That being said, if you do decide to alter your pubic hair in some way, you want to be armed with the right tools and information to avoid getting any nicks, bumps or razor burns because those can be uncomfortable anywhere, but especially down there.
Here's how you should be shaving “down there”
First things first, there's no one right way to deal with pubic hair. You can shave it into a shape, wax it off completely, trim it a little bit, or do something else entirely. This is all fine because, at the end of the day, how you decide to handle your body is entirely up to you.
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First, do you have to shave?
You are flooded by what seems like a million messages about groups of friends who talk about being totally bare, waxing advertisements at every salon and you're all asking if it’s the norm.
The truth is, some people like a bare bikini or private area, while others get 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 it all off.
Consider your pubic hair stylings a very personal preference, just like anything else you'd do to your body: your haircut, your nails or your makeup routine. So you have to go with what feels right for you.
Should you shave, or wax, or something else?
Waxing is fine and to be honest it will probably leave you with a smoother surface and slightly less frequent upkeep than shaving but ripping your hair out can be kind of painful. On the other hand, use of shaving creams can be fairly painless, but you have to read the package and the instructions very carefully, because not all are made for the uber-sensitive skin of your private area and bikini line.
Creams that can irritate or burn your skin if left on too long make shaving feel like an easier and more familiar introduction to private parts shaving. You've been doing it to your legs, so you've got the basics down, right? Again, though, this decision is up to you. Do some research and pick what's best for your situation.
So, how do you shave down there anyway?
Let's say shaving is your choice for hair removal, there are still some specific steps you should take in order to make sure you're taking proper care of yourself down there. It sounds complicated, but just follow the steps below and you'll be smooth in no time.
Trim your pubic hair.
Shaving will be so much easier when the hair is shorter. Just use a small pair of hair trimmer and cut down on the hair so it's about a quarter of an inch long.
Scrub your skin.
This step is important because any time you shave or wax, that hair follicle on your skin is going to be opened up, that makes it easy for bacteria to enter and cause an infection. So, you want to make sure the area is clean before you get to work. Scrubbing will remove dead skin and help to prevent ingrown hairs. Also, make sure you are using a simple product that won't irritate your skin and remember that these products are not for inside your private parts, like vagina or penis, but simply the outer area.
Get a shaving cream.
Once again, make sure you're choosing a simple shaving cream for sensitive skin. Then, rub it all over your pubic area.
Shave.
It's finally time for the big shave. Since pubic hair is the thickest hair on your body, take a brand-new blade or a fresh-and-sharp disposable razor then shave downwards in the direction the hair is growing. Using small strokes and holding your skin taut with the other hand will help protect against nicks and cuts and don’t forget to take it slow.
Before you go completely bare though, keep in mind, certain areas are more sensitive and prone to irritation. It's best to leave the hair right around the vaginal opening alone because the skin there is so sensitive, warns Nankumba Irene, a nurse with Pan Medical Services.
Moisturize.
After you're done shaving and you've rinsed away the excess cream, moisturize with a fragrance-free lotion.
Will your hair really grow back faster/thicker/darker?
According to Nankumba Irene, that's totally a myth. "It has a sharp edge after you shave, so it just feels thicker or coarser," she says. In reality, though, the hair hasn't changed.
What's with all the little bumps?
So, you shaved and now it's like your private area is eyeing out at you. That's likely folliculitis, aka razor burn, and it happens when bacteria get inside those little hair follicles and inflames them, causing those prickly bumps you're seeing.
Many times, this issue will resolve on its own within a few days, but in the meantime, you can soothe your skin by applying a little cream or an ointment with vitamins A and D/zinc oxide.
If it doesn't clear up or it's driving you nuts, see your doctor for a prescription for an antibiotic. "It can really help," says Irene.
So, why's it so itchy down there now?
Sneaking scratches through your bikini bottoms or private areas is not a good look. Most likely, that itching is caused by prickly dry skin or some sort of inflammation. If you're shaving with soap, try switching to shaving cream, since it'll moisturize your skin a little more. And to prevent the tiny bumps and micro-nicks that cause the aforementioned irritation, use a brand-new razor and warm water next time.
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