BIKINI LINE HAIR-REMOVAL

Dear Jellybean,

I'm 14 and my mom is REALLY strict. As hot weather comes closer it also means bathing suit season. I love to wear bikinis but there is one thing, I'm a little hairy down there. I feel REALLY self-consious about it. I know I shouldnt shave down there so I dont. I want to get rid of the hair easily and painlessly. I asked my mom about trying something like Nair, that dissolves the hair but she is totally against it. She says that its not good for your skin so dont even bother. Then she said that I should wax instead but that's the last thing I want to do. I've tried telling her that I feel self-consious but she doesnt listen. I dont know how to argue with her. Please help me :(
-Lost Cause

Dear Lost Cause,

Your mom is not totally unsupportive - she's open to waxing as a hair-removal option. And it's true that those chemical hair-removal products are not the greatest for your skin, especially in sensitive areas like the bikini line.

You actually can shave "down there" if you just shave the top of thighs, where it would show around your bikini bottoms. You can even put on your bikini bottoms, and then do your shaving, because it will give you a good guide to exactly where you need hair removed to look and feel "clean and smooth" in that area. To get a close shave and prevent ingrown hairs for shaving the bikini line, follow these tips:

Start with a very sharp razor, meaning a brand new blade. Dull blades will pull hair and increase the risk of ingrown hairs.

Soak in a warm bath water first for at least five minutes. This is especially important for shaving the bikini line, because the hair there is coarse. Warm water softens the hair, opens the hair follicle and relaxes the skin, allowing for an easier and closer shave.

Apply a foamy shaving gel to the area. This helps soften the hair more, reduces irritation and conditions the skin. Let it sit for a minute or two before proceeding.

When shaving, use one hand to pull the skin of your leg down, to make it straight and taut, and shave with the other. Do not apply pressure with the razor - just skim it lightly over the surface, moving with the direction of hair growth (whether that's downward, upward or sideways). Swish the razor top around in the bath water after every swipe, to clear the blade of hairs. (Hairs on the blade will interfere with shaving.)

Make sure there's still shaving foam wherever you're shaving. If necessary, reapply as you shave, as often as needed.

Don't go over an area repeatedly, as this can cause irritation. For a stray hair you can't catch, use a pop-up trimmer, or tweezers. You must be especially careful of repeat strokes in sensitive areas such as the bikini line.

Go slowly, especially if you're using a disposable razor. If you go to quickly, you may cut yourself, miss hairs or cause razor burn.

Care properly for your skin after you're finished shaving. Applying baby oil, or moisturizer, to the area you've shaved can help to reduce irritation, itching, and soften the skin. It will reduce the discomfort caused by "stubble" in between shaves, as well.