Bikini hair removal: How to get a silky-smooth bikini line

For too long the bikini line has been branded one of the trickiest areas of hair removal, but with the right tools and methods, silky smoothness is only a few steps away. When it comes to mastering how to shave the bikini area, these tips and tricks will leave you feeling comfortable and clean down there.

Bikini hair removal: Waxing and epilating

Waxing and epilating are both longer lasting methods for removing hair from your bikini line, and there are pros and cons to each.

Waxing:

Because it extracts hair from the root, waxing your bikini line achieves smooth results for longer. But before you opt for this method of bikini area hair removal, it’s worth remembering that when it comes to intimate waxing, the skin is extra sensitive:

Pain: Ouch! Only thinking about pulling away that wax strip is enough to make any remaining hairs stand on end. Hair around the bikini line tends to grow thicker and in larger amounts compared to other areas of the body, which is why waxing it may be really painful.
Irritated skin: The skin around the bikini line requires extra care when it comes to hair removal. Because of the pressure applied during waxing, it may be prone to bruising and discoloration. Skin irritation tends to be more frequent with this method, especially for more sensitive and paler skin types. To avoid burns, it’s paramount that the wax is heated to the correct temperature.
Time and money: Because of its potential to irritate the skin, it’s better to get an appointment for this method of bikini hair removal. But waiting for one to become available, and then having to repeat the session month after month can be both costly and timely.

So, there must be a better method of bikini area hair removal, right? Find out below!

Epilation:

Like waxing, epilation swiftly removes hair from the root. Unlike waxing, however, investing in a good-quality epilator is a one-off cost which is easy to use at home:

Comfort: With a good-quality epilator such as the Satinelle Prestige Wet & Dry epilator, you can reduce skin irritation by using the massage head to relax the skin before treatment. After epilation, massage the skin around the bikini line to gently stimulate blood flow for a healthy glow.
Precision: Epilators come with different attachments, and the Satinelle is no exception. Because of the mild discomfort which can come from epilation, the Satinelle is equipped with a delicate area cap, providing extra care and protection for bikini area hair removal

Bikini hair removal: Shaving

For a quick fix, shaving is a popular method of bikini hair removal. Whilst razors are relatively cheap and easy to come by, learning how to shave the bikini area without causing cuts and nicks is no mean feat – it can be incredibly time consuming. Because shaving only removes the hair follicle at the surface of the skin, smooth results will disappear after a matter of days!

Longer lasting bikini hair removal: Bikini laser hair removal and IPL

For pain-free treatment and results which last longer, many choose bikini laser hair removal or a similar treatment, Intense Pulsed Light therapy. As with epilating and waxing, there are pros and cons to both.

Bikini laser hair removal

Bikini laser treatments can only be done by a professional, which makes it an expensive method of bikini area hair removal. Aside from the hassle of booking follow-up appointments, you’ll need to plan ahead if you’re bikini line grooming is in preparation for a holiday in the sun. A mild anesthetic is usually used on the skin to reduce irritation before, after, and during the laser treatment. Even so, it’s recommended that you wait a couple of months before the treated area can be in direct sunlight.

it's recommended that you wait a couple of months before the treated area can be in direct sunlight.

So, how does bikini laser treatment work exactly?

Laser treatments destroy the hair follicle at the root, reducing hair growth. Gradually, hairs will become finer, but you’ll need a session of follow-up bikini laser treatments to ensure the hair does not grow back.

Bikini hair removal: IPL

An alternative to bikini laser treatment is Intense Pulsed Light, known as IPL. You can now buy IPL devices to use at home, making IPL more accessible than bikini laser hair removal, and typically, far cheaper.

With the right device, however, you can still achieve professional results. The Lumea Prestige IPL is ideally suited for use at home, achieving up to 92% hair reduction in as little as 3 treatments*. The SmartSkin sensor ensures a safe but effective treatment for a variety of hair types. Because the Lumea requires a high contrast between the pigment in your hair color and the pigment in your skin tone, it cannot be used on light blonde, red, or white/ grey hair, as well as very dark skin.

Lumea Prestige

IPL hair removal device

BRI956/60

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Lumea Prestige IPL hair removal device

BRI956/60

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Enjoy 6 months of hair-free smooth skin*

Philips Lumea Prestige with SenseIQ technology is our most effective IPL. Designed for convenient treatment at home, Lumea's intelligent attachments perfectly fit every curve of your body and adapt programs tailored for each body area. See all benefits

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Enjoy 6 months of hair-free smooth skin*

So, what makes it especially good for bikini hair removal?

When it came to hair removal from the bikini line, 78% of women were satisfied with the results from the Lumea. The curved attachment comes with an extra transparent filter which, when added to the device, intelligently adjusts to the bikini area. The Lumea applies gentle pulses of light to the root of the hair, causing the follicle to enter into a resting phase. As with bikini laser removal, the amount of hair your body grows is significantly reduced over time.

Armed with the right tools, a silky-smooth bikini line can be achieved in the comfort of your own home. For more sensitive-skin-friendly hair removal methods, have a look at this article on how to achieve beautifully bare underarms.

* Up to 92% hair reduction after 3 treatments when following the treatment schedule, measured on legs, individual results may vary.

** Study conducted in the Netherlands and Austria, 46 women, after 3 treatments on armpits, bikini, legs, after 2 treatments on face.

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