How Shave Down There – Smooth & No Razor Bumps

This guide will teach you how to shave down there so you are completely smooth, soft, and bump-free. We’ll start with the basics, but you can skip to the other sections by clicking the links below:

• Preparation
• Choosing the right shave gel
• How to choose the right razor
• Techniques to get a smooth shave every time
• What to do after shaving down there
• How to get rid of ingrown pubic hair and prevent them in the first place
• Alternative options to shaving for hair removal

If You’ve Never Shaved Your Vulva Before

First, figure out where to shave. You can shave the pubic hair from your vulva (outside of your vagina), perineum, anus (12 anal sex tips), and the areas surrounding them, which can include your mons pubis and inner thighs, and even buttcheeks.

How much or how little you shave depends on your preferences and the hair you have. Some people shave their outer labia but not the inner labia.

Remember that hair provides a cushion against friction and is part of a normal vagina.

But shaving can give you the smooth look and feel that some women prefer.

Is it safe to shave pubic hair? – Yes!

It’s completely safe and hygienic if you follow the instructions below.

However…

If you cut corners or don’t take the correct (and very simple) precautions, you can end up with razor burn, bumps, rashes, and ingrown pubic hair…and no one wants that.

Shaving Your Pubic Hair Preparation – 4 Simple Steps

Before you begin shaving down there, there are some important steps to take to make the whole experience smooth and painless…

1. Trim long pubic hair – If you find that your pubic hair is long, over 1/4 inch (6 mm), trim it with an electric razor/beard trimmer or a pair of scissors. Shaving long pubic hair results in:

• More ingrown hairs
• Your razor getting clogged quicker
• It can change the angle of the razor blade, resulting in a less smooth shave and more irritation

2. Hydrate & Soften – Next, you need to soften your pubic hair follicles, your pubic hair, and skin. The easiest way to do this is to jump into a warm shower for 5 minutes or shave at the end of your shower or bath.

Your pubic hair will absorb the moisture, making it easier to cut with your razor.

3. Gentle exfoliation – Emphasis on gentle. To ensure you shave each pubic hair as close to your skin as possible, you need to remove the dead skin that’s in the way. If you don’t gently exfoliate, dead skin can get trapped in your razor blade, preventing it from gliding smoothly across your pubic area and leading to tenderness and inflammation. Exfoliation also helps to uncover ingrown hairs.

Why gentle exfoliation? Because…

This area is very sensitive.

Avoid using powerful chemical exfoliators or anything scented, and stick to softly exfoliating with a loofah or cloth.

4. Give yourself plenty of time – Rushing is one of the biggest causes of nicks, cuts, razor burn, bumps, and bikini rash when shaving your pubic hair. You can avoid razor bumps and other irritation by giving yourself plenty of time.

Apply Shaving Cream Or Gel

It should go without saying that…

Dry shaving hurts – Do not shave your pubes without applying shaving cream/gel first.

Shaving without cream can cause more pain, cuts, and ingrown hairs, which can make sex painful, so it’s always best to use a good product.

You need to apply shaving gel or cream to the area you’ll be shaving to make it smooth, not painful. A little too much is better than too little.

What cream/gel? – You’ve got a few options, including:

• Foaming shaving creams
• Shaving gels
• Shaving soaps
• Ultra-slick shaving oil – some people even like coconut oil (which can also be used as lube).

Several companies make shaving products specifically for the pubic area that may be thicker or slicker to make shaving smoother and less of a chore. When trying to find the best shaving cream for the bikini area, pay attention to non-sponsored reviews by people who are specifically using it on their private area.

Some people even recommend using hair conditioner when shaving because it softens your hair and helps your razor glide.

But remember…

This area is very sensitive, so…

The best way to shave your pubic hair is with a non-irritating, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic shaving cream or gel. Avoid using soap, with the exception of shaving soap, as a replacement for shaving cream or gel, as it can irritate your skin after you shave.

Use A New, Sharp, Quality Razor

This should go without saying.

Fresh & sharp – Dull razors cause pain and don’t shave cleanly, leaving your pubic area looking like a badly mowed lawn. Going over the same spot more than once can make irritation more likely, too.

The best razors for a smooth pubic area without waxing are sharp. You should replace it or sharpen it every 4-6 shaves to ensure you’re never shaving with a dull razor. Some people prefer disposable razors to keep things hygienic and sharp.

