Dear BeingGirl Experts,

Okay, with swimming season coming up, I want to know what to do about my "bikini area." Last year I had a little bit of hair, but it wasn't noticeable. I mainly want to know which is better shaving or waxing and where? Just the bikini area, or the whole thing? I'm 13, and I just want to know what some other girls do, and which way is the safest.

Thanks,Mimi

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Dear Mimi,

Just like you have eyebrows to protect your eyes you have pubic hair to protect your vulva area. Because of this most girls choose just to remove the bikini line and trim the other pubic hair because of this. Your bathing suit or bikini line is the line used as the guide for where to remove pubic hair. This is why it is often referred to as the "bikini line". 

Venus has a variety of razors girls tell us work well for the bikini area. After soaking in a warm bath or shower for 2–3 minutes before shaving and using a gel like those made by Satin Care you will be able get a clean and close shave. We recommend the Venus Bikini Trimmer for trimming the hair you don't shave. You will need a good lotion after shaving. The one we recommend is Olay's Bikini Moisturizing Lotion because it leaves skin looking and feeling beautiful.

Shaving the entire pubic area is a personal decision and matter of preference. Understand a shaved pubic area may be itchy as it grows back.

You mentioned waxing and whether it is an option. The down side to waxing is the hair will need to grow out to about 5 mm to be able to wax again. Waxing can be messy, painful, and can leave the skin irritated. There are do it yourself kits available but salon treatments are usually less painful and more effective.

The good news is you get to decide which will work best for you. Aftercare for both shaving and waxing is important so make sure you have plenty of moisturizing lotion on hand.

Hope this is helpful,

Your BeingGirl Experts