How do I properly shave down there?

 How to properly shave down there

How to shave properly down there?

If you're wondering how to shave pubic hair, you're not alone. There's noticeably less info out there for shaving down there than there is about shaving other body hair. When shaving pubic hair, you're dealing with a sensitive area so you'd definitely want to keep a few tips in mind. In the interest of making sure you're shaving safely and effectively, here's a step-by-step guide for how to shave pubic hair from start to finish for both men and women!  

Does shaving your pubes makes sex feel more intimate? 

Sex is all about skin-to-skin contact. No matter how soft or rough you like it, the ultimate goal is to have two bodies intertwined in a moment or few of complete ecstasy. Have you ever thought about the barrier you're putting between you and the other body when you're sporting a bunch of pubic hair? While pubic hair can help relieve friction in your pants, it's not going to do much when there's another body on top of you (or underneath you). For a truly intimate connection that brings both bodies together with skin-to-skin contact, shaving your pubes is the way to go. The sensitive spots become even more aroused when there's nothing standing in the way of their divine happiness.

Should i shave or wax or something else? 

Waxing is fine — and TBH, it will probably leave you with a smoother surface and slightly less frequent upkeep than shaving — but real talk: Ripping your hair out can be pretty painful. On the other hand, depilatory 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 vulva and bikini line. And even those that are can irritate even burn your skin if left on too long. Shaving, can feel like an easier and more familiar introduction to bikini-line grooming.

How do i shave down there?

 Simple steps for girls!

Okay, so here's how to shave pubes: Grab a hand mirror and some sharp scissors and trim your hair in the spots you want to shave first. This will keep your razor from getting all clogged up. Then, hop in the shower and clean the area with some mild soap and warm water.

Once you've washed that area well, take a brand-new blade or a fresh-and-sharp disposable razor (because pubic hair is the thickest hair on your body), apply some shaving cream/gel, and shave downward with the hair, i.e. in the direction it's growing. Using small strokes and holding your skin taut with the other hand, will help protect against nicks and cuts. And of course: Take. It. Slow.

Don’t forget to moisturize: Finish your shave with the moisturizer of your choice. A lot of people use vaseline, coconut oil or baby oil. But if you're shaving for the first time,  try a lighter not fragrance lotion or a cream just to make sure that you don't get pimples, essentially from occluding the follicles or the pores.

Before you go completely bare though, keep in mind, certain areas are more sensitive and prone to redness and irritation. It’s best to leave the hair right around the vaginal opening alone, because the skin there is so sensitive, Trimming is fine, but shaving can create a problem. 

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.

Why do i get bumps?

So you shaved… and now it's like your bikini line is breaking out on you? That's likely folliculitis, aka razor burn, and it happens when bacteria get inside those little hair follicles and inflame them, causing those prickly pink-and-white 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 1% hydrocortisone cream (available near the first aid stuff at the drugstore) or an ointment with vitamins A and D/zinc oxide (aka diaper rash cream).

But I just have this one BIG bump?

It's as if the hugest, most painful pimple of your life has sprung up right by your swimsuit line, huh? Don't freak out, though — it might be an ingrown hair, which happens when dead skin cells clog up a hair follicle and force the hair that's inside to grow sideways under the skin (rather than up and out).

Resist the urge to dig or pick, and instead, treat it once a day with a mild toner containing salicylic acid  the same exfoliating ingredient used to beat acne. See a doc for treatment if the itching/burning/pain gets serious.

Wait, why's it so darn itchy down there now?

Sneaking scratches through your bikini bottoms is not a good look. But it helps to know that The Dreaded Itch is probs caused by prickly dry skin or some sort of inflammation, which itches like *cray* as it heals. 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 aforementioned irritation, use a brand-new razor and warm water.

Shaving down there for men

Safety Guidelines when shaving pubic hair:

Trim as much hair as possible before you begin shaving –DON’T use a dull pair of scissors.

Soak in the tub for at least 5 minutes to soften the skin and pubic hair before you shave.

Apply shaving cream or gel with aloe vera or another soothing agent over all the areas you plan to shave. Reapply as needed.

Use a new/sharp razor– DON’T use a dull blade or disposable razor.

Hold the skin tight with one hand and shave with the other hand. Avoid using too much pressure.

Shave in the direction that the hair grows, using slow strokes.

Using a loofah sponge after shaving (if you skin tolerates it) can help open the hair follicles. If your skin gets irritated easily, skip this step.

Rinse your skin with warm water after you are done shaving and then pat dry.

Apply baby oil or lotion with aloe vera to the shaved area when you’re done. Avoid scented products because they may sting your skin.

 

Possible consequences of removing pubic hair include:

Razor burn (rash)

Chemical burn from over-the-counter cream hair removers (depilatories)

Redness

Cuts, pimples and/or blisters

Itching

Infection in the hair root – the medical term for this is “folliculitis.” Shaving is a common cause.

If you develop a rash, red bumps, or itching on your pubic area, there are remedies you can try at home. Symptoms usually go away within a couple of weeks.

Most of the time you can relieve discomfort by doing the following:

Soak in a warm tub or take a shower and let the warm water spray your pubic area

Pat the skin (don’t rub) with a soft towel or dry with a hair dryer on the low setting

Apply a fragrance-free lotion

Stop shaving for a while

Itching

Your health care provider may have you use an over-the-counter topical medicine such as hydrocortisone cream

Try your best not to itch the area as frequent touching could lead to an infection.

Folliculitis (Infection in the hair root), Blisters, or Pimples

Soak in a warm bath and pat dry.

Monitor closely, the area should improve within a couple of days

If the bumps are getting bigger or you skin is red

Stop shaving

Call your primary care provider.

Your doctor may prescribe you an antibiotic cream such as Clindamycin to help get rid of the infection

Severe Rash, Fever, Bleeding, Discharge or Pus

Stop shaving and call your health care provider right away!

Author: Pandureny Sikongo