Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth time, it’s always a good idea to brush up on a few tricks for how to shave down there. Before we get into our step-by-step guide, remember that there’s no right or wrong way to wear your pubic hair. How much or how little you have is a purely personal preference (and there are benefits to having it!), as is your hair-removal method.
According to board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD, the best way to remove hair completely depends on your individual skin sensitivity. “Shaving, waxing, and laser hair removal are all effective ways to remove pubic hair,” she says. “If you opt for waxing or laser hair removal, be sure to get the treatment done by a professional.”
Laser hair removal treatments and bikini waxes are more permanent or long-lasting options, of course, but it helps to also know how to shave your vagina—which, anatomically speaking, is technically your vulva—if you’re in a pinch or prefer to do it yourself. If you’re DIY’ing it, scroll on to read everything to know about how to shave down there, so you can avoid making common shaving mistakes.
Comfortable devices you can use on wet or dry skin
Do I shave up or down?
To minimize irritation, you want to shave in the direction of the hair’s growth. This means you want to shave downward. However, shaving down won’t give you as close of a cut, so after taking a few passes downward, if you want a closer shave, you can follow by shaving up. Take extra caution as you shave upward so you don’t nick any skin.
How often should I shave down there?
You may not be in the market for laser hair removal, since it can be costly and takes multiple sessions to see results; if so, chances are you’ll be doing hair removal pretty frequently. “It depends on the hair density, but in general, shaving once every one to two weeks is best to avoid overgrowth,” says Dr. Shirazi. “Shaving doesn’t affect the growth rate. Waxing over time may weaken the hair root. In general, as estrogen and progesterone levels decline with age, so do pubic hair growth rates.”
Wondering what will happen if you stop shaving altogether? “The hairs will continue to grow to a certain length, and then they change hair cycles and fall out,” says Dr. Shirazi. “The hair density can increase, making it more difficult to shave the longer, thicker hair. You may opt to trim the hair first, making it easier to shave shorter hair lengths. Not shaving may prevent skin irritation.”
Keep reading for the correct steps you should be taking when shaving your pubes, along with tips on how to shave your bikini area without getting unwanted irritation or ingrowns.
How to Shave Down There
If your hair is longer than about a quarter of an inch, trim it down as short as you can before getting in the shower. This will not only save you time when you shave but will also prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs.
Want to know how to shave your vag without getting stubble? It may seem extra, but the key is taking time to exfoliate. Using a washcloth, loofah, or gentle scrub, exfoliate the skin on your bikini line and around your vulva.
“If you’re prone to razor bumps and irritation, you may want to exfoliate the area beforehand to ensure that the hair can come cleanly out,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologist in NYC. This will help remove any dead skin, which can build up in your razor and lead to irritation. Just be sure not to pick a heavy-duty scrub, since that can actually increase irritation. Instead, look for a gentle, fragrance-free product made specifically for your body.
No matter what, Dr. Shirazi says, it’s important to make sure the area is clean. “Be sure you cleanse the skin before shaving,” she says.
Make sure your skin is damp but not soaking wet—otherwise the shaving cream can slip off your skin. It’s better to use shave gel instead of soap or body wash since it’s specifically formulated to give razors a gentle glide.
“In general, it’s best to use a sharp razor blade and shaving cream on all areas of your body to obtain the closest shave,” says New York dermatologist Elyse Love, MD. “This is particularly important for sensitive skin, such as the underarms and bikini line, as these areas can develop irritation with shaving if proper care isn’t taken.” Need a new favorite? Check out our list of the best shaving creams for women.
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.”
Using a fresh, clean manual or electric 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 with 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.
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. Store it in a dry area to prevent growth of bacteria and yeast,” she says.
Once you’re done, gently rinse away all shaving cream with warm water, and pat dry with a clean towel.
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.)
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.
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.
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 in the area.
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.
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 such as aloe vera to hydrate and protect your skin.
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.
