1. Don’t Shave until the End of Your Shower

Shaving is an easy way to tame your bikini line and keep it under wraps, helping you achieve that perfect bikini line. But the experts from the American Academy of Dermatology say to wait until the end of your shower. This allows the hair and the skin around it to soften a bit so that the hairs come out easier. That means a smooth shave without worry about razor burn or nicks that sure don’t look or feel that great.

2. Don’t Shave the Same Day That You Hit the Water

You can’t just shave once and be set for the entire summer. You’re going to have to keep up with it. But, always shave the day before you plan to swim, whether it’s in the ocean or the pool. The salt in sea water and the chemicals in pool water can sting the area if you’ve just shaved. That means you might wind up looking red and irritated around your bikini, and people are going to wonder what the heck is going on. If you need a last-minute fix, consider other options to manage your body bikini line without the immediate sting:

3. Ask Your Waxing Tech How Many Times She’s Done This

Having your bikini line waxed lasts longer than a shave, but it doesn’t come without risks. You don’t want to end up with ripped skin or burns in your sexy bikini line area. When you go in for a wax job, chat up the aesthetician and ask her about her experience. She should have done this tons of times and be licensed. If not, get out of there and find someplace else. For more tips on skin protection, check out our guide on protecting your skin this summer.

4. Don’t Forget to Exfoliate down There Too

Shaving, waxing, and washing are necessary, but you might be surprised to learn that you should be exfoliating too. Why? Because exfoliation helps slough off dry skin, giving you a fresh, smooth area to shave. It's also an excellent way to soften the appearance of stretch marks on bikini line areas over time. You’ll get a closer shave, and your skin will be baby soft and youthful. Regular exfoliation also helps prevent ingrown hairs, keeping your skin tone bikini ready. Using a gentle scrub like First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser can make a massive difference.

5. Spread the Love with Your Self Tanner

If you use self-tanner on your skin, you don’t want to skimp on your bikini line. When you slide into your swimsuit, you want your skin tone to match all over your body. If you don’t spread the self-tanner all over, you will look patchy and strange in your bikini. Most experts suggest taking off all your clothes before applying the product so that you don’t miss a spot. Here is a quick breakdown of self-tanner types to help you choose the best option for a flawless finish:

Finding the right formula ensures your skin looks naturally sun-kissed from head to toe.

6. Slather on a Good Quality Moisturizer Every Single Day

Any skin that you are planning to show off should be well hydrated. Otherwise, you run the risk of looking flaky and red. The best time to moisturize is after a warm shower when your skin is still damp. When you rub it over the rest of your body, pay some attention to your bikini line, especially if you just shaved. This simple step is vital for maintaining soft skin and preventing irritation. That way, your entire body looks beach-ready, and you can confidently rock any style, even swimsuits that cover bikini line edges.

7. Create Your Routine and Stick with It

Your bikini line is going to need TLC all summer long. That means you are going to have to do each of these steps every day or every couple of days. It doesn’t take a ton of time to create a routine, and you’ll be so glad you did. You will never have a bikini faux pas, and your summer will be full of only good memories. Whether you're a beginner figuring out how to start a bikini line care routine or you just want to refine your existing habits, consistency is key.

What are you doing to get your bikini area ready? Aren’t you excited for summer?