Bikini Landing Strip Guide & Why You Need the Laser Upgrade
Bikini Landing Strip: Key Takeaways
- A landing strip wax is the perfect middle ground if you’re not sure if you want to go bare or leave a little hair behind in the bikini area
- It’s customizable, beginner-friendly, and easy to maintain
- If you’re tired of the constant wax cycle, laser hair removal treatments can help reduce hair regrowth
We’re all for whatever you decide to do down there. Keep it, remove it, shape it, or leave it somewhere in between; it’s completely your call!
But if you do decide to go the pubic hair removal route (which, by the way, is super common) and try a bikini wax, you’ll quickly realize that waxing isn’t just one thing.
It actually comes with a variety of styles to choose from.
One option is the landing strip.
A bikini landing strip is a clean waxing style that removes almost all pubic hair, leaving just a narrow, well-groomed rectangle of hair right at the front.
Often called the French bikini wax, it’s the ideal go-to style if you like to keep things neat down there but aren’t quite ready to go bare.
In this guide we will:
- Share how to get the perfect bikini landing strip look
- Discover the difference between a landing strip and other bikini wax styles
- Explore longer-lasting alternatives to waxing, like laser hair removal
How To Get the Bikini Landing Strip Look
A bikini landing strip removes hair from the sides of the labia, the back (yep, that means between the cheeks), and most of the pubic area, leaving a sleek patch of landing strip hair right in front.
While the classic version is a small rectangle, you don’t have to stick to straight lines.
Feeling bold? Go for a triangle, a heart, or whatever shape feels fun!
Landing Strip vs. Other Bikini Wax Styles
Curious about your options when it comes to bikini waxing?
Whether you’re a first-timer or just looking to switch up your style, here’s a breakdown of the most popular bikini wax types, so you can choose what fits your vibe (and swimsuit) best.
| Wax Style | What’s Removed | What’s Left | Best For |
| Basic Bikini | Just outside the bikini line | Everything under the underwear | First-timers or light grooming |
| Triangle | Bikini line and shape clean-up | A triangle on the pubic bone | A neat look with a natural vibe |
| Landing strip | Sides, labia, and back | A narrow strip up front | Sleek but not totally bare |
| Deep bikini | Most of the front, including labia sides | Some hair on labia or front | High-cut swimsuits or bold clean-up |
| Full Brazilian | Everything; front, back, and in-between | Nothing | Completely smooth everywhere |
| Mini Brazilian | All front hair (labia, too) | Butt strip stays untouched | Clears the front completely, including the labia |
| Butt strip | Just between the cheeks | Everything else | A tidy back or add-on to other styles |
Why Choose a Landing Strip Style?
This style is kind of like the Goldilocks of bikini waxes. It’s not too bare, not too bushy, but just right.
It gives you that fresh, clean feel without taking it all off, leaving behind a neat little strip.
This style says, “I like to keep things tidy, but I’m not trying to erase everything.”
Here’s why it’s a fan favorite:
- Polished, but not naked: It removes hair from the labia, back, and most of the front, but keeps a little up top for style.
- Feels intentional: Think minimalist, but with personality.
- Great if you’re wax-curious: It’s a nice middle ground between a basic bikini and a full Brazilian.
- Customizable: Rectangle? Triangle? Lightning bolt? You do you.
- Less exposed: If going totally bare feels a little too vulnerable, this gives you coverage with a side of sass.

How To Shape a Landing Strip at Home
Feeling bold enough to DIY your bikini wax look?
If you’re not quite ready to book a professional wax, or just want to tidy up between sessions, you can shape a landing strip at home with a little patience and the right tools.
It won’t last as long as laser hair removal or electrolysis, but it’s perfect for testing the look or freshening things up before a beach day.
Best Tools for Shaping Landing Strip Hair
No, you don’t need a five-star salon setup. Just a few trusty tools will make this way easier (and safer):
- A handheld mirror: For checking all angles, including down there
- Electric trimmer: A small one meant for facial or bikini hair gives you more control
- Grooming scissors: To trim things down before shaping
- Precision razor or dermaplaning blade: For cleaning up the edges
- Shave gel or conditioner: Anything unscented and gentle works great
Step-by-Step Trimming Guide
Ready to shape things up?
If you’re ready to try the look yourself, here’s how to shape a French bikini wax safely, neatly, and with minimal stress.
1. Start With Clean Skin
Start by softening the area. Either take a warm shower or press a damp towel over the skin for a few minutes.
