While there are many options available for removing the hair in your bikini area, lots of people find shaving to be the easiest, fastest option. You don't have to make an appointment to get waxed, or worry about using a hair removal cream with chemicals that might sting your skin. All you have to do is prep the area, remove the hair with a sharp razor, and voilà: your bikini area is silky-smooth.
Steps
Prepping to Shave
- Pick out a sharp razor. Bikini-area hair tends to be a little coarser than other body hair, so it might be difficult to take it off with the type of razor that comes 10 to a pack. Instead, pick out a high-quality razor designed for use on sensitive skin. Use a razor with new, sharp blades, since using a dull razor can cause chafing and ingrown hairs.[1]
- It's easier to shave your bikini area using a men's razor. They're usually sturdier and have more than one blade, unlike women's razors. They remove hair easily while taking good care of sensitive skin.
- Avoid using a razor that has just one blade, unless it's a safety razor that's very sharp. Razors with just one blade have a tough time removing hair in the bikini area. Look for one with three or four blades so you'll get a closer cut.
- Choose soap or shaving cream. The type of cream or soap you use doesn't really matter, as long as you use something. Pick your preference: body wash, shaving cream, or even hair conditioner all work equally well.
- Soaps and creams that contain fragrances can sometimes be irritating to sensitive skin. Test the product on another, less sensitive part of your body before you use it in your bikini area.
- Decide how much hair to remove. Take a look at yourself in the mirror and determine where you want the cutoff to be. The bikini line is a little different on every woman, but in most cases you'll remove any hair that would be exposed if you were wearing bikini bottoms. That includes hair on your upper thighs, around the groin and below the belly button.
- If you want to take off even more hair, see How to Shave Your Pubic Hair.
- You might also consider How to Give Yourself a Brazilian Wax if you want to go totally bare.
- Trim the hair to . If your hair is too long when you shave it, it will get tangled in the razor and could become a big mess. Prep your hair by using a pair of hair scissors to trim it back to about or shorter. This will make it so much easier to get a close shave.
- Gently pull the hair up and away from your body with one hand, then use the scissors to carefully trim it off with the other.
- Be very careful not to poke or cut yourself. Trim your hair in a well-lit area before you get in the shower.
- Take a nice hot shower or bath. This will soften your skin and hair, making it easier to shave it all away. Save shaving for the end of your shower or bath, after you've already shampooed your hair and done everything else you need to do.[2]
- If you aren't shaving in the shower, you should still prep the area by moistening it with a hot washcloth. Skipping this step could result in razor burn and a lot of discomfort.
- If you have time, exfoliate the skin in the area as well. This prevents the occurrence of ingrown hairs after shaving.
Shaving the Hair
- Lather up the area with shaving cream or body wash. It's essential to make sure the hair and the skin underneath it are well-lubricated before you start shaving. Otherwise, razor burn will definitely be an issue. There's really no such thing as using too much lubricant, so go ahead and lather up the entire area. Keep the bottle nearby in case you need more.[3]
- As you shave, keep applying more cream or body wash to make the process go more smoothly.
- You may want to rinse it away every once in a while to see how much progress you've made, then reapply to keep shaving.
- Shave with the grain, not against it. Experts say that shaving in the same direction of hair growth results in less skin irritation. Use one hand to hold the skin in the area completely tight, since this helps the razor do its job effectively. With the other hand, start shaving away the hair, applying just a little pressure for a nice close shave. Keep going until you've shaved the entire area you planned to clear.[4]
- Some people start shaving under the belly button, others start with the groin area. It's completely up to you; do whatever makes the job easier for you.
- Some people find it more difficult to get a close shave when they shave in the direction as hair growth instead of going against the grain. If you're finding it hard to take the hair off, try going at the hair sideways. As a last resort go against the grain. There are other measures you can take to prevent skin irritation.
- Don't over shave. There's no need to go over the same spot after you've taken off the hair. If the area is hair-free, let it be so you don't risk irritating the skin.
- Try on bikini bottoms to see if you missed a spot. If you're satisfied you got everything, don't worry about this step, but if this is your first time shaving your bikini area you might want to double check to see if you like the results. Put on your bikini bottoms and check yourself out, then get back in the shower and shave any parts you might have missed.
- Exfoliate the area. Use a washcloth or a gentle body scrub to get rid of the dead skin that is now exposed. This simple step will go a long way toward preventing ingrown hairs and other irritating side effects of shaving, so don't skip it!
Treating Your Skin Afterward
- Apply witch hazel or toner to prevent razor burn. If you have sensitive skin, this can really help it feel better after shaving. Use a cotton ball to dab some witch hazel or another gentle toner over the area you shaved. It will reduce inflammation and keep the area feeling fresh and cool.
- Keep the area moisturized. If the skin gets dry or flaky, it will feel uncomfortable and irritated. You'll also increase the risk of getting unsightly bumps or ingrown hairs. Apply a moisturizer all over the area you shaved, and keep the area moisturized for at least a few days after shaving. The following soothing, natural moisturizers are great for this purpose:
- Aloe vera gel
- Coconut oil
- Argan oil
- Jojoba oil
- Avoid tight clothing for a few hours. This can cause the skin to get irritated and inflamed, so it's best to wear your loosest underwear and a flowy skirt or baggy shorts until the area feels less sensitive.
Warnings
- Do not use an old old razor, a brand new razor, or a guys razor.
Things You'll Need
- Razor
- Water
- Shaving cream or gel
Related wikiHows
- How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps in the Bikini Area
- How to Remove Hair from Your Bikini Area with Nair
- How to Give Yourself a Brazilian Wax
- How to Lighten up Your Bikini Areas
- How to Prepare for a Bikini Waxing
Sources and Citations
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from How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1vyigzL
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