Keep it to yourself – Never share your razor with anyone else. “You’re not likely to spread STDs by sharing razors” but, you still “have a low chance of spreading skin germs” [1].

Possible infections you can catch from a shared razor include:

• Hepatitis B [1]
• HIV [1]
• Molluscum contagiosum [1]
• HPV [1]

This is also why it’s best not to share sex toys.

Single blade razors – Single blade razors cause less irritation, less razor burn, less ingrown pubic hair, and provide a cleaner shave when used correctly. It’s often much cheaper to replace the blade, too. But, there’s a catch…

There’s a learning curve to using single-blade razors correctly.

Until you know how to properly use a single-blade razor and what angle to hold it at, you can actually cause more inflammation and even cut yourself. Cutting or nicking your labia is not pleasant.

You may also need to pass over the same area multiple times to ensure a clean cut.

If you get less-than-perfect results the first time you use a single-blade razor to shave your pubes, my advice is to stick with it, and over time you’ll correct your mistakes and get a perfect shave down there.

Multi-blade razors – Multi-bladed razors, which typically have between three and five blades, are immediately easy to use. They often come with a pivoting head and moisture strips for a smoother shave. You’re also less likely to cut yourself with a multi-bladed razor.

The problem?

If you use a 5-blade razor, each blade travels over your skin with every stroke. That can sometimes lead to more skin irritation. Some people find the opposite to be true, however, because the closer shave means they only need to pass over each area once.

Additionally…

Multi-bladed razors typically cut your pubic hair closer to the skin, increasing the risk of ingrown hairs.

Multi-blade razors can also be quite expensive to replace.

Both multi-blade and single-blade razors have pros and cons. You need to decide which type of razor best fits your specific needs.

The number of blades isn’t the only consideration, either. Lots of times, shaving down there means you need to navigate nooks and crannies. A razor with a large head, whether single- or multi-bladed, might be difficult to navigate. Touchup or eyebrow razors might be a good option for some people or areas.

Finally, don’t just consider women’s razors. Generally, they have more color options and may have more contouring on the handle and blade, but men’s razors are often more affordable, and many report getting a closer shave with less irritation.

Techniques For Shaving Your Pubic Hair Safely & Irritation-Free

Shave in the direction that your hair is growing – To shave down there without getting bumps or irritation and reduce “snagging,” shave in the direction of hair growth. This means that if your pubic hair is growing toward the ground, you need to pull your razor toward the ground.

You’ll get a closer cut by shaving against the direction of pubic hair growth, but you’ll also get more irritation, more ingrown pubic hair/razor bumps, and more “snagging” of the blade.

However, hair doesn’t always grow in the same direction, so there may not be one good direction to shave your pubic hair. You may need to shave in multiple directions to get a close shave. This can cause more irritation.

What about shaving my labia (and other sensitive areas)? – When shaving your outer labia or other sensitive area, use your fingers to stretch and flatten the skin. This will allow you get a smoother shave and prevent skin from getting caught in the blades.

You can use this same technique with your fingers to make any area of skin taut and flat when shaving down there.

Short, smooth strokes – Don’t make long strokes. Keep them short and smooth.

Rinse your razor often – To keep your razor gliding and cutting cleanly, regularly rinse it to remove hair or gel buildup.

Avoid repeatedly shaving the same area – If you keep running your razor over the same patch of skin, you’ll irritate it. In the ideal world, you will never do this, only shaving each area once, but…

In the real world, you may need to give it a second pass.

Just be aware that each time you shave the same area, it increases irritation.

Two things to make shaving down there easier –

• Using a footstool in the shower can help you access those hard-to-reach places more easily. Propping your foot on the edge of the tub is a good alternative.
• Using a small, handheld mirror can help you see those hard-to-reach places like your perineum and anal area. Don’t shave any area you can’t look at while shaving.

Go gentle – Avoid excess pressure on the blade. Too much pressure will increase the likelihood of pain/irritation and nicking yourself.

Switch angles – Specifically, bringing your hand between your legs to shave from behind might make it easier to shave those hard-to-reach spots. But it might also make it harder to shave in the direction of hair growth.

