Trim your pubic hair
The process of trimming your pubic hair is fairly straightforward. Just choose the tool that feels right to you and trim away. While it is simple, trimming is a necessary step to getting the shave you want.
Razors can only pick up short hair, so you need to trim before you shave. Otherwise, your razor can become clogged and may need to be replaced.
Begin by choosing the right pair of scissors. Sharp scissors like clippers work best. You can also use an electric hair trimmer that works by running a moving blade across a stationary blade. Electric hair trimmers can be adjusted to the level of closeness that you want. If using an electric trimmer makes you feel nervous, you can try using an electric razor instead. This pubic hair trimmer for women is designed specifically to closely trim pubic hair.
When trimming, aim to leave less than a quarter inch of hair. This makes it easier to see what you’re trimming and leaves less room for error (meaning a painful razor burn or cut). In fact, you’re more likely to injure yourself during pubic hair removal than any other kind of hair removal, so it pays to spend some extra time prepping the area before shaving.
Take a shower or bath
One of the best methods to prep your pubic area for a razor is to expose it to wet, moist heat. Following this step may seem tedious, but a hot shower is the perfect environment for softening pubic hair before a shave. If you don’t have time to shower, wet a washcloth with warm water. Place it over your pubic area, and leave it in place for a few minutes. If you have time, a warm bath with oils can soften the area even further.
One of the best methods to prep your pubic area for a razor is to expose it to wet, moist heat.
After using a warm washcloth, it is important to wash the area. This helps remove any built-up oils that may make shaving harder, and will also help you avoid folliculitis, an infection of hair follicles. Another useful prepping tool is an exfoliator or loofah. Exfoliators help get rid of excess oil and dead skin cells, giving you the smoothest possible shaving surface. What’s more, exfoliating before shaving helps the pubic hair face outwards, reducing the chances of snagging your razor and cutting yourself.
Shave your pubic area
The tools and approach you use to shave your pubic and perineal area are important to have the best possible experience and smoothest possible shave. From the foam to the razor and the direction of the shave, the best way to remove pubic hair comes down to product and technique.
Choose the right razor
While most razors will do the trick, consider the area. Because your pubic area is one of the most sensitive places on your body, it makes sense to choose a razor specifically designed for sensitive skin. While brands don’t necessarily matter, finding one with blades more suited for sensitive areas does. Also, when picking a razor, make sure it is one you’ll use exclusively around your bikini line. This helps stop the possibility of any infection. Keep your pubic hair razor in a separate area from other razors so you don’t accidentally use it on other body parts.
Apply shaving foam
A good shaving cream or foam can help make shaving your bikini area much easier. Choose an unscented version (the fragrance in some may irritate sensitive skin) with good foaming action for a good lather. Like the razor, choose a foam, cream, or gel designed for pubic hair or more sensitive skin, as opposed to facial hair. To check for any sensitivity, test it out in a small area on another part of your body before using the foam. Though you certainly don’t need to use women’s shaving cream, they are sometimes gentler than men’s and can be found in fragrance-free versions.
Shave in the right direction
It helps to shave pubic hair in the right direction. In addition to going slow, this means going in the direction of hair growth. If all your hair is pointing up, then shave in an upward motion. Doing this reduces the chances of irritation, cuts, or razor burn. You can also go from side to side, helping your skin in that area get used to a razor.
Shaving in the right direction reduces the chances of irritation, cuts, or razor burn.
One of the keys to a good shave is to remember that less is more. If you overshave, you run the risks of bumps and inflammation. And if you’re new to shaving your pubic hair, space out your shavings in order to let your pubic hair get used to shaving.
Stretch your skin if needed
Stretched skin equals flat skin, and flat skin gives the razor a better chance to work well. Using your free hand, hold the skin taut just above the area you are shaving. Move your hand as you go, getting as close as possible to the area you’re shaving.
If you want to shave your butt, downward strokes work best in this area. Holding the skin taut with your free hand can help here as well. Since your butt is generally a bit less sensitive than your vagina, you can run the razor down a second time if needed. Just be gentle.
Take care of the shaved area
You’ve shaved. But now you’ve got razor burn and bumps. So how do you get rid of razor bumps in your pubic area? Shaving aftercare is as important as the prep work beforehand — in fact, probably more so. The following are some steps to ensure the smoothest possible shave.
- Exfoliate. Shaving may have kicked up more dead skin cells. Exfoliating removes these and helps with ingrown pubic hair. Just be sure not to get any exfoliating product in your vagina, and avoid using fragranced products, as they may irritate freshly shaved skin. You can continue to exfoliate daily to keep your pubic area smooth.
- Moisturize. Any kind of unscented oil or lotion will do. Moisturizing conditions the skin and hair follicles, keeping itchy bumps at bay. If you want, use a salicylic acid treatment specifically designed for razor irritation before moisturizing.
- Tweeze. Any leftover unwanted hairs can be gently tweezed. This can be done before or after moisturizing.
- Choose loose, not tight, underwear. Cotton underwear helps the area breathe and helps reduce irritation.
- Watch for post-shaving bumps or irritation. If you develop pimples on your pubic/perineal area after shaving, you can try to fight inflammation by using an over-the-counter cream.
Possible risks of shaving your pubic area
While shaving is not dangerous per se, it can present possible risks. You can avoid these with a little common sense and caution.
If you’ve injured yourself shaving your pubic area, you aren’t alone. About 25 percent of those who shave their pubic area routinely hurt themselves, and some of them end up needing to go to the emergency room. While very few cuts end up being serious, a cut can also put you at risk of a bacterial infection. Prepping and aftercare can help ensure a smoother shave and possibly keep you safer from bumps, cuts, and irritation.
Lastly, if you want to remove pubic hair without shaving, you can try waxing, either at home or with a professional.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why women shave their pubic area. Whatever your reasons, never feel pressured to shave or trim any of your hair. If it makes you happy, trim away, but remember to do it for you.