You may not be able to book a waxing appointment right now, but you can still get your bikini-line summer-ready with a few tips and tricks from home.
If you’ve tried it before only to end up with bumps, ingrown hairs, and angry skin, there’s a chance you need to switch your technique. Shaving your bikini area definitely requires some know-how to keep things smooth and bump-free down there.
With the right shaving technique and an arsenal of hydrating products, you can achieve a salon-worthy bikini alone. Even if you’re strapped for cash.
Take a look through these budget-friendly hacks for the best summer bikini line.
Every good shave starts with a good razor.
“Choosing a firm, sturdy razor with soothing strips will make a huge difference,” says Eileen Bischoff, hair-removal specialist at Eve Salon in New York City.
While disposables are convenient when you’re traveling, they’re not made for long-term use. Some people make the mistake of using them for a month. If that’s you, prepare yourself for some major razor burn and bumps.
Or, to prevent it, make sure you purchase a high-quality razor. Even if you spend a few dollars more, it’ll be well worth the investment as it’ll last far longer than your throwaway.
The best bikini line regimens start with exfoliation.
Exfoliating the skin unclogs pores, allowing the hair to grow normally without running the risk of ingrowns. For best results, aim to exfoliate your bikini area 2-3 times a week. Doing this regularly will prevent a buildup of dry skin which can lead to more ingrown hairs.
“If you have sensitive skin, your exfoliator may just be a good dry brush, followed by a powerful serum,” says Laura Schubert, co-founder of Fur. “If you have rougher skin, you might want a stronger exfoliator. No two skin types are the same, so take time to experiment until you find the right fit.”
Product pick: Truly’s Moon Rocks Whipped Body Scrub.
When you shave, do you just reach for the nearest shower gel or bar of soap to lather up with? That might be where you’re going wrong.
“When you shave, you’re shaving your skin, too,” says Bischoff. “If you don’t use enough shaving cream to create enough slip, you’ll lightly abrade your skin, leaving it irritated.”
Now that doesn’t mean reaching for the cheapest shaving cream you can find. Invest in a good-quality shaving cream, gel, or butter to provide a nice slippy base for your razor. Look for moisturizing ingredients in it, like coconut oil, shea butter, olive oil etc.
Product pick: Truly’s Coco Cloud Whipped Luxury Shave Butter.
Yes, there is a right way.
“Always shave with the grain, as opposed to against,” says Schubert. “And while this seems obvious, it’s important: Use a sharp razor. In general, you should replace the blade every time you shave that area, especially if you’re very ingrown-prone. Safety razors are great for this, and they’re more sustainable.”
Going in numerous directors with your razor is practically a recipe for cuts and ingrown hairs. Shave in one direction – and avoid going over the same area again and again. One pass should be enough if you’re using a good razor, and avoid using too much pressure.
If you have any existing ingrown hairs around your bikini line, make sure you treat them with soothing ingredients like witch hazel, aloe vera, and tea tree oil. The longer you go before treating them, the worse they’ll get. Thus, we recommend addressing them asap rather than putting it off time and time again.
Product pick: Truly’s Ingrown Aftercare Kit.
You should always hydrate after shaving.
“Apply an unscented, alcohol-free moisturizer to both sides of the bikini line to lock in the moisture and avoid over-drying, which leads to further irritation,” says dermatologist Dendy Engelman.
It doesn’t need to be an expensive product. Look for something with hydrating, nourishing ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil to boost your bikini line’s hydration levels.
Product pick: Coco Rose Fudge Whipped Body Butter.
After every use, be sure to sanitize your blades in hot water and dry them off properly. This will prevent an infection which mean lead to redness and ingrown hairs.
Store it in a clean, dry place, so they don’t harbor bacteria.
And, of course, make sure you replace your razor from time to time. Using the same razor for months can cause ingrowns and red bumps and result in an infection. Switch your razor regularly to keep your bikini clean and ingrown-free.
Waxing is one of the best methods for achieving a smooth, summer-perfect bikini line. Even if you can’t get it done at your local salon, you can give it a try at home. Just make sure you know what you’re doing.
“Always prep the area you are going to wax by cleaning it with wipes or an antiseptic solution,” says Elizabeth Taylor, the owner of True Beauty Brooklyn spa. “Then use a small amount of fast-absorbing oil—like Fur Oil, grape seed, or jojoba—to moisturize your skin.” Like Truly’s Blueberry Kush CBD Body Oil.
“Next, use a clean cloth or arrowroot powder to blot off any excess oil,” she continues. “You want the wax to pick up only your body hair, but when the skin is dry, the wax can adhere to it more and cause painful results.”
Once you’re done, exfoliate the skin 2-3 times a week with a gentle scrub to keep the follicles breathing easily and ingrowns away.
Summer’s just around the corner. IOW, there’s no better time than now to start getting your bikini line prepped for the many sunny days ahead. With this guide, you should be able to achieve the best bikini line on a budget – without any redness, bumps, or ingrown hairs.