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- Before you shave there, prep the area by cleaning it with soap and warm water.
- Then spread the shaving cream over the area and tauten the skin before you begin to shave.
- Shave in small strokes in the direction of the hair, then rinse with cold water.
Although having pubic hair is completely natural and healthy, many people choose to remove some or all of it based on personal preference.
Whether or not you keep your pubic hair is up to you. However, it’s important to keep in mind that if you choose to shave, you need to be extra careful.
Since pubic hair tends to be coarse and the skin is sensitive, you are more prone to chafing and ingrown hairs in the area if you don’t take proper precautions.
Here are some tips and tricks for getting the best shave possible and minimizing the risk of irritation.
How to shave pubic hair
Whether you shave some or all of it, it helps to follow some general guidelines to get the best results.
Dr. Suzanne Friedler, a board-certified dermatologist Advanced Dermatology PC., recommends following these steps when shaving your pubic hair:
1. Prepare the area: Prepare your pubic area by cleaning the area with soap and warm water. Friedler says using hot water helps open pores so you can shave closer.
2. Use a shaving cream or gel: Spread something lubricating on the area, like shaving cream or gel. This helps the razor glide more easily over the skin, which reduces friction and irritation, says Friedler.
3. Start shaving: Pull the skin taut, then use short, careful strokes to shave in the direction of the hair growth rather than against it, says Friedler. This helps prevent cuts and ingrown hairs. Between strokes, rinse the razor to make sure it’s not clogged with hair or shaving cream.
4. Rinse with cold water: Rinse hair and shaving cream with cold water. Friedler says opting for cooler water instead of hot water helps close pores.
5. Hydrate: Especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation after shaving, Friedler says it’s helpful to moisturize or apply a product made specifically for use after shaving to soothe your skin and prevent chafing. ingrown hairs or bumps. Opt for a gentle, unscented moisturizer. If your skin is very sensitive, Friedler says you can use an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to relieve redness and inflammation.
Should I exfoliate?
It is important to exfoliate occasionally before shaving if you are prone to ingrown pubic hair.
Exfoliation is a step that involves using scrubs or chemicals to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. By removing them, you can help prevent blockages that lead to ingrown hairs.
There are two categories of exfoliants: chemical and mechanical.
- Chemical exfoliants use acids to break down dead skin cells. Common chemical exfoliants include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).
- Mechanical scrubs use microbeads or abrasive textures to remove the layer of dead cells.
When adding exfoliation to your shaving routine, King recommends starting slowly, exfoliating once or twice a week, then increasing the frequency if your skin tolerates it well. On the other hand, stop exfoliating if your skin is irritated.
How to exfoliate
The step by step depends on whether you are using a chemical or mechanical exfoliator.
According to King, here’s how to exfoliate if you’re using a chemical exfoliant:
You can get different types of products that contain chemical exfoliants, so the process changes depending on which product you choose.
1. If you use toner, blot without rubbing.
2. If you are using lotion, rub in lightly.
3. If you are using a cleanser, wet your skin first and massage in gentle circles for two to three minutes.
Then rinse the product off with lukewarm water and begin the shaving steps.
With mechanical exfoliators, the process is quite similar, says King:
1. Wet your skin.
2. Apply the exfoliant and rub gently in small circles for two minutes.
3. Rinse off with lukewarm water and begin the shaving steps.
If you’re going to use a product that’s a mechanical exfoliator, King says you should use something that has very fine particles and apply light pressure when rubbing.
If your skin is more sensitive, opt for chemical exfoliants. Be sure to only use your exfoliator on the external genitalia.
Insider’s Takeaways
Grooming pubic hair is a personal choice. If you decide to shave there, taking precautions like using shaving cream or gel, shaving with the grain, exfoliating, and using new razors can prevent annoying ingrown hairs and help you get the best results.
