Prim, trimmed or hair-free; bikini lines are a matter of personal style. The UK women’s hair removal market is estimated to be worth more than £300million a year, big business like that means more choice for you, the consumer. And with so many products and methods of upkeep out there, it can get mighty confusing. We give you the low-down on down-below maintenance...

Shaving

Okay so it may be the quickest route to a neat bikini line but it’s certainly not the most comfortable once the hair starts to grow back. Shaving only removes the hair from the surface, so within three days you’re likely to experience regrowth.

If you chose to shave, always use shaving foam and a clean, sharp razor and beware of ingrown hairs and unsightly stubble.

This method is best for quick touch-ups or emergencies.

Pros: quick, cheap, easy, pain-free

Cons: hair regrowth within days, discomfort during regrowth

Try: Gillette Venus For Women Razor (£5.99), Wilkinson Sword Quattro bikini razor (£8.99), Gillette Satin Care Sensitive Moisture Rich Shave Gel (£2.93)

Waxing

Salon waxing is great, say devotees. You get a smooth, hair-free bikini line with a professional finish for up to six weeks (results are long-lasting as hair is ripped out from the root.)

And for those who are shy of flashing their unruly bits to a stranger, hurrah for the home wax! But beginners would be wise to start at the salon.

Janet Chao, head aesthetician and trainer for Parissa, who create natural hair removal products, suggests when waxing at home you always do a test patch, wax in small patches in the bikini area and start from the outside heading inwards. To help prevent ingrown hairs she also recommends exfoliating before you wax, and then two days after.

The only question is which style you opt for:

The American - removing hair from the top of the thighs and just under the navel for a neat look

The Brazilian - a short landing strip or triangle

The Hollywood - all off

Pros: waxing comes in many different forms so you can find the method that most suits you, long-lasting results

Cons: painful, you’ll need to allow for around 5mm regrowth between waxes

Try: Nair Soothing Wax Kit (£5.99)

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