Let's not kid ourselves: choosing the right method for maintaining your bikini area is a bit like choosing your favorite Netflix series. Everyone has an opinion, no one agrees, and in the end, you find yourself scrolling for hours without knowing what to choose.
Between the bikini trimmer, the classic razor, and waxing, it's easy to get lost. Each method has its die-hard fans and its detractors. But in 2025, we deserve better than struggling with solutions that don't really suit us.
So, honestly, what's the best option for you? Obviously, it depends on what you're looking for. We'll explain everything.
The bikini trimmer: the modern and safe solution
The bikini trimmer is a bit like switching from a scooter to an electric bike. It's life-changing, but you have to understand what it really means.
How does it work?
A good bikini trimmer is designed to protect the skin from cuts and ingrown hairs. It cuts hairs above the skin without ever touching or scraping the epidermis. The blade remains protected, which almost completely eliminates the risk of cuts. You run the trimmer over the area, and presto, it's done. Also, some bikini trimmers, like Billy, offer several cutting lengths, so you don't have to shave close.
The real benefits
No cuts. This is already extremely important for this area. The bikini trimmer is designed specifically for sensitive areas, with a protected blade that won't cut the skin even if you go hard.
Almost no ingrown hairs. Because the cut is made above the skin, the hair grows back normally without curling under the epidermis. No more unsightly little red bumps that we all dread (especially in this area).
Ultra-fast. Less than 2 minutes to care for your entire bikini area. Perfect for when you have a last-minute date or just want to feel good without spending your morning in the bathroom.
Use it anywhere. In the shower, in the bathroom, even when traveling. Waterproof models like the Billy go everywhere with you.
Limits to know
The result isn't a close shave. If you're looking for a baby-smooth finish, the bikini trimmer won't give you exactly that. You're left with 0.5mm of hair, which isn't very visible but is slightly noticeable to the touch. That's really the idea behind the Billy: sacrificing a few hours of ultra-smooth skin for more comfort, speed, and safety.
You need to renew it more often if you want to keep it as short as possible, about once a week to really always keep it as short as possible.
Who is it for?
You want regular maintenance without the hassle. You're tired of cuts and irritation. You're looking for a quick and safe solution. You prefer the ease, safety, speed, and painlessness of clippers over the completely smooth look.
The razor: the classic double-edged method
Everyone knows about razors. It's been the default option for decades. But in 2026, we can still ask ourselves a few questions.
How does it work?
The razor cuts hair close to the skin using one or more blades that glide directly over the epidermis. Using shaving cream, gel, or just water, you can slide the blade in the direction of hair growth and then against the grain for a cleaner result.
The advantages
Instant ultra-smooth results. This is the main selling point of the razor: skin as smooth as ever, at least for a few hours.
Super affordable. You can buy a razor anywhere for a few euros. No need to invest in fancy equipment.
Fast too. In theory, 5 minutes is enough to shave your bikini area.
The real problems
Cuts. We all get them. A small nick in the bikini area isn't just unpleasant, it's also a hygiene hazard. And it stings for days.
Irritations are almost systematic. Redness, itching, a burning sensation... The skin in the bikini area is extremely sensitive. Repeatedly passing metal blades directly over the epidermis is rarely a pleasant experience.
Ingrown hairs guaranteed. The razor cuts the hair at an angle, which encourages it to grow back under the skin. The result: those famous red, inflamed bumps that take days to disappear.
Rapid and unpleasant regrowth. The next day, it stings. After 48 hours, a three-day bikini-style beard effect. Glamorous.
And if you let your hair grow a little too long before shaving, it can quickly become a nightmare (in this case, it's best to use the clippers before the razor; it will make your life easier...)
Who does it still work for?
Honestly? For those with ultra-tolerant skin, who accept risks, and who absolutely want that smooth finish for a few hours. But in 2026, we can honestly find better.
