We all know how annoying pubic hair can be: it’s itchy, uncomfortable and a definite no-no when you’re getting ready to don a bikini. If you’re nervous about the pain of a Brazilian wax, you can instead opt to shave your bikini area and get rid of that pesky hair with very little trouble.
1. Trim
If it’s been a while since you’ve bothered shaving your bikini line, start with some small scissors and carefully trim the area you intend to shave. This will make it easier for your razor to get a cleaner shave, and help you avoid nicking yourself in those sensitive spots. Get as close as you can without putting yourself in danger of cutting the skin.
2. Soak
Next, hop in the shower, turn up the heat, and relax for a few minutes. You’re not stalling — you’re allowing the hair time to soften in the hot water. The more pliable your hair is, the more effortlessly your razor will glide across your skin. The heat also opens up your pores, making your skin more receptive to those moisturisers you’ll be using after your shave. Give yourself 5–10 minutes in the heat; then, you can move on to the next step.
3. Treat
Light exfoliation helps remove dead skin build-up around the hair so that you can get a closer shave. Using either a gentle body scrub or just a washcloth, gently massage your bikini line to loosen and remove that layer of dead skin that has built up over time. If you have sensitive skin, go easy on with this step, as the combination of scrubbing and shaving can actually cause more irritation.
4. Lather
Next, you’ll need a quality shaving cream. Creams are much more effective than your average soaps; as creams lather better than soaps, they allow your razor to slide across the skin closely without causing burn. Most shaving creams also contain moisturisers to help hydrate the skin as you trim. When you’re shaving such a delicate area, this is one step you definitely don’t want to skip.
5. Shave
Now it’s time for the challenging part. First pick a razor that has at least three blades so that you can get nice and close, preferably one with a lubricating strip for added moisture and gentleness. Then, pulling the skin tight, slowly and carefully shave in the direction your hair grows. This helps prevent razor burn, but it also will not give you as close a shave. If you want to get it smoother, give it another pass, this time going against the grain. Be gentle and don’t press on the razor. You can always do multiple passes if necessary, but it’s better to take your time to ensure a clean shave with no accidental cuts.
6. Moisturise
Once your skin is satisfactorily smooth, pat your skin dry with a clean towel and select a moisturiser to finish up. A light, hypoallergenic body cream is a perfect choice for giving your skin a soft texture, while preventing any inflammation from the shave. Also, remember that it’s preferable to shave your skin at night – this prevents irritation and allows your moisturiser more time to soak into your skin and provide deep hydration.
Shaving your bikini line takes time and focus, but practice makes perfect and after a couple times you’ll be a pro. Now hop into that bikini and hit the beach!