Once everything’s nice and prepped, gently exfoliate to lift the hairs and help prevent ingrown hair.
2. Trim It Down
Use scissors or a trimmer to shorten the hair to about ¼ inch. This helps you see the shape better and makes shaving easier.
3. Outline Your Strip
Stand in front of a mirror and lightly mark your shape with a brow pencil if you want to be extra precise.
A typical landing strip is around one to two fingers wide, but it’s totally your call.
4. Shave Around Your Shape
Once you’ve mapped out your shape, it’s go time. Grab your razor or trimmer and carefully clean up the sides, labia, and back.
Take your time; this isn’t a race! If you’re new to this, keep it simple and focus on clean lines over perfection.
5. Check Your Work and Take a Deep Breath
Look from different angles using your mirror. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Close enough is still fabulous!
6. Rinse and Soothe
Give everything a rinse with cool water, pat dry, and apply aloe or a fragrance-free balm to keep your skin calm and happy.
Aloe vera or post-shave balm: For soothing any irritation afterward

Landing Strip Waxing Tips, Expectations & Aftercare
Whether you’re considering at-home hair removal or heading to a pro, there are a few things to know before and after the wax.
From pain-prep to post-wax care, these hacks will help you keep things smooth, happy, and bump-free.
A Few Quick Tips Before You Wax
According to Aleya, it’s important to understand what each hair removal method really involves before you commit.
“Waxing can often lead to ingrown hair, which can be painful and unsightly. Shaving is simple, but it requires constant upkeep.”
With laser, proper hygiene is key. The technician should always wear gloves and use clean tools.
Ultimately, it comes down to achieving the exact shape the client wants!
- Exfoliate the day before: This helps lift dead skin and frees any trapped hair, which means a cleaner wax and less stubble.
- Skip the caffeine: A jittery nervous system translates to more sensitivity. Skip the latte and sip water instead!
- Consider a numbing cream: Especially if it’s your first time or you’re waxing sensitive areas like the labia.
- Go in clean and dry: Shower beforehand and skip heavy lotions or oils, which can interfere with the wax.
Aftercare Routine
What you do after the wax is just as important as the wax itself. Here’s how to keep your skin calm, smooth, and irritation-free:
- Avoid tight clothing: Let your skin breathe for at least 24 hours. Think loose cotton tops and ditch the leggings.
- Hands off: As tempting as it is, don’t touch the freshly waxed area. Open follicles are prone to bacteria!
- Use a soothing gel: Aloe vera or witch hazel are great for calming redness and reducing inflammation.
- Exfoliate (gently): Wait 48 hours, then exfoliate two to three times a week to help prevent ingrown hairs.
- Skip hot tubs and sweaty workouts: Give it a day or two before diving into anything steamy or sweaty, as your skin needs time to heal.
Laser Hair Removal: The Low-Maintenance Upgrade to Your Landing Strip
So, you’ve committed to the landing strip for a few months; we love that for you.
But what if we told you there is a more sustainable, one that keeps your strip crisp without the constant grow-out and wax routine?
Laser hair removal targets the root of the hair, giving you long-term smoothness with way less upkeep.
That means no more:
- Last-minute appointments
- Surprise stubble
- Starting from scratch every few weeks
And if you’re used to doing things yourself, you’ll notice the difference right away.
At Laser by Aleya, we use the Lumenis Diode LightSheer, a trusted, high-performance laser that delivers real results while keeping your skin comfortable and safe.
Honestly, we’re here for whatever you choose: full glam, totally bare, or somewhere in between. It’s your hair, your rules.
But if you’re thinking long-term (and a little less upkeep), laser hair removal might just be your new favorite move.
Bikini Landing Strip: FAQs
Is a landing strip popular?
Yes, it’s a classic for a reason.
It is a go-to for folks who want things neat and intentional, without going full “nothing to see here.”
It’s that sweet spot between a basic clean-up and the totally bare Brazilian.
How do you maintain landing strip hair?
Maintaining landing strip hair is fairly simple.
You can keep the shape neat with light trimming between appointments, but most people opt for waxing every four to six weeks for a cleaner, longer-lasting result.
Regular exfoliation also helps prevent ingrown hairs and keeps the area smooth.
I’m still a newbie with pubic hair removal. Is a landing strip a good option for beginners?
Yes, a landing strip wax is a great option if you’re new to bikini grooming.
It gives you a clean, defined look without removing all your landing strip hair, making it a comfortable middle ground between a basic bikini wax and a full Brazilian.