the treatment: neither peel nor apply lotion so that the skin is not irritated.
Important: Waxing or sugaring the bikini area is only permitted from the age of 16. If you are younger, you will need parental consent.
When should the bikini zone not be waxed?
Pregnant women shouldn’t let themselves grow” – you’ve probably heard this sentence before. In principle, intimate hair removal with warm wax or sugaring is possible during pregnancy.
However, many women tend to have weak connective tissue, spider veins or varicose veins during pregnancy. As a result, many waxing studios advise expectant mothers not to wax their bikini area.
Women with an intimate piercing should also seek advice in advance in the studio as to whether waxing is possible. That depends on what type of piercing it is and where it is located.
Bikini area maintenance myths
Shaving is bad:
Marie-Pier confirms that shaving your bikini area stimulates hair growth and that it thus becomes thicker: There are also risks of microcuts, especially if you decide to wear a full bikini; it’s difficult to properly stretch the lips to shave them,” she says. Waxing, on the contrary, thins the hair.
Depilating at home is quite tricky:
Marie-Pier confirms that home hair removal is not optimal: “There may be a risk of burning with pharmacy waxes, as they go in the microwave” Not to mention that you can also put too thick accident and find yourself in a bad place: “I already had a client who came to see me with her strip stuck there, because she couldn’t remove it anymore…”, says Marie-Pier. #Ouch
Bikini Waxing Maintenance and Next Steps
The same day, bet on clothes that are not too tight to avoid chafing after your appointment, especially if you have a little irritation ( redness disappears within a day). Also remember to moisturize the affected area if you are sensitive.
“If we keep a good frequency, that is appointments every 3-4 weeks, we keep a good hair removal, it hurts less and less and the hairs are finer”, explains Marie-Pier. So if you’re rigorous, it’s worth it!
Eventually, we can move towards permanent hair removal : “We quickly get back into our money and some devices, like ours, do not hurt”, recalls Marie-Pier. “The goal is to end it for good at some point, right? “
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
From what age can you be waxed?
As soon as the hairiness starts to bother, you can have your hair waxed without any danger to the body.
How much does it cost approximately?
It depends on the salons, but at Mawaii, for full hair removal, it’s around $35.
How to wax your bikini line the first time?
We can only urge you to go to a beautician for a first bikini waxing. “The jersey is a very sensitive and complicated area to wax. Alone at home, there can be risks of burns, poor product choices, mistakes made during tearing off,” warns the expert. So we go to an institute.
And if you really want to do it at home, opt for cold wax (it’s less risky).
How long does intimate waxing last?
The question of durability cannot be answered in general terms. Both the individual hair growth and the growth phase in which the hair is at the time of intimate waxing are decisive. The results usually last between two and four weeks. However, those who carry out the procedure regularly will notice that the hair grows finer after a while.
In conclusion: no stress!
Skin care is always very individual. Only you can judge whether the tips we describe or the products we present work for you. If you have very sensitive skin that’s prone to irritation, it may be advisable to see a skin specialist. So you are guaranteed to find the care that suits the needs of your skin.
So there’s no reason to stress, girls. It is better to be comfortable and communicate well with your beautician about your concerns and needs, so that she is aware and knows exactly the style you are looking for. So girls, will you dare?
My name is William Lais, I am the chief editor of Rasoirelectric.com. My aim with this site is to help you to get the best shaving products & also help you to know the proper use of shaving and Beauty products…
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