Best Tricks For A Smooth Bikini Line

When it comes to my lady bits I like to keep the area clean, hair-free, and as smooth as possible. Unfortunately, razor burns, cuts, wax burns, and of course the dreaded ingrown hairs make it very hard to achieve perfect smoothness. But after talking to some friends and fellow collaborators at Beauties, I was able to collect enough information and tips that have helped me get pretty damn close to perfection when it comes to the bikini line area (insert hand claps).

A little disclaimer before we continue: Hair removal is my choice, if you are someone that does not like to do it, you don’t have to. 

What’s better, shaving or waxing?

You might already know the pros and cons for each: Waxing lasts longer than shaving, but it hurts a lot more, and you have to wait for the hair to be fully grown in order to wax it again rather than just shaving every single day. Choosing between one or the other is really up to you and it will depend on what you’re looking for in terms of hair removal: long-lasting results - 3 weeks or so - OR the convenience of shaving for the instant hair-free area?

There's another option that I had not considered in the past: trimming. Use a trimmer with an adjustable comb with settings for a customizable trim length and say bye-bye to ingrown hairs forever.

Last, but not least, there’s new laser technology that can be used in the comfort of your home, and that claims permanent results.  I haven't had the chance to try it yet ($$$), but my roommate will be receiving hers - from Australia- in a couple of weeks and I promise on the Beauties code that I will keep you updated. 

Prep the area before shaving or waxing

Always exfoliate the area the day before to remove dead skin and set free any ingrown hairs you might still have from previous shaving/waxing. To get the best results exfoliate using linear movements rather than circular movements. Try camu camu berry powder or rosehip powder mixed with a few drops of argan oil to make a great natural exfoliating scrub. Attention! Exfoliate the area before but not after shaving or waxing to avoid any kind of irritation. If you want to exfoliate after, then use an AHA or enzyme-based formula that will help reduce ingrown hairs.

For sensitive skin try the award-winning (yup) : Polishing Facial Exfoliant from Grown Alchemist.

For non-sensitive skin, try Enzyme Exfoliant with Papain and Amino Complex. 

Always patch test before!

Use the right products 

• Shaving

Shave at the end of your bath or shower so that the steam opens up your pores prepping them to have the cleanest shave possible. Use a lubricating product with natural ingredients for a smooth shave. I heard from a friend, who’s an expert with natural ingredients, that sesame oil is an excellent alternative to shaving oils and lotions. Avoid coconut or avocado oil as they tend to clog the pores, any other oil with no fragrance is safe. 

• Waxing

Be sure that the hair is long enough to be removed - I’m sure you’ll know when it’s ready- but half a centimeter does it. If you do it all by yourself, use cold wax strips, work on external areas and don't wax inside your deepest secrets -if you know what I mean- Instead, visit an expert that can give you a full Brazilian wax. Believe me, you don’t want to rip off or burn your oh-so-precious hooha!

Check out BEAUTIES favorite wax salons in Montreal

Maintaining a smooth bikini line

Right after shaving or waxing, moisturize the area. Mix tea tree oil with a little bit of water and apply it with a reusable cotton pad. Our esthetician at Beauties Lab recommends looking for aftershaves - or any serum-  that contains glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that comes from sugar cane and it is helpful healing scars, reducing fine lines, preventing ingrown hairs, and it also has anti-aging properties. Follow this step every day after your shower for at least 2 days after shaving or waxing. 

Very important! You must apply sunblock if you plan on sunbathing or swimming. The bikini area is very sensitive and even the slightest sunburn can cause permanent damage. Try Coola’s Mineral Sunscreen for baby SPF 50, its formula is +70% certified organic and it will be gentle enough for that area. Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying, and at least every two hours.

Photo credit: @beauties.lab

Now go on and *try all these tips at home and let us know which other tricks have worked for you in the past! 

*Don’t forget to test new products and ingredients on a small section of your wrist to make sure you are not reacting to any component.