Hair Removal
Products for the Bikini Area
Getting
rid of hair around the bikini line can be a tricky endeavor. Many methods of
epilating and depilating this coarse hair result in ingrown hairs and various
types of skin irritation in a sensitive part of the body. Moreover, women with
dark, coarse hair might only get desirable results using some over-the-counter
hair removal products.
Razors
and Intimate Shaving Kits
Shaving away bikini line hair might be one of the most common methods of hair removal, but Andrea James, who maintains the consumer website, Hair Facts, points out that results are not particularly long-lasting, with hair growing back after a few days, but sometimes resurfacing after only hours. Skin irritation, razor rash and ingrown hairs are potential side-effects of using a razor on such a tender area of the body. There are specialty razors that may be purchased for "intimate shaving" that can reduce razor bumps and ingrown hairs. Nonetheless, women with dark bikini line hair might not get the best results when using a razor. A shadow of hair growth is often visible right under the skin's surface no matter how close the shave.
Depilatory Creams
Depilatory creams give the same results as shaving, minus the nicks and bumps. These hair removal products contain chemicals that dissolve the structure of the hair above the surface of the skin, after which it can be rinsed off or wiped away. James notes that these typically require use every two or three days. Again, woman with coarse, dark hair around the bikini line probably won't have optimal results. Skin irritation and chemical burns are also potential side-effects of depilatory use.
Waxing Kits
Waxing kits, although not for the faint of heart, remove hair in the bikini area from below the skin's surface, so results last between three and six weeks. A layer of melted wax is applied to the area to capture the hair follicles, after which a cloth strip is firmly applied and rapidly removed, taking hairs out at the root bulb. Some kits include pre-waxed strips that are less messy and more efficient than conventional waxing kits. It might be difficult for the first-time user to use the waxing technique appropriately because sometimes hair breaks off at the surface of the skin or doesn't come off at all. Skin can burn if the wax is too hot. Side-effects include temporary redness and inflammation of the skin.
Home Laser Hair Removal
In January 2010, two laser hair removal devices were approved by the Food and Drug Administration for home use. A December 2008 ABC News report noted that these products claim a 50 percent to 70 percent reduction in hair growth when used according to instructions. As with professional laser hair removal services, women with pale skin and dark body hair typically see the most profound results, making them ideal for those who don't achieve success using razors or cream depilatories. But according to the manufacturers' websites, they should not be used by those with medium-dark or black skin tones.
Home Electrolysis
Home electrolysis devices can offer a permanently hair-free bikini line, but only for those who know how to use them properly. James notes that this method of removing hair, which involves inserting a fine needle into the skin next to the hair shaft and delivering a small jolt of electricity, is extremely difficult to self-perform, as it involves a steady hand and thorough knowledge of the technique. In the hands of the novice, the resultant post-treatment inflammation and bumps last much longer than if electrolysis had been rendered by a certified professional. Infection and scarring can also occur. However, when used appropriately with sterile equipment, home electrolysis devices can ultimately deliver a smooth, hair-free bikini line that never needs to be treated again.
References
Shaving away bikini line hair might be one of the most common methods of hair removal, but Andrea James, who maintains the consumer website, Hair Facts, points out that results are not particularly long-lasting, with hair growing back after a few days, but sometimes resurfacing after only hours. Skin irritation, razor rash and ingrown hairs are potential side-effects of using a razor on such a tender area of the body. There are specialty razors that may be purchased for "intimate shaving" that can reduce razor bumps and ingrown hairs. Nonetheless, women with dark bikini line hair might not get the best results when using a razor. A shadow of hair growth is often visible right under the skin's surface no matter how close the shave.
Depilatory Creams
Depilatory creams give the same results as shaving, minus the nicks and bumps. These hair removal products contain chemicals that dissolve the structure of the hair above the surface of the skin, after which it can be rinsed off or wiped away. James notes that these typically require use every two or three days. Again, woman with coarse, dark hair around the bikini line probably won't have optimal results. Skin irritation and chemical burns are also potential side-effects of depilatory use.
Waxing Kits
Waxing kits, although not for the faint of heart, remove hair in the bikini area from below the skin's surface, so results last between three and six weeks. A layer of melted wax is applied to the area to capture the hair follicles, after which a cloth strip is firmly applied and rapidly removed, taking hairs out at the root bulb. Some kits include pre-waxed strips that are less messy and more efficient than conventional waxing kits. It might be difficult for the first-time user to use the waxing technique appropriately because sometimes hair breaks off at the surface of the skin or doesn't come off at all. Skin can burn if the wax is too hot. Side-effects include temporary redness and inflammation of the skin.
Home Laser Hair Removal
In January 2010, two laser hair removal devices were approved by the Food and Drug Administration for home use. A December 2008 ABC News report noted that these products claim a 50 percent to 70 percent reduction in hair growth when used according to instructions. As with professional laser hair removal services, women with pale skin and dark body hair typically see the most profound results, making them ideal for those who don't achieve success using razors or cream depilatories. But according to the manufacturers' websites, they should not be used by those with medium-dark or black skin tones.
Home Electrolysis
Home electrolysis devices can offer a permanently hair-free bikini line, but only for those who know how to use them properly. James notes that this method of removing hair, which involves inserting a fine needle into the skin next to the hair shaft and delivering a small jolt of electricity, is extremely difficult to self-perform, as it involves a steady hand and thorough knowledge of the technique. In the hands of the novice, the resultant post-treatment inflammation and bumps last much longer than if electrolysis had been rendered by a certified professional. Infection and scarring can also occur. However, when used appropriately with sterile equipment, home electrolysis devices can ultimately deliver a smooth, hair-free bikini line that never needs to be treated again.
References
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