Shaving your body hair is a chore, but shaving your pubic hair is a different ball game. You'll want to avoid ingrown hairs [1], red razor bumps and trapped hairs, but it seems almost everyone has experienced the wrath of a dodgy shaving session. Whether you're new to pubic shaving [2], or just want some tips on how to ace it, you're in the right place.
As a heads up, it's good to know that shaving down there is a bit different to shaving the rest of your body [3]. Your hair tends to be more coarse and requires some careful pre and post-shave care so to prevent irritation. You might need a mirror to help shave some hard to see areas and be prepared to move and tighten your skin to avoid any nicks with your razor. Take your time and focus on this task — after all, that's the best way to get smooth, painless results.
Rest assured, all you'll need is the right technique and the right products, because while quality is everything, if you're going in with the wrong method, your nether regions could turn out like a painful hack job. Keep scrolling for some pro tips below. Trust me, if you're gonna shave your pubes at all: your bikini line depends on it.
Trim As Needed
Too much pubic hair can lead it to tug on your razor, making it harder to remove in one fell swoop and increasing your risk of irritation. Instead, get some small, sterile scissors, like the Tweezerman G.E.A.R. Facial Hair Scissors [5] (£19). Or, if you want to use what you have at home, sewing scissors could also work.
If your hair is still too long after using scissors (the ideal length, experts agree, is about a quarter-inch) — and especially in areas where it's a little trickier to reach, like near the labia — use a tried-and-true trimmer, or a trimmer attachment, like what you'd get with Wilkinson Sword Intuition Complete Bikini Trimmer and Razor [6] (£17)
Prep With A Pre-Shave Oil
Prepping your intimate area is essential for less irritation. Dr. Hedieh Asadi, co-founder of doctor-developed women's intimate wellness brand, DeoDoc, found that the bikini area is one of the most irritation-prone due to external factors outside of shaving. She said: "It's the most sensitive skin on our bodies, so providing pre-shave care is key for bikini hair removal."
Dr. Asadi recommends Deodoc Pre-Shave Fragrance Free Oil [7] (£28), which uses sunflower oil, jojoba oil and shea butter for extra moisture and super soft skin. The oil adds a protective layer to skin to prevent razor snags and minimise ingrown hairs. Similarly, Veet Expert's Miraculous Oil [8] (£9) can work wonders before going in with a razor.
Pair an oil with an exfoliant, like Estrid's Pre-Shave Treatment [9] (£7), which removes dead skin, oil and dirt, is formulated with sensitive skin in mind and buffs the skin ahead of your shave.
In the Shower, Save the Shave For Last
Assuming you're shaving in the shower (versus dry shaving), you can use that steam and water to your advantage. In the case that you're having your "everything shower", wash your hair, your body and exfoliate the rest of your body before shaving. During this time, the warmth of the water can make your pubic hair softer, helping you achieve an easier shave when it comes to it.
Lay Down the Barrier
The type of shaving formula you choose — oil, cream, foam — is based on personal preference, but the important thing is you have one. You don't want to shave dry or wet without a barrier because it'll irritate the skin, so having one makes for a more comfortable shave.
For beginners, or if you want more of a guide to areas so you don't accidentally glide across the skin more times than you need to, an opaque formula like a cream or mousse might be best. I like the Sundae Cool Mint Foaming Body Wash [10] (£13), which doubles as a moisturising body wash and a shaving foam. Just make sure whatever you use doesn't contain any harsh chemicals that could cause an adverse reaction.
Pull Skin Taut, Then Start Shaving
The first tip to getting the closest shave is to ensure you're pulling the skin taut, so that you only need one pass, but trimming beforehand will help with this. Your skin down there isn't as firm and the hair tends to be coarser than your legs, so keep this in mind. Oh, and always make sure you rinse between strokes.
You can press down the blade for a closer shave, but don't go too hard and be gentle as this could lead to nicks. Make sure to pick out a razor with a sharp blade too, as a dull one can lead to razor burn and fail at removing the hair with one pass. Estrid's Razor Starter Kit [11] (£12), has a shea butter and aloe-powered hydration strip to ensure a smooth glide.
Even more so than the top of your pubic bone, the skin on your labia or lips is a coarser texture, so you want to be extra careful and really take your time. Because you might have a harder time getting visibility here, lift your leg on a dry, flat, elevated surface for easier access to the area and use a small, swivel mirror — and remember to pull the skin taut.
Dr. Asadi tells us to make sure you're shaving against the grain to prevent ingrown hairs. "This way of shaving cuts the hair in an angle that helps the hair to grow out easily instead of getting stuck under the skin and creating ingrown hair," she says.
Don't Stop There
So, you successfully (and safely) shaved your vulva and bikini line — congrats are in order — but that's only half the battle. To minimise the likelihood of razor bumps and ingrown hairs, keep the area soothed and moisturised. I love the Weleda Skin Food Ultra-dry Oil [12] (£16) or Aveeno Skin Relief Body Oil Spray [13] (£8) for these purposes.
"Aftercare post shaving is key," Dr. Asadi insists. "It is important to give the skin a product that will moisture, calm with anti-inflammatory properties. Apply directly after shaving, but also continue for at least five days."
Lauren Gordon [14] is the editorial coordinator at POPSUGAR UK, where she creates lifestyle and identity content. Lauren has a degree in journalism from University of the Arts London and previously worked as a showbiz and TV reporter at The Mirror US. Lauren specialises in pop culture, hair and beauty, focusing on trends, sharing in-depth tutorials, and highlighting hidden gems in the beauty industry.