Waxing vs Shaving Your Bikini Line: Which Is Better?

If you're looking to get rid of the hair on your bikini line, you might be wondering: which is better, a wax or a shave? How you get rid of that hair is up to you, and either way comes with its own set of pros and cons. To get the lowdown on shaving and waxing the bikini line, we spoke to dermatologists, Marisa Garshick and Michele Farber for their take.

Waxing Pros and Cons

Waxing has longer-lasting results than shaving, notes Dr. Garshick, who says, "Shaving does not last as long." But it also may have more potential conflicts, and it's important to be aware of what those are ahead of choosing which hair removal treatment is right for you. Certain medical conditions, beauty products, and medications might interfere with waxing, causing issues that may leave skin red and scabby. The salon that you go to for waxing should give you a waiver with all of the contraindicated medications and products, but regardless, if you have a skin condition, are taking prescription meds, or using potent exfoliating products, you should share that ahead of your treatment.

If you have allergies, those are important to consider too, as different places use different products to cleanse the skin. Allergens could be present in the wax itself, but they can also be part of the formulas applied post-hair removal to soothe and remove the remaining product. So be careful! If you're not waxing yourself, inform your technician about any allergies you may have.

Some pain is normal, because waxing is pulling out the hair from the follicle, and the bikini area is sensitive overall. The amount of pain will depend on your personal threshold, the tech performing the treatment, and the technique and type of wax used. Regardless, you should never feel any burning or excruciating pain, so tell your tech immediately if that's what you're experiencing.

Waxing Cost

"While waxing can be done at home, for a delicate area, like the pubic area, people may prefer to go to a salon," notes Dr. Garshick. That makes waxing the more expensive option, though. A pro bikini wax can take up to an hour, and cost from $30 to upwards of $80—and that's not counting gratuity and tax. The total cost at a salon will ultimately depend on two things: how much hair is being removed and if a shape (like a landing strip, triangle, square, or rectangle) needs to be waxed. Exactly how long your wax will take depends on the speed of the tech. If you DIY it, which costs $25-100 for a reusable kit, you should really only be removing the hair outside your bikini line.

Waxing Side Effects

Due to the level of difficulty and how sensitive the area is, moving to more sensitive zones without experience can be genuinely dangerous. As a non-professional, this should also take about an hour or so, depending on how much practice you've had. Results may last three to four weeks as long as the entire hair follicle is removed from the root, and hair isn't broken above or beneath the surface. Because hair is fully removed when you wax, there shouldn't be any "shadow," like what's left behind when those who have thick, dark hair shave. However, be on the lookout for the bruising, bumps and ingrown hairs that might result from waxing.

Shaving Pros and Cons

Some people have sensitivities or allergies to ingredients found in shaving gels and creams. Allergic reactions may make skin red, irritated, inflamed, or itchy. If something feels wrong down there, it definitely is, so wash the product off right away and try a different one. Shaving should be painless, but be careful while doing it, because cuts and nicks in this zone can hurt a lot.

Shaving Cost

Generally, shaving is cheaper and quicker than waxing. Plus, you only really need water, a good shaving cream or gel (in a pinch, shower gel or hair conditioner will work,) and a high-quality razor.

Shaving Side Effects

As with shaving anywhere else, razor burn, bumps, and ingrown hairs are always possible. Though some easy prep work can make the process even, well, smoother. If your hair is really long, you're going to want to trim it down first: there's less pulling on skin that way, and you won’t dull your blade more than necessary. For a truly smooth shave, let the water and steam soften your hair and skin for about five minutes in your bath or shower. More pliable hair will allow for a better shave.

There are some other preventative steps you can take, too, like using fur Skincare Stubble Cream on the shaven area. "Moisturizing with a gentle product can protect the skin barrier, and actives like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can be great for prevention as well," says Dr. Farber. "Just avoid on mucosal areas and consider lower percentages on sensitive areas."

Another, and likely the biggest, downside of shaving is that it doesn't last—hair may show back up a couple of days later. And while it may feel like no big deal to shave whenever the hair does start to grow back, this opens you up to more ingrown hairs and itchy stubble.