How To Wax Your Bikini Line At-Home

If you’re ever swinging by the office of the creator of mankind, why not poke your head in the door and get us an answer to the following question: why do we grow hair on the outside of our underwear and swimsuit? Seriously, why?  With bikini season quickly approaching, it might be time to start considering tidying up the overgrown bush that’s made itself at home over winter. If you’re not already on the laser hair removal train or a hair removal cream isn’t really your thing. Perhaps a quick bikini wax might be the answer? And when you’ve got the option (and skills) to complete it from the comfort of your own bathroom, why not?

Where is your bikini line?

As the name suggests, a bikini line is the outline of where undies or swimwear sit. However, depending on the individual, this area can extend from your upper thighs and up to the navel area.

How much does it cost to wax your bikini line?

The cost will largely depend on where you go or what wax you’re using. When visiting a salon to have it professionally done, a bikini wax can cost you anywhere from around $20 to $50. If you’re waxing your bikini line at home, a wax kit typically starts at around $10.

What do you need to wax your bikini line?

• Bikini or Brazilian waxing kit or strips: As our pubic hair is thicker and coarser than other hair (like our legs), it’s important to use a hot wax rather than cold to ensure a stronger grip. Likewise, ensure the product specifies that it is for your bikini line area.
• A mirror
• Tweezers
• Cotton pad
• Gentle oil

How to wax your bikini line…

Step one: Ensure your hair is the right length

Before waxing, make sure your hair is approximately half a centimetre long. Anything shorter than this can be difficult to grip. While anything too long puts the hair at risk of breaking apart instead of being pulled out at the follicle.

Step two: Take a warm shower

Cleansing and drying your skin prior to waxing will actually help to minimise the pain. A warm shower will open up the pores, which means removal of the hair will be much easier. Plus, cleaning the hair and skin removes natural oils, allowing the wax to maintain a stronger grip.

We recommend using the QV Intensive Moisturising Cleanser ($30.99 at Chemist Warehouse) in the shower prior to your waxing session.

Step three: Find a comfortable position

The position you choose to be in is entirely up you. Whether you’ve got one leg propped up on the bathroom sink, you’re sitting down on the side of the bath or you’re juggling a combination of both, just make sure you’ve got a mirror in front of you so that you don’t miss any spots.

Step four: Apply wax in sections

Once your wax has warmed up (as per the products instructions), it may be tempting to smear it over every area you plan to wax. However, it’s important to tackle each section bit by bit, beginning from the outside (typically your inner thighs) and working inward.

Apply your wax in the direction that your hair grows. You’ll know you’ve applied enough once you can no longer see your skin underneath the wax.

bh recommends: Nair Soft Natural Wax 20 Mini Strips ($11.90 at Priceline), Nad’s Brazilian and Bikini Kit ($14.95 at Big W)

Step five: Leave the wax to sit

Once you’ve come this far, you likely just want to get it over and done with. However, we urge you to exercise some patience. Leaving the wax to sit for approximately 30 seconds (consult the instructions as times may differ) allows for the wax to cool down.

One of the most common mistakes with failed at-home waxing is attempting to pull it off while it’s still too hot. Resulting in a hot, sticky and still very hairy mess.

Step six: Pull away from the growth direction

You know how we said to apply the wax in the direction of your hair growth? Do the opposite when it comes time to pull. Holding your skin so it is taut, pull the strip in the opposite direction, removing the hair with you as you go. Brace for a big old ouch.

Step seven: Tidy up

Remove any lone straggling hairs with tweezers and use a light oil like Waxaway’s After Waxing Oil ($7.98 at Ry.com.au) and cotton pad to remove excess wax and soothe the skin.

FAQs

What is the difference between a Brazilian wax and a bikini line wax?

Unlike a bikini wax which removes hair from the areas which sit outside of our underwear or bikini, a Brazilian wax removes all hair from the front of the vagina including the anal area.

Is it better to wax or shave your bikini line?

Sorry to the shaving diehards out there but our answer is waxing. Though shaving will be quicker and virtually painless (unless you nick yourself), hair will show up within a few days and the skin can often become irritated, spiky and itchy.

Is waxing your own bikini line hard?

Is it as hard as climbing a mountain? No. Actually, depends who you’re asking. Waxing your own bikini line (or having someone do it for you) hurts, there’s no doubt about it, But the pain is quick and the results are often worth the few moments of discomfort.

How long does waxing your bikini line last?

Between three to six weeks. With regular waxing, the hair follicle will become weaker making the time between treatments longer.

Can I wax my bikini line without it hurting?

There are steps you can take to help minimise the pain. Such as? Avoid waxing around the time of your period, this is when you will be at your most sensitive. Try a topical numbing cream like Numit Numbing Cream ($11.99 at Chemist Warehouse) to the area one hour prior to waxing. As your hair becomes thinner over time, with each session waxing should gradually become less painful.

Have you ever waxed your own bikini line? Do you have any tips?