While some women prefer to leave their pubic hair in its natural state, most prefer to keep it under control either by removing it completely or partially for a neater appearance. Three quarters of women groom their pubic regions however it can prove to be a dangerous task, since cuts, rashes and burns can end up being the result. Here, we look at the different ways of maintaining your bikini line and how long each one should last so that you can make a more informed choice about which one suits you best.
Trimming
Although trimming isn’t the best way to remove all your pubic hair, it is one of the best ways to keep it looking neat and tidy. Trimming with scissors is probably the safest option for restoring order down there, although you still need to take care if you’re not using a mirror. Cut carefully and make sure that you don’t cut the skin as this could result in a very painful injury. Trimming will only last for a short while, and you can expect the hair to start growing back within a couple of days, so it is something that needs to be done on a very regular basis.
Tweezing
If you want to get rid of stray hairs along your bikini line, tweezing is one of the best ways to do it, although it can be quite painful and time consuming. As this method plucks the hair right out from the root it will cause no irritation and shouldn’t result in any unwanted injuries. On the other hand, it isn’t a suitable method for large areas simply because of the amount of time and effort involved. It will take longer for the hair to grow back if you use tweezers since the hair is not just being trimmed, it is being extracted from the root, however it is certainly not a permanent solution and within a week you might want to start thinking about tweezing again.
Depilatory Cream
A chemical depilatory cream is an easy and convenient way to remove pubic hair and takes virtually no effort at all. All you need to do is spread the area with the cream which then dissolves the hair at the skin’s surface. This is a pretty safe and inexpensive option, although if you have very sensitive skin you’ll need to be careful as you could end up burning your skin. Try a patch test first to make sure you don’t suffer from an adverse reaction. Again, this isn’t a permanent solution, but it should take at least a week for the hair to begin to grow back so you can reliably use this method before your vacation and feel confident on the beach.
Shaving
Shaving is still the method of choice for many women simply because it’s quick and easy to do while you’re in the shower in the morning. It’s also the easiest way to get the look you’re aiming for, whether that be entirely bare or whether it be a Mohican, but there are a few downsides. Shaving your bikini area can lead to ingrown hairs, shaving rash and irritation and you could even end up with a painful infection. Shaving the pubic area should always be done with a fresh blade and with shaving gel or soap so that the blade moves smoothly over the skin. Depending on how quickly your hair grows, you could find that it starts to return after just a couple of days, so you will definitely need to keep your razor to hand for last minute tidy-ups before hitting the beach. On the upside, this can be a very cheap method, especially if you use disposable razors.
Waxing
Waxing is one of the longer lasting methods of removing pubic hair, however it is unfortunately also one of the most painful. Having a bikini wax may be embarrassing if you go to a salon, but it will guarantee a professional result with hair-free sunbathing for several weeks which is incredibly convenient. However, you could end up with burns and infections in your hair follicles from this hair removal method, neither of which are very pleasant. This is especially likely if you try to wax yourself at home, especially if you are inexperienced. It is not always the best choice for anyone with sensitive skin since the hair is ripped out from the root. This is a more expensive option too, since going to a salon can be pricey, and even waxing at home isn’t as cheap as shaving.
Epilating
Although using an epilator to remove your pubic hair will ensure that you remain hair free for some time as you are taking the hair out at the root, this is a pretty painful option, especially in the highly sensitive bikini area. It is also quite a time consuming task to do properly and so isn’t a great choice if you want to remove all your pubic hair. Although an epilator isn’t cheap, once you have one you can use it over and over again, which represents good value over all.
Laser Removal
Laser removal is the only permanent option for removing pubic hair however it is also the most expensive option since it must usually be done in a salon. It is also a very time consuming process since numerous sessions of laser therapy must be undergone before all of the hair follicles have been targeted. It is also quite an embarrassing option, especially if you want to remove all the hair in this area. Although it is possible to buy laser removal kits for use at home, these are often very poor quality and do not produce very impressive results.
What’s Next
Now that you are aware of the different pubic hair removal options, you can determine which is the best one to suit your preferences and needs and make an informed decision before you head off to the beach this summer.
We’ve got you covered with all your maintenance needs, so check out our guides to the best epilators, razors, depilatory creams and more! Links are easy to find on our homepage.
Abby Larson
