The Bikini Area - To Shave or To Wax?
Summer is coming and you know what that means: it is time to shave/wax/remove your natural winter fur coat! Wether you are about strut around in a brazilian cut bikini or the hipster boy short styles that Maaji Swimwear and Seafolly swimwear is all about, dealing with bikini lines can be slightly difficult and scary, because the skin is so sensitive down there. You can pick one of two ways waxing, which is more painful but lasts longer, or shaving, which is pain-free but grows back quickly. Whichever you choose to go with, we۪ve rounded up some tips to ensure that your hair removal experience is as smooth as possible.
Waxing
Still a little hesitant of waxing? Ask some of your friends who have been through the ordeal, and they will tell you that the pain is short-lived and so worth it. Waxing at a salon can be pricey, but if your budget allows it, go ahead! Personally, we۪d rather save the money for poolside margaritas and wax at home instead don۪t worry, it isn۪t as horrifying as it seems.
If you can۪t handle the heat, opt for a soothing cold wax instead, which will reduce the redness and irritation after. Make sure your hair is long enough at least a quarter of an inch. Anything shorter and you might end up with ingrown hairs which are painful and take forever to grow out. Start with a sprinkle of talcum powder on the area and then apply a thin layer of wax in the direction of your hair growth. Ensure that you go a couple of centimeters beyond the edge of the growth for the cleanest results. Apply the strip and smooth it down in the same direction. Then, hold your thigh taught with one hand, and with the other, pull the strip in the opposite direction to the growth. Hellooo, smoothness! Work with small patches if you are a novice, and you will eventually get the hang of it.
Remember to stay clear of scrubs and loofahs for a few days after, as your skin will be highly sensitive and prone to redness. Instead, treat it with care and massage olive oil or an intense repair moisturizer into the waxed area every night. Voila! You are pretty much good to go.
Shaving
If waxing still gives you the heebie jeebies, then this is the next best thing. First things first: soften the hair by taking a shower and then exfoliate as normal (nothing special required here!) When you are ready to do the deed, wet the area you are going to attack with warm water and smooth an even layer of shaving gel over it. You will find that conditioner works really well as a makeshift gel and leaves you skin feeling like a baby۪s. Wet your razor as well, and shave in long, careful strokes in the direction of the hair growth. If there are still a few stray hairs, hold your skin taught and do a once over in the opposite direction after. Take care not to go over the same area too many times though, because you will end up with those pesky red bumps.
Once you۪re done, exfoliate again. We can see you doing a mental eye roll right now, but this is the best thing to keep your skin free from ingrowth. Pat the area dry with a soft towel and use a non-scented moisturizer to prevent irritation for the next couple of days. It might be a good idea to pat some baby powder over the area as well. As far as possible, try not to wear skin tight clothing for the next day or two bring out the flowing maxi dresses instead, we are loving this one from Saha Swimwearor the equally hot Black Diamond from PilyQ Swimwear. If you are not the maxi dress kind of girl take a look at these cool and sexy lounge pants Raja by PilyQ Swimwear 2014!
So there you have it, ladies. Your go-to guide for a fuzz free and happy bikini line to match your sexy designer swimwear!