Getting body hair and wanting to learn about shaving? Puberty brings all sorts of new body changes. Perhaps you’ve already shaved your legs, and now want to try shaving a different part of your body. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the how-tos of a much more intimate, but equally as important region– your vulva.
We know the idea of shaving down there can be seriously intimidating– after all, the skin there is extremely sensitive, and it’s not fully straightforward or easily accessible, like your legs. We’ve been in your shoes before, which is why we’ve put together a guide to walk you through the process and make sure you start this process with as much ease as possible.
Image via Instagram (@leabrisell)
To shave or not to shave?
That is the question. Should you shave your pubic hair at all? As with shaving your legs, I’d like to preface this by saying you don’t need to shave your pubic hair if you don’t want to. Shaving any part of your body is a personal choice. If you do make the decision to shave your vulva, make sure that the choice is for you, and nobody else– it is your body, and you make the rules on whether or not you keep your body hair.
If you’ve decided that being hairless is the way you want to go, keep reading.
How to shave your pubic hair
Step 1: Trim
If you’ve been letting your pubic hair grow out, you’ll likely be seeing a puffy, well, bush, of hair on your vagina. Did you know that your pubic hair is actually the coarsest, thickest hair on your body? If you were to take a razor to this hair without trimming it first, you’d probably dull your razor. You’ll also increase your chances of cutting yourself or irritating your skin, and you’re reading this guide to avoid doing that. So before you start to shave, carefully trim the edges of the pubic hair a bit with a pair of scissors– make it easier on yourself, your skin, and your razor.
Step 2: Lather
After you’ve trimmed your pubic hair, hop into the shower and lather yourself with soap. If you can, try to find a soap or body wash that’s fragrance-free to avoid any unwanted irritation. Some people use dedicated shaving cream, gel, or foam on their pubic area. Others opt for using a common hair conditioner. The goal is to aim for fragrance-free whenever possible–your vulva is a sensitive part of your body, and often, adding in new scents can disrupt your pH level down there.
Honestly, we really wouldn’t recommend shaving your bikini area without showering. If you don’t want to shower, at least get some warm water over your vulva to soften the skin, open up your pores, and provide a better shave. Shaving dry creates friction and might even increase your chances of getting ingrown hairs.
Step 3: Shave
Okay. You’ve prepared thoroughly. You are in the shower, your pores are open, and you’ve applied some shaving cream or conditioner or whatever you chose to apply. It’s time to get to business. Pull your skin taut with one hand and begin to glide and shave with the other. You can use a razor or a precision bikini razor for a more exact shave.
You know how when you pet a cat, you have to go in the direction of their fur, or they get mad? The same rule applies to shaving your vagina: You have to shave with the grain, not against it. This means you want to shave in the same direction that the hair grows, not against it. Yes, we know that going against the grain can provide a closer shave– but your vagina isn’t your calf–as we’ve discussed, the skin is much more sensitive, so that close shave you seek might come at the cost of some serious razor burn and potential ingrowns.
When it comes to shaving your labia, or the “lips” of your vulva, things can get tricky. Not every vulva looks the same, so this part is different for everyone. There’s a lot of hard to reach places, which can make this part nerve-wracking. Try using a mirror to get a better view of what’s going on when you start shaving down there for the first time. Eventually, you’ll get used to your body and have an easier time removing your pubic hair.
Remember: If you’re not comfortable shaving this part of your vulva, don’t! Once again, your body, your hair, your choice. If you’re planning to wear a bathing suit and don’t want any hair to be seen, you can opt for a fuller-coverage bikini bottom and only shave your bikini line– a great option many folks go for.
Step 4: Moisturize
To make sure you’re doing everything you can to prevent razor burn, you need to give your vulva skin the treatment it deserves. After you’re done shaving, give your skin a little TLC with some moisturizer. Some people apply diaper rash cream while others opt for baby oil. It might sound a little weird, especially as if you’re reading this, you’re most likely not a baby, but plenty of people swear by these products to prevent the dreaded razor burn and ingrown hairs on your bikini area. Again, try to aim for something fragrance-free if you can.
What is Razor Burn?
If you’re asking, you probably haven’t experienced it yet. Lucky!
Razor burn consists of red, itchy bumps that show up around places you’ve shaved and irritated the skin. It usually shows up fairly quickly, around a few hours or the day after the shave. It’s fairly uncomfortable, so try to avoid it if you can through pre-shave prep, gentle shaving, and moisturizing your bikini line.
Anything Else to Know?
For your first few times, go slowly, be gentle and be patient with yourself. Consider using a mirror so you can see everything that’s going on. And remember: Never dry shave– you don’t want itchy razor burn bumps or ingrown hairs.
After shaving, it’s a good idea to wear breathable underwear that will cause minimal irritation to the sensitive skin underneath. Our cotton leakproof underwear is made from 95%cotton, 5% Spandex, so you’ll feel comfy and smooth all day long.
