How to Shave the Bikini Area with Coconut Oil

If you're accustomed to using coconut oil to hydrate your hair or skin, you might have considered applying it for shaving purposes as well. While experts generally advise using coconut oil as a moisturizer, it can also serve as an effective shaving cream. In this article, we'll share how to whip up a coconut oil shaving cream and how to use it before and after shaving for smooth, soft skin.

1/2 cup (65 g) coconut oil 1/2 cup (65 g) shea butter

Create a double boiler with a pot of water and a bowl. Fill the pot with water and place it on the stove. Position the bowl on top, ensuring it is balanced over the pot. Turn on the stove to high heat and wait for the water to boil before adding the ingredients.

• Always use a glass bowl, not plastic or metal. Glass bowls can safely be heated and will not transfer any substances into the shaving cream.
• This formula is not dermatologist-approved, so exercise caution if you choose to use it. If you have sensitive skin, test the cream on a small patch of skin first to ensure it doesn't cause irritation.

Add 1/2 cup (65 g) of coconut oil to the bowl. Make sure the coconut oil is pure, unrefined, and free of additives. Measure out the oil and pour it into the bowl, continuing to heat the double boiler on high. You should see the coconut oil start to melt into a liquid, which means it's working!

• Pure coconut oil is solid at room temperature. If your coconut oil is liquid at room temperature, it is not pure coconut oil.

Mix in 1/2 cup (65 g) of shea butter. Shea butter provides nourishment and moisture; it will help the razor glide smoothly over the skin. Measure out the correct amount of pure shea butter and add it to the bowl along with the coconut oil. These two ingredients have similar textures, making them easy to blend together.

Heat the mixture in the double boiler for a few minutes. The ingredients will begin to melt almost immediately. You won’t even need to stir! Wait about 2-3 minutes for the mixture to fully melt.

• The mixture will have a golden, slightly transparent color.

Remove the bowl from the pot and let it cool for 10 minutes. Allow the mixture to solidify before whipping it into a fluffy texture. Take the bowl out of the pot and let it cool for 10 minutes, or place it in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes.

Whisk the mixture with a hand mixer until it becomes light and airy. Place the mixer in the bowl with the beaters facing down to avoid splattering. Turn the mixer on low speed and gently mix for 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns white and fluffy. Your shaving cream is now ready to use!

• Store the shaving cream in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If stored properly, it will last for 3-5 months.

Wet your skin with warm water. Warm water helps open up the pores and softens the skin. It also softens the hair in the bikini area, making shaving smoother and easier. You can stand under the shower for a few minutes or soak a washcloth in warm water and place it on your bikini area.

• If you have long pubic hair or have never shaved before, trim it first using scissors. Be cautious and use a handheld mirror to avoid cutting yourself.

Apply a layer of shaving cream to the bikini area. Gently rub a thin layer of coconut oil shaving cream onto the bikini area while your skin is still damp. When it comes to shaving cream, it's better to have more than less, so don’t be shy!

• Shaving cream helps the razor glide smoothly over the skin. Without it, your skin is more likely to become rough and irritated after shaving.

Shave in the direction of hair growth. One hand should gently stretch the skin, while the other holds the razor. Observe the direction of hair growth (pubic hair typically grows downward). Make short shaving strokes to remove pubic hair, following the natural growth direction.

• Shaving with the direction of hair growth reduces irritation and the risk of ingrown hairs. While the shave might not be as close, your skin will feel much smoother and less rough after shaving.
• Always use a new, sharp razor when shaving the bikini line. Experts recommend replacing the razor after 5-7 uses or more frequently if you have sensitive skin.

Rinse the razor after every stroke. The coconut oil-based shaving cream is quite thick and can clog the razor, so be sure to rinse it with warm water to remove the cream and hair stuck on the blades.

Clean the shaving cream thoroughly after shaving. Use the shower to rinse the bikini area after shaving. Gently rub the area with your hands, making sure to clean all the shaving cream off. Use warm water instead of hot water to avoid irritating your skin.

• Some experts suggest a final rinse with cool water to close the pores. If you have sensitive skin, try using cool water before stepping out of the shower.

Pat the skin dry with a clean towel. Your skin will be quite sensitive after shaving, so be gentle when drying it. Pat the skin until it's slightly damp, not completely dry, so the water can hydrate and refresh the skin. Always follow up with a moisturizing lotion to soothe the skin post-shave.

Apply a thin layer of coconut oil on the bikini area before shaving. Coconut oil helps soften the skin and pubic hair. Before shaving, apply pure coconut oil to the bikini area. Allow a few minutes for it to absorb before wetting the area and starting the shave.

• Pure coconut oil is solid at room temperature; you may need to warm it in your hands for a few minutes before applying it to your skin.
• You may also use baby oil or pure mineral oil as an alternative to coconut oil for pre-shaving care.

Moisturize the skin with coconut oil. Coconut oil can be used to soften and nourish the pubic area and bikini line. Apply a thin layer as needed to hydrate and lock in moisture. It can also help reduce rough skin and irritation after shaving.

• You can also use extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil as an alternative moisturizing option.

Avoid using coconut oil if you are prone to acne or clogged pores. Coconut oil can clog pores. If you are prone to breakouts or ingrown hairs in the bikini area, seek a non-comedogenic moisturizer to reduce the risk of skin irritation.

• When applying coconut oil, ensure you only apply it to the outer bikini area and avoid getting it into the vaginal area, as it may cause irritation.