If you shave, I would swear by this product:
(even if the name is a little dirty)

Coochy Shave Gel
http://www.amazon.com/Coochy-Shave-Cream-Green-Tea/dp/B0006GT8W4

First, exfoliate the bikini area before you shave.
After you shave, moisturize the area with a cortisone cream
(this will reduce irritation from shaving.)
Then use a little baby powder on your bikini line to soak up the excess moisture.

This routine has saved me from quite a few embarrassing bikini bumps.

Ugh. I need tips on bikini line grooming badly. It seems that whenever I do anything so I can go swimming or whatnot, the elastic on my underwear will make me itch nonstop for at least two weeks straight.

I get such painful, long lasting bumps from in-grown hair that I prefer to do nothing rather than suffer. It's not pretty, but the pain is too intense to shave, etc.

I can't be the only one so afflicted; suggestions are most welcome!

Shave w/ a thin layer of neosporin or other antibiotic ointment (just make sure you're not allergic to any ingredients)

Waxing is the only to go. It is not as painful as some would have you believe. The more you go the less it stings. I am 53 yrs old have been having brazilian waxes for 6 years about every 6 weeks. Finding the right person is the key to minor discomfort.

After shaving (goes for sensitive legs, too), wash off the area with whatever you use to wash your face. A salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide wash should work great.

Easiest way is to put DESITIN® diaper rash treatment on after you shave - works great !

I used to wax a lot, but then I became allergic to wax. It was very strange, but a few days after I would wax, I would break out in hives all over my body. The largest would be in the wax area. I tried different salons, different waxes... with the same results. :-(

Now I am lasering and it is awesome! I am doing my underarms and my full bikini area. While it does hurt, just like waxing... you don't have to do it again after the set number of sessions the salon determines. Mine will be gone in a bout 8. In between sessions, however, you are hairfree. I love it!

WAX WAX WAX!!!! Playboy, Brazilian, or plain old bikini wax.. WAXING is the way to go!!!

It sound weird, but there is an ingredient in solid deodorant that prevents chaffing and friction in under arms...after shaving the bikini area rub some deodorant on, especially where your underwear rubs around your legs. I got this tip from a "dancer" and it completely works for me. I do use a different stick for that area than for my under arms though!

I use a shaving gel called Bikini Zone. It works great to prevent ingrown hairs and irritation. You can buy it from Walmart, Target, grocery stores, etc.

Totally agree with Brazilian waxing! It is the ONLY way to go. You can be confident in any bathing suit with no shave bumps, nor any hair to poke out. I have to say I find it painful, but after about 3 times of waxing, it is much easier, the hair becomes fine and comes out easily. I will continue to wax as long as possible, and I am 44 now!!

I am pretty chubby, esp in the tummy. I don't know what shape looks right on me or how much to wax off. Suggestions for what looks right on a size 12-14 woman would be appreciated. I don't even know where to find pictures of different shapes/styles, etc.

as with hair removal anywhere on the body exfoliation is the key! gently exfoliate everyday -whether you shave that day or not. it prevents ingrown hair and ugly bumps. but the real secret is, when the area is completely dry, apply a layer or two of Dove brand invisible solid deodorant. it will keep your bikini line smooth and irritation free, just like it does under your arms. warning: this may prevent sunblock lotion from adhering to the area!

I wear mine just below the fatest part of my belley, right where you can see the beginning of pubic hairs! But my boogie boarding is better!

For 12 and 14 sizes, I use placing the bikine panties just below the fat part of my belley, like when the celebrities are pregnant, just above the beginning of the pubic hairs as rashes look equally ugly!

I have read these post and must be the only person using hair removal cream. I have waxed, too painful and expensive. Shaving, rash and itchy hair regrowth. I found the cremes to now work much quicker than years ago,and still be able to handle my sensitive skin and coarse hair. The regrowth is slow, as I reapply every three - four + weeks. The Neet, Veet,and Avon products do work, just read the lable for your need, ex. face ,legs, bikini.

As a swimmer, I swear by electric shaver, no preparation, except be sure dry, no bumps, can do everyday. Waxing made hair thicker, longer, not the other way around and HURTS. And still bumps and itching when grows in. Using regular shaver, preparation takes care of problems. Trim, wash with soap to soften, warm water, rinse, use good shave gel, good razor blade, I shave in both directions even though 'they' say no, use moisterizer afterwards. Does itch when growing in, so just shave again. Might try that laser - how painful is it?