How To Shave Vag Without Ingrown Hairs

First things starting time: There's no i right mode to deal with pubic hair. You can go out it how information technology grows, shave it into a shape, wax it off completely, trim it a niggling scrap, or something else entirely—it'due south all fine. At the end of the day, how you lot decide to handle your body (including your pubic hair!) is entirely upward to y'all.

That existence said, if you practise make up one's mind to alter your pubic pilus in some way, you want to be armed with the right tools and info to avert getting whatsoever nicks, bumps, or razor burn because those can exist uncomfortable anywhere, simply especially downwardly at that place. Read on for good tips on how to shave your pubic hair and answers to all your questions well-nigh grooming.

Commencement of all, do I take to?

We get it. You're bombarded by what seems similar a one thousand thousand messages about pube training—friends who talk nearly being totally bare, waxing ads at every salon— and you're like: Is this the norm? Am I a freak? Should I shave information technology all off ASAP? But the truth is, some girls like a blank bikini surface area, while others go a little freaked by feeling exposed. Some may be into a little bit of a trim, but not all that psyched about the upkeep of taking information technology all off.

Consider your pubic-hair stylings a very personal preference, says Jennifer Ashton, Medico, an ob-gyn and author of The Body Scoop for Girls . Only like anything else yous'd exercise to your bod—your haircut, your nail art, your makeup routine (or lack thereof)—go with what feels right for you.

Should I shave, or wax, or… something else?

Waxing is fine—and TBH, it will probably leave you with a smoother surface and slightly less frequent upkeep than shaving—but real talk: Ripping your hair out tin can be pretty painful. On the other hand, depilatory creams tin be adequately painless, only you have to read the package and the instructions very advisedly, considering not all are made for the uber-sensitive pare of your vulva and bikini line.

And even those that are tin irritate—or burn—your pare if left on besides long. Shaving, can feel like an easier and more familiar introduction to bikini-line grooming: You lot've been doing information technology to your legs, so you lot've got the nuts downwardly, right? Again, though, this determination is up to you lot. Do some inquiry and pick what's best for your situation.

And then, how practise you shave down there anyhow?

Let's say shaving is your pick for pilus removal, at that place are even so some specific steps y'all should take in order to make sure you're taking proper care of yourself down there. It sounds complicated, only just follow the steps below and you'll be smooth in no time.

one. Trim your pubic hair.

Shaving will be and so much easier when the pilus is shorter. Just use a small pair of pair of scissors or a hair trimmer and cutting downwards on the hair so information technology'due south most a quarter of an inch long.

Motanar Professional Training Scissors for Personal Care

ii. Exfoliate your skin.

This step is important. "Whatever time you shave or wax, that hair follicle on your peel is going to be opened up," explains Dr. Ashton. "That makes information technology piece of cake for bacteria to enter and cause an infection." Then, you lot want to make sure the expanse is clean before yous get to work. An exfoliant will remove dead skin and help to prevent ingrown hairs. Again, make certain you are using a unproblematic product that won't irritate your skin. Likewise, recall that these products are non for inside your vagina, only simply the outer expanse.

Skinfix Resurface+ Glycolic and Lactic Acid Renewing Torso Scrub

3. Grab some shaving cream.

Once again, make sure you're choosing a unproblematic shaving cream for sensitive skin. Then, dab it all over your pubic area.

Billie Vitamin Eastward Shaving Cream Pump

4. Shave!

It's finally time for the big shave. Since pubic hair is the thickest pilus on your body, take a brand-new bract or a fresh-and-sharp dispensable razor. Then shave downward *with* the pilus, i.eastward. in the direction it's growing. Using small strokes and property your skin taut with the other hand will help protect against nicks and cuts. And of course: Take. Information technology. Slow.

Before you go completely bare though, go on in mind, certain areas are more than sensitive and prone to redness and irritation. "It's all-time to leave the hair correct around the vaginal opening alone considering the skin there is so sensitive," warns Dr. Holmes. "Trimming is fine, but shaving tin can create a problem."

five. Moisturize.

After you're done shaving and y'all've rinsed away the excess cream, moisturize with a fragrance-gratis lotion.

Verb Torso Lotion

Volition it actually grow dorsum faster/thicker/darker?

According to Dr. Holmes, that's totally a myth. "It has a sharp edge after you lot shave, so information technology only feels thicker or coarser," she says. In reality, though, the hair hasn't changed.

What'south with all the little bumps?

So y'all shaved and at present information technology's similar your bikini line is breaking out on you. That's probable folliculitis, aka razor burn, and information technology happens when bacteria become inside those little hair follicles and inflame them, causing those prickly pinkish-and-white bumps you're seeing.

Many times this event volition resolve on its ain within a few days, merely in the meantime, you can soothe your pare past applying a piddling 1% hydrocortisone cream (bachelor near the start aid products at the drugstore) or an ointment with vitamins A and D/zinc oxide (aka diaper rash cream).

Vanicream i% Hydrocortisone Anti-Crawling Foam

If it doesn't clear up or it's driving you nuts, run into your doctor for a prescription for an antibiotic. "It can actually help," says Dr. Ashton.

Merely I just have this one BIG crash-land?

Information technology's as if the biggest, nigh painful pimple of your life has sprung right by your swimsuit line, huh? Don't freak out, it'due south probably only an ingrown hair. Y'all become them when dead skin cells clog up a hair follicle and force the pilus that's inside to grow sideways under the pare (rather than up and out).

Resist the urge to dig or pick, and instead, treat it one time a twenty-four hours with a mild toner containing salicylic acid, the same exfoliating ingredient used to beat acne. See a doctor for treatment if the itching/burning/hurting gets serious.

Paula's Choice Peel Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Wait, why's information technology so itchy downwards in that location at present?

Sneaking scratches through your bikini bottoms is not a adept look. Virtually likely, that itching is caused by prickly dry skin or some sort of inflammation. If you're shaving with soap, endeavour switching to shaving cream, since information technology'll moisturize your peel a little more. And to prevent the tiny bumps and micro-nicks that cause the aforementioned irritation, use a brand-new razor and warm h2o next time.

I'm Kim, a freelance author/editor/explainer-of-all-things-awkward. I am likewise *obsessed* with vintage dresses, the Dogs of Instagram, Taylor Swift, and pizza. (P.Due south. Tweet me your health Qs, plz!)