When summer rolls around, it's time to pull out your swimsuit, and with it your razor. If you're not a fan of waxing your bikini line, you might have tried shaving, only to find that you're left with razor burn or ingrown hairs. You don't have to choose between an itchy, irritated bikini line and the pain of waxing, however. Preparing your skin before shaving and using the right kind of razor will help you achieve a smooth bikini line with no unsightly bumps.
Step 1
Trim your pubic hair before showering with a pair of clippers designed for the bikini area. This leaves less to shave and prevents you from having to run the razor over your skin as many times.
Step 2
Attach a fresh blade to your razor. Use a multi-blade variety with a moisturizing strip.
Step 3
Turn the water in your shower to the hottest temperature you can stand without burning yourself. The steam heat helps to soften your skin and prepare the hairs for shaving by relaxing the follicles.
Step 4
Apply body wash to a shower pouf and give your bikini line an exfoliating scrub. Exfoliation removes the dead skin cells that can prevent you from getting a close shave.
Step 5
Rinse off the body wash and apply shaving cream to your bikini area. Use a gel type that is formulated for sensitive skin.
Step 6
Shave your bikini line in the direction of hair growth, rinsing your blade frequently, until you've removed as much hair as possible. Hold your skin taut and shave in the opposite direction to remove any stubble.
Step 7
Pat your skin dry with a soft towel and apply an aftershave lotion that is formulated to prevent bumps. As an alternative, apply a light sprinkle of baby powder.
References
Tips
- If you find yourself getting bumps from ingrown hairs between shaves, apply a dot of salicylic-acid acne cream to each bump. Gentle daily exfoliation with a soft washcloth will help prevent bumps as well.
Writer Bio
S.R. Becker is a certified yoga teacher based in Queens, N.Y. She has a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing and has worked as a writer and editor for more than 15 years. Becker often writes for "Yoga in Astoria," a newsletter about studios throughout New York City.
Photo Credits
Siri Stafford/Lifesize/Getty Images