Smooth bikini area?

Ok so I always see these photos of women in bathing suits... no razor bumps, no sign of stubborn hair, etc. I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get such a smooth looking bikini area with NO razor bumps!! I'd love to wear a bikini this summer but so self conscious! I've tried Nair but got super red. I've heard bikini wax is the way to go but is it worth the pain?