beauty addict

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Top hairstylists, makeup artists, and beauty gurus answer your questions.

Q: What’s the best way to deal with bikini-line hair?

There are several popular hair-removal methods—shaving, depilatories, waxing, laser treatments—any of which can get you smooth and hair-free in time for summer. But no matter which method you choose, make sure to exfoliate beforehand with a loofah or gloves. Once you’re sloughed off the dead cells, consider the pros and cons of each approach.

Shaving is cheap, consistent, pain-free, and works for every hair type, but it requires constant maintenance and might not yield a completely clean, stubble-free look. Plus, if you don’t shave regularly, you can expect to have itchy regrowth. If you do shave, condition the hairs with a cream rinse first, and afterward, remember to stay out of salt water, chlorine, and sun, all of which can irritate freshly shaven skin.

Depilatories, like shaving, work for most hair types, are inexpensive and painless, and can be applied at home without embarrassment. The best time to do a depilatory is right after a bath or shower when the hair is softer and easier to remove. Just remember to test the depilatory on your wrist first—many of these creams have an unpleasant aroma and, in some cases, can cause burns or allergic reactions.

Typically performed at a salon or spa, waxing is easy, efficient, and best for hair that’s pale, fine, and sparse. Overall, most women are pleased with the results: smooth skin that lasts for about a month because the hair is pulled out from the roots. The downside is that waxing can be a bit painful, so don’t schedule a bikini wax from three days before your period to three days after (skin is more sensitive during that time, so the pain can be heightened). Also, because skin is thinner and more sensitive after waxing, be sure to stay out of the sun.

Laser hair removal is the newest trend in annihilating unwanted hair. Best for those who have dark, thick, wiry hair and fair to medium skin, these treatments are performed by a licensed clinician or doctor and generally require six to eight sessions with yearly touchups. The laser attacks the follicle, causing regrowth to be thinner and finer until the hair eventually stops growing. Although the results aren’t instant, you can shave between sessions (which are typically every four to five weeks), but you must avoid any type of tanning (real or fake) during the process. Laser is more expensive, but it’s a great option for those who want permanent hair removal.

With nearly 25 years of experience, Joyce Carboni is the founder and director of the Skinsational Skin and Body Spa in Carlsbad, California—a fully staffed beauty sanctuary that provides guests with a luxurious escape from the stresses of everyday life.

Photo credit: Alex James Bramwell

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