How to Take Care of Your Bikini Line
Summer is in full swing which means short-shorts and bikinis are in our everyday wardrobe rotation. One issue that always arises for women during this time of year is how to groom the bikini area. Do you shave or wax? How do you keep your skin bump-free and prevent ingrown hairs?
Whether you’re shaving or waxing, here are our tips on how to keep this area smooth and hair free!
Exfoliate pre and post hair removal.
Pre-removal: Whether you decide to shave or wax, using a body scrub is a must. In fact, it should be part of your normal shower routine.
If you’re waxing, make sure to use a gentle exfoliator every other day or try dry brushing before your daily shower. Work the exfoliator in small circular movements. This will help to “lift” hairs and can help prevent ingrowns from forming.
Post-removal: After a day or two post waxing, continue with a regular exfoliation routine.
Tone and moisturize your bikini area.
Like your facial skin, this area is delicate. Post-waxing, a non-alcohol based astringent like our Herbal Astringent, should be applied to help prevent the appearance of ingrowns, while a Seaweed Body Cream will help keep skin hydrated.
Don’t pick at ingrown hairs.
It seems very tempting to pick at an ingrown hair below the surface of the skin, but don't! This puts you at risk for more than just a scab.
When you use your fingernails to dig out an ingrown, you are allowing the bacteria under your nails to enter an open area in the skin, potentially causing infection.
Putting hot wax on a compromised area can cause more harm than good. Leave it to your waxing technician to extract ingrown hair.
Diminish discomfort before-hand.
If you know that you’re prone to discomfort, or are nervous because it is your first waxing experience, take the proper precautions before hitting the waxing table.
Consider visiting a salon that uses a relaxing waxing treatment to limit the amount of discomfort felt. A pain reliever, such as Tylenol, can also be taken 30 minutes before your service to reduce pain.
NEVER shave on dry skin.
As always, make sure you have exfoliated and the area you wish to shave is clean. Soap will strip your skin and make it dry, so cleanse with a pH balancing wash.
Always start with a fresh, clean razor and use a gentle shaving cream as a barrier between the razor and skin; this helps prevent razor burn.
An oil, like our Vita Cura Triple Action Nutri Oil, can be applied underneath the shaving cream for extra protection. Never shave on dry skin and be sure to tone and hydrate as soon as you’re done and the area is patted dry.
Pay attention to your bikini area for the next 24-48 hours.
After your wax or shave is complete, make sure you care for the area properly, especially within the next 24-48 hours.
Avoid sun and UV exposure and wear loose fitting pants and skirts to allow the area to heal properly. When there is comfort and airflow to your bikini region, the positive effects of the wax will appear sooner.
So there is everything you need to enjoy a successful waxing or shave this summer! Be sure to follow our tips to keep your bikini line bump free for the rest of the season, and check out our waxing list of do’s and don’ts.
Happy hair free summer!
