Hairy Bikini Line? 10 Tips for Taking Care *Down There*

So you’ve missed a few too many waxing appointments, or maybe you like being a bushy babe but things have gotten a little wild and uncomfortable *down there.*

Whether you shave or don’t shave doesn’t matter. What does matter is showing your bikini area some TLC — and you can do exactly that with the right skincare products and a little care.

Here are our top tips for taking care of your bikini line.

#1: Buff Away Dead Cell Buildup

Dead skin cells clog (and dull) your razor blades. Always exfoliate before shaving to prep skin for a seamless shave and prevent nicks, razor burns, and ingrown hairs. Even if you rock a full bush, exfoliation is still important to keep your pubic area clean and bright.

SHOP: SMOOTH Body Scrub

#2: Shave With a Buttery Shaving Cream

From your armpit hair to your pubes, all body hair needs to be shaved using a hydrating shaving cream otherwise you’ll end up with a bod full of razor bumps (those little red bumps that STING!). Shaving cream helps to soften skin and hair follicles, enabling a smooth razor glide without irritation. Got a lot of pubic hair? Try using a trimmer first to get rid of the excess and make things easier.

SHOP: SMOOTH Shave Butter

#3: Hydrate

Moisturizing shouldn’t be missed! Regardless of whether you shave, wax, or leave things hairy, it’s important to hydrate the area using a lightweight serum or lotion. Especially if you’ve got sensitive skin, a moisturizer will provide a protective barrier on the skin, preventing irritation. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and coconut oil.

SHOP: HYDRATE Serum

#4: Dab on an Ingrown Hair Treatment

If it’s too late and you’ve ended up with an ingrown hair (or few) on your bikini line, invest in an ingrown hair treatment to soothe the area and reduce inflammation. Some of the best ingredients in such a treatment include tea tree oil, lavender, and aloe vera. Avoid creating DIY potions, which may only cause further inflammation and ingrowns. If you’re really desperate, try applying an ice cube or cold compress to the area to relieve discomfort. Repeat throughout the day, and re-apply your ingrown treatment several times per day.

#5: Always Use a Clean, Sharp Razor

You can’t get a dreamy smooth shave when you’re working with an old, dull razor. Always begin your shave with a clean, sharp razor. Ideally, it’s best to use a re-usable razor with two or more blades and plenty of cushioning to ward off razor bumps.

Many dermatologists and aestheticians advise using a separate razor for each individual area. For instance, one razor for your legs, another for your underarms, and another for your bikini line. Store your razor in a clean, dry place unless next time! As a general rule of thumb, you should get 5-10 shaves out of your razor.

#6: Shave in the Direction of Hair Growth

One of the biggest mistakes shavers make is shaving against the grain. Shaving against hair growth is practically a recipe for razor burns and ingrowns. Sure, you’ll get a smoother, closer shave — initially — but it won’t be smooth for long once those bumps pop up.

To enjoy a smooth shave without ingrowns, always shave in the direction of hair growth and give yourself plenty of time. Don’t rush the process! Whether it’s your first time or 100th time, you can never be too careful when it comes to shaving your nether regions.

#7: Treat Discoloration

Bikini area discoloration can occur due to sun exposure, chafing, and poor shaving techniques. To reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration, try patting on a correcting serum to lighten dark areas. Some of the best ingredients to look out for include vitamin C and retinol. These spur cellular turnover, reduce melanin production, and refine skin, giving your bikini line a clearer, smoother look.

While you can use quick tricks like tanning and concealer, a discoloration correcting serum is what’s going to give you long-term results. Provided that you’re consistent of course!

SHOP: ILLUMINATE Body Serum

#8: Embrace Your Bush, Keep Her Groomed

Nobody should feel forced into shaving, using depilatories, or getting a Brazilian wax. If being hairless down there isn’t your goal, that’s also cool. But that doesn’t mean you should be neglecting your nether regions. Keep her groomed with a lightweight hydrating serum + indulge in the occasional exfoliation session. There are plenty of haircare products you can choose from! Just keep products away from the vulva!

#9: Consider Getting a Bikini Wax

One benefit waxing has over shaving is that the smoothness lasts longer. That said, you do need to wait until your pubes are long enough before giving yourself an at-home bikini wax — or getting it done at the salon. Over time, waxing destroys the hair follicle, causing hair to become thinner over time. That could be another benefit if you’re fed up of shaving. Just bear in mind that it’s one of the more painful hair removal methods. If you have any questions or concerns, book an appointment with your esthetician before committing to a wax. This is especially a good idea if you’re new to waxing.

#10: Contemplate Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a more permanent hair removal method, and works best on thick, dark hair. Some people have called the process life changing. While it is costly and slightly painful, it has been shown to cause hair to become sparser over time. If you’d like to consider this hair removal option, book a consultation with a licensed aesthetician. It’s important to find out whether you’re a good candidate for the treatment before moving ahead.

Time for bikini area TLC! Shop our beauty essentials at Rainbowbeauty.com, CVS, and Walmart!