Use both hands – I don’t mean you should hold your razor with both hands. That would be awkward and unhelpful. Instead, use your free hand to gently push or pull skin or flesh out of the way to make room for your razor. Gently stretching your labia might also make it easier to get a clean shave.

Watch out for bumps/scars – Everyone has skin tags, moles, pimples, scars, etc. Watch out for these bumps and crevices as you shave. Running a razor over a mole or pimple can cause excruciating pain!

Keep a mental note of tricky areas – If you find yourself consistently missing a spot or hurting yourself in the same area every time you shave down there, make a note of it and try to pay more attention the next time.

Avoid areas with no pubic hair and ultra-sensitive areas – Obviously, there is no need to shave areas that are already hairless.

Additionally…

You need to avoid areas that are ultra-sensitive. This includes your:

• Clitoris
• Inside your vagina
  

That’s right, you don’t actually shave your vagina.

Shave in the evening – Generally, shaving before bed is better. Afterward, you’ll lie down and go to sleep, moving only a little and allowing your skin to recover for 8 hours.

If you shave in the morning, you’ll then spend the whole day moving around, possibly irritating your recently shaved skin and pubic hair follicles. It’s even worse if you shave right before doing sports. Sweating can increase the likelihood of infection of irritated skin.

Go slow – I’m mentioning this again as it’s so important. Giving yourself plenty of time while slowly and intentionally shaving down there will lead to superior results. That phrase “less haste, more speed” comes to mind.

Shaving Aftercare

No, we’re not talking about BDSM aftercare. Once you’re done shaving, you need to do a few things to soothe your skin down there.

Rinse – Start by washing off all the remaining shaving cream/gel and cut pubic hair in warm water.

Then switch to cold water for a few minutes.

Cold water closes your pores and helps to reduce inflammation.

Pat, don’t rub dry – When drying off your crotch area, pat it with a towel to remove moisture. Rubbing it with a towel will only aggravate your skin. Also,

Use a clean towel. Damp or previously used towels can harbor bacteria that cause infections.

Moisturize – Apply a scent-free, non-irritating moisturizer to any area you’ve just shaved. This will help your skin to recover from any razor burn. You’ve got options when it comes to what to apply after shaving your pubic hair. Some folks like using aloe vera gel, but there are plenty of lotions, oils, and gels to pick from.

Avoid underwear!? – Try to avoid wearing underwear or anything tight for a few hours until your body fully absorbs the moisturizer.

Then, you can put on underwear. Ideally, wear a clean pair of loose-fitting, natural-fiber-based underwear (ie, cotton or silk) to let the whole area breathe. Avoid elastic, including lace, where you’ve just shaved. Boxers are ideal because they’re loose.

Avoid sex – In the same vein, you may want to hold off on sex (23 kinky & freaky sex tips) or masturbation (14 powerful masturbation techniques) to give your skin time to settle down. The friction, especially from a partner’s face or genital stubble when going down on you, can be irritating.

More: How to give a girl head – 85 techniques.

Exfoliate – After 48 hours or longer, you can exfoliate your pubic area to help prevent razor bumps and ingrown pubic hair. Doing it sooner may cause irritation/infection.

Dry your razor – Finally, some “aftercare” for your razor…

If you store it in the shower, as most people do, moisture can promote bacterial growth and even mold. It’s best to remove it and dry it completely to keep it as clean as possible for your next shave.

How To Get Rid Of Ingrown Pubic Hair

Ingrown pubic hairs happen after shaving when the pubic hair gets trapped under the skin as it grows back.

The following things cause ingrown pubic hair:

• Shaving against the direction of pubic hair growth
• Running the razor blade over the area too many times
• Shaving too often
• A dull razor

The solution?

1. Run warm water over the area for 10-15 minutes to soften the skin
2. Gently exfoliate the area to remove any dead skin covering the ingrown pubic hair
3. Use tweezers to remove the offending pubic hair once it’s visible
4. Optionally, clean with water and apply a light antiseptic cream to the pubic hair follicle

Now that you know how to get rid of ingrown pubic hair, it’s time to learn how to prevent it in the first place…

How to Shave Your Vagina and Prevent Ingrown Pubic Hair & Stay Smooth

Some people think that because a little self-care is good, more is better.

