It’s that time of year again — the weather’s warming up, the sun is coming out, and you’re realising it’s been a while since your hair removal routine included your bikini line.
And hey, it by no means has to either. Whether or not you choose to remove hair in that area is a personal preference. It’s your hair, your body, your rules. If you want to grow out your bikini line, do it! But if you still prefer some grooming down there, we’re here to help.
Because although more and more Australians are opting for permanent, in-salon options like laser hair removal, there’s still a fair few of us who’d rather stick to temporary hair removal of our bikini line.
Plus, there are plenty of options! It’s just about finding the right bikini line hair removal method for you…
#1 Shaving
Shaving is probably the hair removal tactic we’re most familiar with. It involves using a razor or clippers to cut the hair at surface level.
Pros: Shaving is quick and easy so it’s a great hair removal option for your bikini line if you’re in a pinch. It’s painless (unless you nick yourself!) and is suitable for all hair types. It only requires a razor and soap or shaving cream, all of which you can find at most grocery stores and pharmacies.
Cons: Though suitable for all hair types, shaving is not always suitable for all skin types. Those with sensitive skin may be more prone to issues like razor burn and ingrown hairs. Shaving is also a short-term fix, so expect stubble to appear within a few days.
Tips: To avoid nicking and razor burn, make sure the hair has a chance to soften by taking a warm shower or bath prior to shaving and allow enough time for the hair to grow back (3-6 days usually) before going again. If you’re prone to ingrown hairs, try gently exfoliating the area a few days after shaving or try the Bump eRaiser Triple Action Lotion ($19.99 at Priceline) both pre and post-shaving to stop them in their tracks.
bh also recommends: Schick Hydro Silk ($13.50 at Woolworths) andPaula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant ($38.01 at paulaschoice.com.au)
#2 Wax Strips
Wax strips are fabric material (usually some type of cotton-blend) used in combination with soft wax. To use, apply warm wax in the direction of hair growth, press the strips onto the wax, then pull them off in the opposite direction in one quick motion.
Pros: Waxing in general is a great way to achieve long-lasting results, as you’re pulling the hair out from the root. Strips are also easily accessible in grocery stores or pharmacies and easy to use, even for beginners.
Cons: Unfortunately, waxing has the reputation of being one of the most painful forms of hair removal. Wax strips, while easy to use, are not all made equally and using poor quality strips can result in tearing and ineffective hair removal. Cue: A patchy bikini line that’s far from cute.
Tips: It’s imperative to ensure the hair is long enough for waxing to be effective. You should also avoid sun exposure and using chemical exfoliants a few days before and after waxing, as the area will be very sensitive.
bh recommends: Waxaway Salon Pro Shimmer Sweet Rosie Coarse Hair Strip Wax ($21.99 at Priceline) and Waxaway Ready To Use Wax Strips for Body – Sensitive, $10.49 at Priceline
#3 Bead Wax
Bead wax has been gaining in online popularity recently, and not just because it looks cool on Instagram. This modern waxing technique involves heating up wax beads that melt into a hard wax formula. Which means you can just apply the wax, let it dry, and then let it rip. Yes – without strips!
Pros: Many people find bead waxing slightly less painful than using wax strips, but with the same long-lasting benefits. The fact that it’s strip-less also means less waste.
Cons: Beaded wax is usually more expensive and is still considered one of the more painful ways to remove hair compared to non-waxing techniques.
Tips: Melting the beads into wax can be the most challenging part of the process. Ensure you leave the wax on long enough to turn into a honey consistency, but not too long that it becomes watery. It’s also important to be mindful when applying the wax. Try your best to smooth it on, going in the direction of hair growth (as you’ll be pulling it off against the grain).
bh recommends: Nads Charcoal Bead Wax ($23.49 at Chemist Warehouse)
#4 Sugaring
Sugaring is an ancient form of hair removal similar to waxing. It combines lemon juice, sugar, and water into a thick consistency, which is then pulled in the direction of the hair.
Pros: Many claim it’s less painful than traditional waxing and there have been reports that on-going sugaring can actually lead to stunting hair growth. The sustainable concoction also acts as a natural exfoliant for the skin, leaving you hairless and glowing!
Cons: You need to leave about five weeks between sugaring appointments, which will leave you nice and fuzzy for a while. And yes, we do recommend booking appointments for your sugaring rather than trying it at home, as the practice is complex and results can be difficult to achieve at home.
bh recommends: Hitting the salon!
#5 Depilatory Cream
Depilatory Creams are like a right of passage for teenage girls and are often the first form of hair removal many women experience. These creams are usually a lotion or foam consistency that, when lathered onto skin, have a chemical reaction breaking down the hair, which then washes away and leaves you with smooth, hairless skin.
Pros: The least painful method of hair removal, depilatory creams work similar to a chemical exfoliant and allow you to quite literally wipe your unwanted hair away. They’re most effective for areas that are hard to reach.
Cons: They can smell. Bad. This is because of their strong chemical blend, which of course, may cause an allergic reaction or sensitivity. These creams also only break down hair at the surface, meaning the results usually only last a few days.
Tips: We advise doing a patch test first to ensure you don’t experience a reaction to the formula. If all good, ensure you lather the area completely and follow the directions for timing and removal.
bh recommends: Nair Sensitive Hair Removal Cream Face and Body ($9.39 at Chemist Warehouse) and Marzena Sensitive Hair Removal Lotion ($8.49 at Chemist Warehouse)
#6 At-home IPL devices
If you’re keen on a slightly more permanent hair removal method, but don’t want to head in-salon for laser, an at-home IPL device might be right for you. Most of these machines operate by targeting the hair follicle with intense pulsed light (hence why it’s called IPL), sending it into a ‘resting phase’ which prevents hair growth.
Pros: With diligent use, the hair on your bikini line will slow down in growth and maintenance will be less frequently required. It’s also less painful than waxing and in-salon laser treatments. It still feels similar to a flick with a rubber band, but slightly more dull than professional machines.
Cons: It takes time to see results and it varies per person depending on hair density. Some skin tones may also not be suited to every device, with the ideal candidate usually stipulated as having fair skin and dark hairs.
bh recommends: SmoothSkin Bare Intense Pulsed Light Hair Removal Device – Black ($299 at The Shaver Shop)
Do you remove your body hair? What method do you use?
