IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO LEARN how to properly shave your bikini area, also known as pubic hair, you’ve come to the right place. As experts in hair removal, we’ve compiled the top tips to help you get a smooth bikini shave and prevent irritation, bumps, and ingrown hairs. Whether it’s your first time shaving or you’re a seasoned pro, there are no silly questions when it comes to your most sensitive area, so we’ll break down everything. Let’s begin!
Why Does Technique Matter?
Your bikini area has the unique combination of skin that’s more sensitive and hair that’s more coarse. According to gynecologist Dr. Allison Rogers, “Pubic hair acts as a layer of protection for our bodies. The skin of the pubic area is much more sensitive than other areas of the body. Pubic skin is more prone to razor bumps or folliculitis, which are infected ingrown hair follicles.” This is why you can often end up with razor burn, ingrown hairs, and irritation after shaving. Proper technique can help lessen the chance of these effects and leave you with what you really want—a soft, smooth, and comfortable pubic area.
Pre-Shave Prep
Step 1: Choose the Right Razor for Bikini Shaving
The amount of razor options out there can be overwhelming, so which one do you choose for bikini shaving? Disposable razors usually have one to five blades, and once those blades become dull you toss the entire razor in the trash. Electric razors can be very effective, but they’re usually more expensive and require time to charge before you can use them. We recommend a reusable razor, i.e. a razor handle with detachable blade cartridges, since they usually feature higher quality handles than disposable razors and you can easily refill the blades when they become dull. The reusable Flamingo Pubic Razor is thoughtfully designed for pubic hair with five blades for a lasting shave, a slim cartridge design, and a flexible head to help you navigate hard-to-reach areas. Plus, a no-slip grip handle helps give you control in the slippery shower, so you can shave your pubic hair safely and avoid any mishaps.
Regardless of which razor you choose, the best way to shave your bikini line is to use a razor with sharp blades. Dull blades can irritate skin, so we recommend changing your blades every 6 to 8 uses, or when you start to feel tugging or pulling of skin or hair when you shave.
Step 2: Pick a Shave Gel, Cream, or Oil
Using shave gel is important, especially on sensitive pubic skin, to help enhance your razor’s glide and reduce the friction that can cause irritation, razor burn, and bumps. Shave gel usually feels slick and cool, shave cream feels fluffy and creamy, and shave oil feels slippery and usually moisturizing. The shave prep product you use is really up to your personal preference. For the bikini area, it can be helpful to use shave products that are formulated for sensitive skin, free of fragrance, or feature soothing ingredients like aloe. We recommend Flamingo Pubic Exfoliating Shave Gel, which is safe for sensitive skin, dermatologist and gynecologist tested, pH balanced, and made with aloe to help soften skin and hair. Plus, it has a clear formula that lets you see where you’re shaving.
Step 3: Hydrate & Cleanse
Take a bath or shower before you shave to help hydrate your skin and hair, which makes them easier to shave.
Gently cleanse your bikini area to remove any buildup of dirt, oil, or dead skin that could potentially clog your razor blades or trap hair and encourage ingrown hairs.
Step 4: Exfoliate
Exfoliate the skin around your pubic area by gently rubbing with a washcloth or loofah to remove any loose dead skin or hair. According to gynecologist Dr. Allison Rogers, “Best practice is to exfoliate your pubic skin 1-2 times a week. This helps to maintain glowing, smooth skin and encourage dead skin cell turnover. Make sure to be gentle and avoid harsh scrubs.” You can even use a dedicated bikini area exfoliator like Flamingo Pubic Exfoliating Shave Gel, which is made with gentle fruit acids to remove dead skin cells.
How to Shave Your Bikini Area
Step 0: Trim Hair (If Needed)
If your pubic hair is longer than a half inch or so, you’ll want to trim it before shaving to prevent clogged razor blades. You can use a bikini trimmer or a pair of scissors to carefully cut the hair around your bikini line.
Step 1: Apply Shave Gel
Lather on shave gel to your wet bikini line. If it washes away while you shave, reapply as needed.
Step 2: Shave
With a steady hand, lightly shave your bikini line in the direction of hair growth to help minimize friction and potential irritation. If shaving in the direction of hair growth first doesn’t give you close enough results, apply more shave gel and carefully shave against the direction of hair growth. Be mindful that shaving against the direction of hair growth can be more disruptive to your skin, so the fewer razor strokes, the less potential for irritation.
You don’t need to apply excess pressure. A fresh, sharp blade will do most of the work for you. Take your time! Don’t rush while shaving this sensitive area to help avoid nicks and cuts.
Post-Shave Care
Step 1: Rinse & Dry
After you shave, rinse your skin thoroughly with warm water to remove any shaving cream left behind. Finish by rinsing with cool water to soothe your skin.
Gently pat your bikini area dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing or wearing tight underwear after, which can irritate your freshly shaven skin.
Step 2: Apply Soothing Aftercare
After you dry off, apply an after care product of your choice. Because of the delicate, sensitive nature of the skin on your bikini line, using an after care treatment is essential to help hydrate and soothe freshly shaven skin. Aloe vera gel is always a good option because of its natural cooling properties. A hydrating body lotion or moisturizing oil can help prevent dry, itchy skin. To avoid any further irritation to your sensitive pubic area, stay away from products that contain fragrance or alcohol. We recommend Flamingo Pubic Restorative Shave Serum, which is safe for sensitive skin, gynecologist and dermatologist tested, and pH balanced. It’s made with calming oat extract to help reduce the appearance of redness, ceramides and squalane to restore the skin’s natural barrier, and apple extract to soften and moisturize.
