Dr. Shirazi also recommends applying creams to help soothe the area. “If you are prone to razor bumps or ingrown hairs, exfoliate regularly prior to shaving using medicated pads or a body spray,” she says. “You can also use a medicated cream right after shaving to reduce the chances of razor bumps.”
4. Shave in the direction of hair growth.
Using a fresh, clean razor, pull your skin taut and shave in the direction that your hair grows. Going in multiple directions with your razor can lead to cuts and serious ingrowns. “Shave in the direction of the hair using short strokes,” says Dr. Shirazi. “This helps prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs. Avoid shaving over irritated skin patches, as the friction can worsen skin conditions.”
Remember not to apply too much pressure. The sharp blade should be doing the work for you. If you do need to make a second pass for a closer shave, you can go against the growth after you’ve first gone with it—this will help minimize irritation.
“Irritation is often due to the shaving technique,” says Dr. Shirazi. “Common causes of irritation or itchiness include sensitive skin, dry shaving or not using a lubricant, shaving too fast, using an old razor, overshaving with an old razor, not keeping your skin well moisturized, or shaving against the direction of your hair growth.”
Also remember that you’re losing dead skin cells each pass you take: “When you shave, you’re not just removing hair; you are also stripping away the outer skin layer, so it’s important to use emollients that nourish and hydrate the skin right after shaving,” she says.
5. Rinse your shaver.
Make sure you’re rinsing the razor blade between strokes, as any pieces of stuck hair or shaving cream buildup can cause clogs and prevent it from working as well. (Remember: Never, ever use your fingers to pull out anything stuck in your razor; you risk cutting yourself. The water pressure from your faucet or shower should do the trick.)
For storage, Dr. Shirazi recommends taking your razor out of the shower. “Rinse the razor after each stroke and dry your razor right after shaving and store it in a dry area to prevent growth of bacteria and yeast,” she says.
6. Cleanse the area.
Once you’re done, gently rinse away all shaving cream with warm water, and pat dry with a clean towel.
7. Moisturize.
Here’s another step you may be used to skipping but that can make all the difference: Be sure to moisturize post-shave. Your skin will be dry from all the exfoliation, so rehydrate it with an unscented lotion.
Tips to Prevent Razor Bumps on Your Vagina
Now that you’ve got the basics down about how to shave your pubic area, read on for a few more pointers that’ll help you prevent ingrowns and razor burn while you’re removing hair. (Be sure to check out our list of more general shaving tips as well.)
1. Make shaving the last step in your shower routine.
Whipping out your razor as soon as you get in the shower is practically asking for a raging case of razor burn. Instead, make shaving your pubic hair the very last thing you do. It’ll give your hair follicles a chance to properly soften, which majorly lowers your risk for irritation.
2. Change your razor blades regularly.
Proper tools make all the difference. Use a shaving cream without heavy fragrances, and leave it on the area for a minute or two to soften the hairs. Then pick up a fresh razor and get the job done. Using one that’s old and worn out will be inefficient at best and give you a rash or razor burn at worst.
3. Invest in a good hair trimmer.
Owning a pair of scissors specifically made for grooming or a bikini area trimmer will help you not only trim back the hair you’re not looking to shave off, but will also get you ready for a big shave if it’s been a while (if you recently had a baby, you might know what we’re talking about here). If you don’t want it completely bare down there, just using a good bikini trimmer will significantly cut back the hair down there.
4. Avoid dry shaving at all costs.
We’ve all been there: You get an impromptu invite to the beach or are rushing to get ready for a date and you suddenly remember you want to shave before heading out. So you prop your leg up on the sink and quickly take care of business. At the very least, take a few minutes to press a hot washcloth against the area you want to shave in order to soften the hairs and use a shaving cream to protect your skin. It’ll help ward off red bumps and painful irritation later on down the line. Trust us, it’s worth the few extra minutes.
5. Avoid heavily fragranced body lotion.
Chances are your favorite body lotion is loaded with fragrances that can irritate freshly shaved skin. Buy a product that’s specifically geared to soothe the area (be careful of men’s aftershaves, which aren’t the same thing), or use a mild natural moisturizer like aloe vera to hydrate and protect your skin.
6. Wear cotton underwear afterward.
If you can help it, don’t reach for anything made out of lace or nylon. Soft, 100% cotton underwear that doesn’t have tight elastic bands around the leg openings is ideal. It’ll give your skin a chance to breathe and recover, preventing ingrown hairs in the process.