The truth…

Shaving and exfoliating too often generally make things worse. The same happens when you apply too many products to your pubic area. Our advice…

Exfoliate 2 times per week – We advise exfoliating down there up to 2 times per week to avoid razor bumps and ingrown pubic hair. You can exfoliate more often than this, but you risk irritating the area.

Shave twice a week, max – Can you shave your pubic hair daily? Technically, yes, but it may not be necessary and may cause issues. For many people, shaving twice per week is enough to stay smooth. Shaving more often than this has limited benefits, but can cause issues with your skin and pubic hair.

When to talk to your dermatologist – If you have recurring problems with razor bumps, ingrown pubic hair, irritation, infection, or inflammation down there, stop shaving and talk to your dermatologist.

Irritation can still happen – You can take every precaution we advise when shaving down there, including which direction to shave your pubic hair, and…

You can still experience irritation.

This sucks.

The solution?

Avoid shaving until the irritation resolves.

Keep in mind that some skin types are more prone to ingrown hairs or irritation. This means it might not be possible to completely eliminate them

Is Shaving Your Pubic Hair Necessary?

Short answer, no.

In most cases, there is no need to shave or remove your pubic hair. It might help you feel more comfortable when taking nudes, especially close-ups.

If you personally prefer being hairless down there, then go for it. If not, then you shouldn’t feel like you have to…

Even if your partner is pressuring you.

A hairy vulva is absolutely normal!

Related: 21 different types of normal vaginas (& abnormal vaginas)

But shaving or even trimming can be helpful if you’re wearing clothing, swimwear, or underwear that’s either skintight or revealing. Without shaving, pubic hair can sometimes peek out, leading to an embarrassing mishap. You can stick to shaving your bikini area and not shaving your vagina, however.

Our advice – Try it once. If you like the results, keep doing it. If not, then there’s no need to ever do it again.

Why Do Women & Men Shave Down There?

There has been scientific research on this very question.

One study found “that women are motivated to remove their pubic hair for the following reasons: sexual attractiveness, cleanliness, social normative beliefs, sexual enhancement, and increased feelings of femininity associated with removal” and that 48% of women believe that “pubic hair is unattractive” [2].

Some might even think they have to do it before seeing the OBGYN, but the consensus among doctors is that the answer to the question “Are you supposed to shave your pubes before an appointment?” is No!

They’ve seen it all, and they’d rather see you without any rash or bumps.

When asked about pubic hair grooming and removal practices, “men indicated cleanliness was the most common reasons for shaving (75%), followed by sex appeal (69%), and body definition/ muscularity (39%).” [2].

Before oral sex – A lot of folks shave specifically before their partner goes down on them (34 pussy eating tips and 27 blow job tips).

Discover: How to get a guy to go down on you.

Are There Other Options To Shaving Down There

Yep. Check out these options if you’re struggling to find a good way to shave your pubic hair.

Waxing – Waxing offers longer-lasting and smoother results. For some people, a good Brazilian wax is less irritating than shaving. A downside of waxing your pubic hair is the pain.

Hair removal cream/depilatories – Hair removal cream isn’t advisable for removing pupic hair for several reasons. It can cause chemical burns and is often ineffective. Plus, they’re known for smelling awful. There are also very few hair removal creams that are specifically for use on your genital area.

Scissors – It’s tricky getting a close cut with scissors, and there is a slight risk of nipping yourself, but small beauty scissors can at least help you trim the hair.

Electric hair trimmer – You can now purchase electric hair trimmers and clippers specifically for your genital region. These often claim to be safer and even easier to use than regular electric hair clippers or trimmers. But many people stick to electric beard trimmers.

Laser hair removal – You can get permanent results, but it can take multiple expensive sessions and be quite painful. Not everyone’s hair or skin type is a good candidate for laser treatment, either.

Electrolysis – Another option for permanent pubic hair removal, but many folks find it painful.

Your Perspective Matters, A Lot

The last thing I have to say on shaving downstairs is that…

How you view shaving down there matters quite a bit.

If you can view it as a self-care routine where you can slow down, listen to music/podcast, and focus on yourself, then you will naturally find it easy and enjoyable.

On the other hand…

If you view it as something you do begrudgingly, like a necessary evil, you will likely rush through it, ignoring all the advice about the best way to shave your pubic hair, resulting in less-than-stellar results.

If you have any questions or tips for how to shave down there, let me know in the comments.