Your bikini season hair removal guide
Hair removal can be a tedious task, and it only gets worse with the onset of bikini season. As we (FINALLY) step into a spell of sunnier weather, it’s that time of year where we all start to think seriously about our body hair: namely, how we want it to look.
Let us be clear: body hair is an entirely personal process. From loud and proud to seal-skin smooth, every woman is different, and all body hair lengths, textures and types are valid, regardless of where it grows on our bodies. But just in case you do want to govern the visible hair on your skin, we’ve collated the ultimate guide to shaving this bikini season – and beyond!
1) Perfect Your Kit
When it comes to shaving, it pays to have the best tools for the job. From razors to trimmers, dry oils to shaving bars, every hair removal experience is different, and sometimes it’s best to have everything at your disposal. Beth Sleigh, co-founder of Manchester-born beauty brand, grüum, suggests the oska Precision Razor for an unparalleled shave, arriving in a range of colours to suit your mood.
£15.00
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£15.00
Razors are a subjective affair, so take time to find your perfect device. If you prefer to trim your hair instead of removing it, the Magnitone London Go Bare! Mini Lady Shaver is a great choice! As well as being travel-friendly, the razor refines your hair while resisting irritation and redness, boasting a long-life, rechargeable battery.
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£30.00
Shying away from pain not your thing? Braun’s Silk-épil 9 Flex 9002 Epilator is suitable for both bikini line and under-arms (as well as the rest of your body), equipped with a shaver head, trimmer cap and skin contact cap attachments for the ultimate shaving experience.
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RRP: £299.99Current price: £209.99
On a time crunch? Beach calling your name? WooWoo’s Tame It! Bikini Wax Strips deliver targeted hair removal for your bikini line and bum, leaving you feeling smooth, comfortable and confident.
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£6.99
2) Exfoliate
For your smoothest results to date, it’s best to start with the perfect platform. Gently exfoliating your skin can help to unearth ingrown hairs, allowing your razor to capture every one with a silky, even glide. Beth reminds us, “Exfoliating before you shave lifts the hair away from the skin, while rinsing away any debris or excess oil that might prevent you shaving efficiently.”
For gentle, sensitive skin types, we recommend the AMELIORATE Smoothing Body Exfoliant. The lightweight formula pairs the essence of a body cream with the polishing properties of an exfoliator, helping to buff away dead cells while prepping your hair for optimum removal and comfort.
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RRP: £10.00Current price: £7.00
Are delicious scents your go-to? Try Frank Body’s iconic Coffee Scrub. The textured, non-abrasive formula is great for encouraging a soft, comfortable shave, boasting a blend of sea salt, robusta coffee beans and a delicious orange mocha scent. Plus, it’s even topped with vitamin E to nourish and moisturise your skin.
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£13.99
Alternatively, if you prefer to ride the sustainable wave, UpCircle’s Body Scrub gently refines your skin with a blend of eucalyptus, coconut oil, peppermint and Arabica coffee grounds, sourced from artisan coffee shops for an eco-friendly touch.
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£16.99
3) Aftercare? It's Essential!
In 2022, our lives are busier than ever before. But it’s important to make time for aftercare if a calm, clean shave is the outcome you seek. First thing’s first? Invest in a good moisturiser.
“Moisturiser can help to repair the skin, prevent ingrown hairs from developing, and lock in some much-needed moisture post-shave,” explains Beth. The Pür Gentle Moisturiser helps to minimise the look of redness and blemishes while smoothing dry, coarse areas, topped with soothing chamomile for a dose of comfort.
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£8.00
Prefer a richer texture? CeraVe’s Moisturising Cream is a first-class favourite across the industry, celebrated for is conditioning properties. The body moisturiser blends three essential ceramides with hyaluronic acid, helping to support the skin barrier while providing instant moisture to freshly-shaved skin.
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£15.50
4) Timing Is Key
We probably don’t need to tell you this, but a rapid, dry shave two minutes before you fly out the door probably isn’t going to do you any favours. Instead, make shaving a ritual, not a chore. Pick out your favourite shaving products, whether that’s the invigorating Skin Regimen Shaving Foam or the soothing Australian Bodycare Intim Shave Gel, and take your time with it.
£28.00
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RRP: £14.99Current price: £11.99
Beth also reveals how it might be beneficial to strike while the iron (or skin) is hot: “Shave after or during a hot and steamy bath or shower. The steam will open up your pores, soften the hair and reduce puffiness, as well as ensuring that your skin is free from anything that might cause friction!” This is also a great tip for resisting razor burn!
You can also try shaving in the evening to avoid any post-shave puffiness while you’re on-the-move. “We’ve all had puffy eyes after a long sleep, and that puffiness, though maybe not obvious, can apply to the whole body in the morning. This slight swelling takes a little off the length of hair you can reach when shaving.”
5) Gently Does It
Not sure how to avoid cutting yourself with your razor during shaving? Luckily, Beth is on hand to help, sharing her handy guide on achieving a comfortable shave:
- “Throw away old razors! We recommend using your razor blades for no more than 7 shaves before replacing. Slicing a tomato with a blunt knife leaves you with a ragged line, and shaving with a blunt razor’s no different.”
- “Always use shave gel. Our transparent danne Shave Gel creates a protective, moisturising barrier while allowing for a precise shave.”
- “Remove debris and excess oil by exfoliating before you shave. This’ll also lift the hair away from your skin allowing for a smoother stroke.”
- “Whatever you do, shave with the grain. Shaving against the grain can be tempting, and in the short it might seem like it yields good, close shave results. However in the long run, it can lead to damaged follicles, ingrown hairs and razor burn which is not what you’re after.”
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£7.00
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£12.00
