Ingrown hairs in the bikini area are more likely to occur if you shave or wax. Dermatologist Harvey Jay of Cornell Medical School explains that these methods of hair removal leave sharp tips on the out-growing hair, which increases the likelihood that it will grow back into the follicle rather than outward. Compounding the problem is that hair that's coarse and curly, such as the hair along your bikini line, is more prone to growing inward simply due to its structure. If you want to prevent ingrown hairs in the bikini area, you may want to look into other methods of hair removal.
Step 1
If shaving, take appropriate measures to reduce your chances of getting ingrown hairs. Soften your skin with warm water first, then apply a shaving gel or shaving cream to the area. Using a sharp, new blade--Mayo Clinic experts advise using a single blade--shave against the hair growth, rinsing the razor after each stroke. You will get a closer shave if you shave against the growth, but you'll also increase the chances of getting ingrown hairs.
Step 2
Alternately, use a cream depilatory formulated for use around the bikini area rather than shaving or waxing. These products, which dissolve hair chemically at the skin's surface, leave the hair tips rounded, explains Jay. These are less likely to become ingrown. However, women with coarse dark pubic hair may still notice a tell-tale shadow. Also, these products can have an unpleasant smell and may irritate the skin. Cream depilatories gives results that last as long as had you shaved the area.
Step 3
Get rid of the hair entirely. Laser hair removal can reduce the density of hair growth in those who are good candidates for the treatment. Alternately, the hairs that grow back may be of the fine, pale variety, which are less noticeable, Jay says. Needle electrolysis is the most permanent form of hair removal, however. This service is performed by a skilled electrologist and tackles individual hair follicles one at a time. For more information on semi-permanent and permanent methods of hair removal, see the "Resources."
Tips and Warnings
- If you get ingrown hairs along your bikini line, there are certain at-home treatments you can do to free them. Mayo Clinic experts advise using a washcloth or soft toothbrush and cleansing the affected area twice a day, using circular motions. You can also take the tip of a sterilized needle or pin and gently pluck the ingrown hair "loop" out of the skin.
- Jay warns that repeated close shaving or waxing can result in ingrown hairs that get even worse with time.
Things You'll Need
- Shaving cream or gel
- Single-blade razor, new
- Cream depilatory
Member Comments