Waxing — Bikini

A bikini wax removes the hair outside your underwear or swimwear line — the sides and the top — while leaving the rest in place.

It's the gentler option of the two intimate waxes and the usual starting point if you've never had one. Your therapist will ask how much you want taken off before beginning, and you set the line.

If you want everything removed, that's the Brazilian. If you're unsure, start here.

You'll be kept covered except for the section being worked on, and it's handled professionally and discreetly throughout.

Please tell us about any medication before your appointment — retinoids, prescription acne treatments such as isotretinoin, and some antibiotics make skin fragile and waxing unsafe. The same applies to recent laser treatments, peels or sunburn on the area.

• Consultation about exactly how much you want removed
• Check for contraindications
• Skin cleansed and prepared
• Wax applied and removed along the bikini line
• Stray hairs tweezed for a clean finish
• Soothing product applied, plus aftercare advice

Allow about 25 minutes. Your therapist agrees the line with you first, then cleanses the area and applies wax in small sections.

The skin here is sensitive, so it stings, but each section takes seconds. Strays are tweezed and soothing product applied. Redness and small bumps are normal for several hours.

Anyone wanting a tidy bikini line, and a good first intimate wax if you've not had one before. Not suitable if you're using prescription acne medication, on broken skin, or with an active infection in the area. Tell your therapist if you're pregnant.

For the first 24 to 48 hours avoid heat and friction: no hot baths or showers, no sauna or steam room, no gym or swimming, and no direct sun or sunbeds. Wear loose cotton clothing and keep the area clean and untouched — freshly waxed skin has open follicles and is easy to irritate.

From 48 hours, exfoliate gently two or three times a week. This is the most effective way to prevent ingrown hairs. Moisturise daily.

Wear loose cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing for 48 hours. Skip scented products, bath oils and exfoliating on the area for the first 48 hours, then exfoliate gently to prevent ingrowns.

If you're prone to ingrown hairs, ask your therapist about a suitable product — it makes a real difference.

• Let hair grow to about a quarter of an inch — roughly two weeks
• Don't shave between appointments; it disrupts the growth cycle
• Exfoliate gently from 48 hours afterwards to prevent ingrown hairs
• Avoid heat, sweat and sun for 24 to 48 hours
• Wear loose cotton clothing to your appointment
• Book every three to four weeks to keep hair on the same cycle
• Shower before your appointment; it's more comfortable for you
• Take a painkiller an hour before if you're sensitive, and avoid caffeine
• Avoid booking during your period if you'd rather not — skin is more sensitive then
• Wear loose cotton underwear afterwards