How to Shave Pubic Hair

Trim the pubic hair first. Razors are designed to handle short hair, and using them on longer hair can cause clogging and dullness. To trim, gently lift the hair away from the skin and use small, sharp scissors or a trimmer with a safety guard. You can also use an electric shaver instead of scissors, but opt for a standard one rather than a rotary-head shaver. Aim for hair shorter than 0.5 cm.

• If it's your first time shaving, it's best to keep the hair short for a few days to get used to the feeling of being bare.
• If you're known to be clumsy, avoid using scissors for trimming sensitive areas. If you're nervous about trimming, an electric shaver is a safer option. It’s gentler on the skin as the blades don’t cut too close.

Take a warm shower first to soften the hair and follicles. This makes it easier to remove coarse hair in the intimate area. While it may seem unnecessary, it helps make the shaving process more manageable.

• If you're short on time, simply wet a small towel with warm water and place it over the pubic hair for about five minutes to achieve similar results.
• Experts often recommend exfoliating before and after shaving, but most advice suggests that exfoliating after shaving is sufficient. Pre-shave exfoliation helps the hair stand away from the skin, allowing for a closer shave and reducing the risk of razor burns. So, if you have extra time, exfoliating before shaving is beneficial for your skin.

Use shaving foam to prevent skin irritation. You can opt for unscented shaving cream, lotion, or gel to lather the area you intend to shave. It's better to use products specifically designed for pubic hair rather than facial shaving creams, as their purposes differ. Avoid shaving dry hair.

• Always test the shaving cream on another part of your body to check for allergic reactions before using it on your pubic area.
• Products labeled for women don't mean they're unsuitable for men. Women's shaving creams are often gentler than men's. Additionally, men's shaving creams may contain fragrances that can irritate your skin. So, if you're a man, you can discreetly borrow these products when your girlfriend/sister/roommate isn't looking—they won't notice!

Use a razor. Always use a new razor. The fresher the razor, the better it is for shaving. If it's a multi-blade razor with aloe vera strips for skin softening, even better. The color of the razor—blue or pink—doesn't matter. A sharp or multi-blade razor not only makes shaving easier but also safer for your skin.

• Don't like replacing razors frequently? If so, maintain the razor you're using for multiple shaves. Use a separate razor for pubic hair and always clean it after each use. Avoid leaving it wet—water can cause the blades to rust and dull.

Stretch the skin where you plan to shave. If you don't stretch the skin, you risk cutting yourself. Razors work best on flat surfaces. Use one hand to pull the skin taut and maintain that position to begin shaving.

• Start below the navel, pulling the skin upward away from the hair you want to shave. The direction is up to you. Want a clean shave? Or perhaps a figure-eight pattern? You decide the style! Just don't spend too much time on it, or people might wonder what you're doing in the bathroom for so long.

Shave gently and patiently. There are two key points to remember: shaving in the direction of hair growth helps prevent irritation and ingrown hairs, while shaving against the grain can harm your skin. If you have sensitive skin, always shave in the direction of hair growth, even if it takes more time.

• If you want to adjust your shaving direction for a closer shave, try shaving sideways if your hair grows downward. For example, shave from left to right. Get used to the feel of hair growth rather than trying to see its direction—this will speed up your shaving process.
• Avoid over-shaving. Stop once the area feels smooth. Repeated shaving over the same spot can lead to skin irritation or infection.
• When you first start shaving, you might notice that shaving your pubic area every two days can cause redness or itching. Space out your shaving sessions by a few days until your skin adjusts to the change.

Don’t forget the hair between your buttocks! If you’ve ever been to a salon for waxing, you’ll know that the esthetician always asks you to lie face down. This allows her to remove hair from the "crack" area that people often overlook. If you want a completely clean feel, make sure to shave this area too!

• Use your hands to check for any missed spots. While a mirror can help during shaving, it might not show everything. Run your hands over the area in all directions—front, back, inside, and outside—to ensure all hair is removed.
  • If you shave all your pubic hair, the risk of contracting certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HPV or molluscum contagiosum increases. Although the latter doesn’t sound like a typical STI, it is classified as one.

Clean the bathroom after shaving. You might not care about the stray hairs now, but they’ll pile up later.

Exfoliate to keep your skin clean. This helps remove dead skin cells after shaving and prevents ingrown hairs. Use a gentle body wash to cleanse the shaved area, removing any residue that could clog pores and cause infections. What’s the point of shaving if you end up with irritated skin?

• Here’s a pro tip: Use a sugar-based scrub for exfoliation—it leaves your skin as soft as a baby’s. If you don’t have one, a baking soda mixture works just as well.
• If you’re a woman, avoid getting soap inside your vulva. Your body is self-cleaning, so water is enough to keep the area clean. Soap can disrupt the pH balance, increasing the risk of infections and making the area more prone to bacteria.

Use egg yolk oil. Egg yolk oil is rich in antibacterial properties that help prevent skin infections and quickly heal damaged areas.

• Gently massage this oil onto the shaved area twice a day for a week.
• There’s no need to rinse it off with water afterward. This oil absorbs easily into the skin, making rinsing unnecessary.

Rinse off any remaining hair on the skin after shaving, then gently pat dry and apply a moisturizer. You can use Aloe Vera, baby oil, or other moisturizers specifically designed for sensitive skin. Paraffin oil contains immune-boosting properties that help prevent redness caused by friction. Avoid moisturizers with added fragrances or dyes.

• No matter what you choose, make sure it’s fragrance-free.

Be cautious when using body powder. Powders can absorb sweat and oils around the intimate area, helping to reduce redness or irritation. However, be extremely careful not to let the powder get into your genital area. Additionally, avoid skin-smoothing products as they can clog pores and cause breakouts.

• Women should never use scented powders on their intimate areas as it increases the risk of ovarian cancer. In fact, scented powders are less commonly used today due to concerns about potential toxins affecting your health.

Use tweezers for touch-ups. No matter how good or expensive your razor is, it might miss a few stray hairs here and there. Use tweezers to pluck out any remaining hairs. It might sting a little, but you’ll definitely handle it.

• Start shaving about 30 minutes after waking up. During sleep, water and other fluids accumulate under the skin, causing slight swelling that can make shaving more difficult.
• It’s best to use a high-quality razor instead of cheap disposable ones. You can use different razors for different body parts or stick to one but replace the blade after each use.
• Baby diaper rash cream can be applied to soothe redness.
• If you don’t want to shave everything, try a V-shaped trim for a neat look.
• Shaving daily isn’t necessary and can lead to skin irritation.
• Always be careful when trimming or shaving to avoid cutting the skin.
• If you experience itching or swelling, apply moisturizer. Avoid scratching, as it can worsen the irritation.
• Use a separate razor for your intimate area. Don’t share it with razors used for underarms or facial hair.
• Remember, the genital area is highly sensitive for both men and women, and it may take time to adjust to shaving. Discomfort will fade after a few shaves. Initial results might not be perfect, but with practice, you’ll become a pro.
• Over-shaving can make the labia appear swollen.
• If you experience severe itching, consult a doctor as it could indicate an infection.
• Avoid getting creams inside the vulva, as it can cause burning and is potentially harmful.

• Scissors/trimmer
• Sharp razor
• Shaving cream (or alternatives)
• Body wash or exfoliating products
• Aloe Vera, baby oil, lotion, or other skin-softening products
• Tweezers
• Towel