How to Wax the Bikini Line

Unsightly hair along the bikini line can make you self-conscious when wearing short shorts, swimming or getting undressed in front of others. With a little wax, your worries will disappear for a few weeks at least.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Start planning your bikini wax a few weeks in advance. You will want to shave the area in the exact shape and definition you want with your wax, and then allow the stubble to grow back in. It should be about 1/4 inch, which can take up to three weeks. (This is the easiest way to define the area to be waxed.)

2. Wash and dry the area to be waxed thoroughly. Make sure to dry all the crevices, as the wax will not work on damp skin. Sprinkle a bit of baby powder to ensure maximum dryness.

3. Trim any excess hair down to 1/4 inch. Longer hair will work with the wax, but if it is too long, you may cause unnecessary pain as it is pulled out.

4. Apply the wax to the skin, following the growth of the hair. You should prepare the wax according to the directions. Make sure it is at the proper temperature before applying to your skin.

5. Smooth the wax using the cloth or wax strip and the pull the wax off in the opposite direction you applied it. For best results, hair should always be removed against the direction it is growing. In the bikini area, you will need to work in various directions.

6. Treat just a small area at a time, especially in the more sensitive spots. If you are feeling too irritated, simply move to a less sensitive area. Alternate waxing areas until your bikini line is defined the way you want it to be.

7. Use tweezers to remove any stray hairs.

8. Disinfect the treated area with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol-free astringent to avoid infections. Avoid alcohol products, as they will sting!

9. Soothe the area with an aloe-based lotion. If you are planning on getting dressed immediately after waxing, wear an old pair of underpants so the lotion doesn't stain your favorite thongs.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on what part of the country you're in, the bikini line can mean different things. The area along the elastic edge of a normal bathing suit is always included. How much hair is removed from the pubic bone or within the bikini line varies.
• If waxing your bikini line sounds like it will hurt too much, you can make use of a numbing rub or spray, which should be applied at least 30 minutes prior to the wax treatment.
• A hard wax is best for the bikini line.
• Avoid showering for at least two hours after you wax.