Waxing: the long-lasting (and painful) solution
Waxing is the warrior's method. It rips, it hurts, but it holds. Let's see if it's really worth the effort.
How does it work?
Hot or cold wax adheres to the hairs and pulls them out by the root with a quick tug. You can either do it yourself with strips or visit a beautician for a professional bikini line.
The advantages
Long-lasting results. Three to four weeks without seeing a single hair reappear—that's the selling point of waxing. You can really forget about maintenance for a while.
Finer regrowth. Over time, hairs actually grow back less coarse and less thick.
Very smooth skin. As the hair is pulled out from the root, the result is clean and soft.
The major drawbacks
It hurts like crazy. Let's be honest, pulling hair out of an area as sensitive as your bikini line is brutal. Some people tolerate it well, others cry after every session.
High risk of ingrown hairs. Because the hair grows back from the root buried under the skin, it can easily become ingrown upwards. This is particularly problematic in the bikini area.
Frequent irritation and redness. The skin in the bikini area is sensitive, and pulling out hair often traumatizes it for 24 to 48 hours.
Timing is tight. You have to let the hair grow back at least 5mm for the wax to adhere. It's impossible to wax at the last minute. You have to plan your sessions weeks in advance.
Expensive if you go to a salon. Between €30 and €60 per session depending on the type of swimsuit, it quickly adds up over the year.
Who is it suitable for?
You tolerate pain well. You want to space out maintenance sessions as much as possible. You don't have a problem with ingrown hairs. You can anticipate your needs several weeks in advance.
The direct match: bikini trimmer vs. razor vs. wax
Security level
Bikini trimmer : Virtually zero risk. No skin contact, so no cuts possible.
Razor : High risk. Cuts in the bikini area are common and dangerous.
Wax : Moderate risk. Possible burns from hot wax, frequent irritation.
Winner : Bikini Trimmer, hands down.
Comfort level
Bikini Trimmer : Completely painless. Just clip, done.
Razor : Painless at the time, but post-shave irritation ruins everything.
Wax : Painful during and sensitive after. You really have to want it.
Winner : Bikini Trimmer, again.
Result level
Bikini trimmer : Very clean but not completely smooth. Less than 1 mm of hair remaining.
Razor : Smooth for a few hours, then grows back rough the next day.
Wax : Perfect smoothness for 3-4 weeks.
Winner : Wax for the duration, but be careful of the effort/result ratio.
Speed level
Bikini Trimmer : Less than 2 minutes flat. You can trim even in a hurry.
Razor : 5 minutes, but if you want to avoid cuts, count on 10-15 minutes.
Waxing : 30 minutes at the salon, 45 minutes if you do it yourself. Plus the waiting time for the hair to grow back.
Winner : Bikini Trimmer, hands down.
Budget level over one year
Bikini trimmer : €79 for the billy + €29 for blades every 6 months = around €60/year after the initial investment, or even less with certain discounts.
Razor : €30-50/year for low-end disposable razors + shaving foam = around €60-80/year. But be careful with post-shave care to soothe irritation.
Waxing : €40-60 x 12 sessions = €480-720/year at a salon. Or €100-150/year if you do it yourself.
Winner : Razor on the surface, but if you factor in soothing creams and ingrown hair treatments, the bikini trimmer becomes competitive.
Ingrown hair level
Bikini trimmer : Minimal risk. Cutting above the skin avoids the problem.
Razor : Maximum risk. Ingrown hairs are almost guaranteed with regular use.
Waxing : High risk too. Pulling out traumatizes the follicle.
Winner : Bikini Trimmer, hands down.
Which method should you choose depending on your situation?
You want regular maintenance without stress
Choose the bikini trimmer . That's what it's made for. Fast, safe, and effective. You trim twice a week in the shower and forget about it.
You have a one-off event (wedding, photo shoot, etc.)
Wax at the salon 3-4 days before the event. This is the time for the redness to disappear but the result to still be perfect.
You're going on vacation
Waterproof bikini trimmer . Take it with you, use it in the shower, no hassle. With the Billy , it even fits in your travel toiletry bag.
You have ultra-sensitive skin
Absolutely avoid the razor . Hesitate between bikini trimmer (safe option) and gentle wax at the salon (long-lasting option but test on a small area first).
You want a lasting result
Waxing is your best option, provided you can tolerate the pain and accept the timing constraints.
You are looking for the healthiest solution for your skin
Bikini trimmer , without hesitation. It's the only method that doesn't harm your skin at all.
Can we combine several methods?
Yes, and it's often a good idea. Better yet, a good bikini trimmer is the perfect ally for all other methods.
Bikini trimmer as a complement to other techniques
Here's how your bikini trimmer can integrate smartly with other methods:
Before the razor : Is your hair too long to shave directly? First, use the bikini trimmer without a guard (0mm) to trim it. This prevents your razor from clogging and gives you a closer shave. It's also much safer than attacking long hairs directly with a blade.
Before waxing : Waxing works best on hairs between 5 and 8mm. If your hair is too long, use your trimmer with the 6mm attachment a few days before your session. The beautician will thank you, and waxing will be less painful because the hairs will be pulled less.
Before a laser session : For laser hair removal, the hair must be shaved but the bulb must be present under the skin. The bikini trimmer without a guard (0mm) is perfect for this. You get the desired result without the risk of cuts before your session.
Between two waxing sessions : Are you waiting for your hair to grow back for your next session, but you have an unexpected event (surprise date, swimming pool, etc.)? A quick trim with the bikini trimmer will solve the problem without compromising your next appointment. In 2-3 weeks, your hair will be the ideal length for waxing.
To manage the areas differently : Many people wax a full bikini line and only maintain the bikini line with trimmers between sessions. Or the other way around: trimmer on the pubic area (more practical) and wax on the sides (cleaner result in the bikini area).
Before electrolysis : If you're using an electric epilator on certain areas, trimming the hairs to 3-6mm first with your bikini trimmer makes epilation much less painful.
For daily maintenance : Do you usually wax but just want a quick refresh without waiting for your next session? The bikini trimmer allows you to maintain a clean result between appointments.
The right combinations
Clipper + Wax : Regular clipper maintenance and wax for special occasions. This is the most popular combo. Simple for everyday use, impeccable when it counts.
Trimmer + Laser : The trimmer to prepare for your laser sessions and maintain between sessions. Perfect for a permanent hair removal protocol.
Mower-only : Frankly, for many people, this has become the only solution. No need to switch around once you've found what works.
What is best to avoid
The important thing is not to alternate between razors and other methods regularly. Razors are so fragile to the skin that it's best to avoid them altogether once you've found a better option. If you really want a smooth result, opt for wax or trimmers in preparation rather than going back to using a razor.
Basically, a good bikini trimmer is like a good Swiss Army knife: ultra-versatile, always useful, and it makes all other methods more effective if you decide to use them.
The evolution of techniques in 2026
The intimate care market has changed quite a bit in recent years. Brands have finally realized that we deserve tools designed specifically for sensitive areas, not just recycled pink beard trimmers.
The modern bikini trimmer is a true technological revolution. Cut-resistant ceramic blades, waterproof for use in the shower, LED lighting to see what you're doing, ergonomic design to reach every angle... It's nothing like the options of ten years ago.
As a result, many people who used to shave out of habit or struggled with waxing are now switching to a bikini trimmer. It's simpler, safer, and frankly, more suited to modern, regular grooming.
What to remember
The bikini trimmer is the perfect compromise for regular, safe, and quick maintenance. Perfect for everyday use and for those who want to simplify their lives.
The razor is the option that seems simple but hides a lot of problems. Avoid it if you can.
Waxing is the long-lasting solution for special occasions. Effective but restrictive and painful.
Your hair, your style. The rest is just a matter of finding the tool that really suits you.
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