Step 3: Prevent Future Irritation
Regularly exfoliating and hydrating your bikini area can help prevent future ingrown hairs, which can happen when hair and dead skin get trapped in a hair follicle. Flamingo Pubic Restorative Shave Serum can be applied daily to hydrate and moisturize skin, even if you haven’t shaved that day.
If an ingrown hair does appear, don’t panic! Avoid picking or touching the ingrown, which can cause further irritation or even infection. While ingrown hairs can be annoying, they usually go away on their own after a few days. Using Flamingo Ingrown Spot Treatment can help with the process. It’s a dermatologist and gynecologist tested, targeted solution to soothe visible redness and gently exfoliate ingrown hairs with white willow bark, lactic acid, and bisabolol.
Common Bikini Shaving Mistakes
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Using a Dull Razor
To safely shave your pubic hair, always use a sharp razor blade. Dull blades can irritate skin, so we recommend changing your blades every 6 to 8 uses, or when you start to feel tugging or pulling of skin or hair when you shave. When in doubt, swap those blades out!
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Shaving On Dry Skin
It can be tempting to shave on dry skin when you’re in a hurry, but this is a recipe for an irritated, bumpy disaster. Hydrating your skin and hair makes them much easier to shave.
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Applying Too Much Pressure
If you find yourself having to apply a lot of pressure to get a close shave, that’s usually a sign that it’s time to change your blades. Too much pressure can also lead to nicks and cuts. A fresh, sharp blade should do most of the work for you.
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Skipping Exfoliation
Exfoliating is an easy step to help remove dead skin and discourage ingrowns. Exfoliate the skin around your pubic area by gently rubbing with a washcloth or loofah. You can even use a dedicated bikini area exfoliator like Flamingo Pubic Exfoliating Shave Gel, which is made with gentle fruit acids to remove dead skin cells.
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Using Harsh Products After Shaving
After you shave, your bikini area is even more sensitive than usual. Be picky about what you choose to put on it! Avoid products with potential irritants like alcohol and fragrance. Stick to soothing products like aloe vera gel or gentle moisturizers. We recommend Flamingo Pubic Restorative Shave Serum, which is safe for sensitive skin and made with calming oat extract to help reduce the appearance of redness, ceramides and squalane to restore the skin’s natural barrier, and apple extract to soften and moisturize.
Other Bikini Hair Removal Methods
Shaving isn’t the only way to get a smooth bikini area. There are lots of hair removal options and the one you choose is really up to your personal preferences, like how sensitive your skin is and how much time and resources you have.
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Waxing
Shaving removes the top part of the hair that’s grown through the top layer of your skin, while waxing removes the whole hair from the root. The main pro of waxing is that it keeps you smoother for longer, since the entire hair has to regrow before you start to feel and see it again. The con of waxing is that it can feel painful, especially on sensitive pubic skin.
You can use soft wax, hard wax, or wax strips to remove pubic hair, either at home or by visiting a professional. Getting waxed by a professional esthetician can help avoid irritation, but can also be expensive. Flamingo Pubic Wax Kit features no-heat waxing strips in three shapes and sizes for precise hair removal at home, plus post-wax cloths to remove residue and soothe skin.
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Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal uses laser light to destroy hair follicles and permanently reduce hair growth. If you’re someone who likes a hair-free bikini line all year long, laser hair removal can make your life a lot easier. The downside of laser hair removal is that it can cost hundreds of dollars per session, with permanent hair removal usually requiring multiple sessions and future maintenance treatments. Plus, laser hair removal is not effective on all types of hair and the lasering process can cause extreme discomfort.
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Hair Removal Creams
Hair removal creams, also known as depilatory creams, are a virtually pain-free method to remove body hair. You usually apply the cream to your skin in a thick layer, leave it on for a few minutes, then wipe it away to reveal smooth, hairless skin. It’s (almost) like magic!
The main active ingredients in hair removal creams are usually thioglycolic acid and urea. Along with other ingredients, they work to break down the keratin protein in hair and create that magic dissolving effect. Because of the powerful nature of these ingredients, they can sometimes cause irritation and redness. Before using a depilatory cream, you should always patch test. Flamingo Body Hair Removal Cream features a gentle, safe for sensitive formula that keeps the bikini line smooth for up to 7 days.
How Handle Ingrown Hairs & Razor Burn
Proper technique like hydrating skin, using shave gel, and shaving with a sharp blade can help prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn in your bikini area. But these things happen! Thankfully there are a couple of solutions to give your skin some relief.
Home Remedies for Razor Burn
Applying products with cooling properties can help soothe your skin after razor burn, and you probably already have some of them in your medicine cabinet!
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Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel, whether fresh from the plant itself or sold over-the-counter in a bottle, is always a good option because of its natural cooling properties.
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Cold Compress
A cold compress, whether it's a pre-made gel pack or washcloth soaked in cool water, can soothe and reduce inflammation from razor bumps by constricting blood vessels and alleviating redness and swelling.
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Coconut Oil
Coconut oil naturally moisturizes skin and contains lauric acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce swelling and pain. Though be forewarned that pure coconut oil can cause breakouts for some people.
Over the Counter Remedies
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Hydrocortisone Cream
You can buy hydrocortisone cream without a prescription at a pharmacy. It contains a mild, anti-inflammatory steroid to help your skin heal faster and reduce itching and swelling. Follow the package directions to avoid any further irritation.
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Antibiotic Ointment
Similarly, antibiotic ointments can help particularly extreme cases of razor burn heal by reducing irritation and inflammation.
Best Products for Preventing & Treating Ingrown Hairs
Regularly exfoliating and hydrating your bikini area can help prevent future ingrowns, which are caused when hair and dead skin get trapped in a hair follicle. Flamingo Pubic Restorative Shave Serum can be applied daily to hydrate and moisturize skin, even if you haven’t shaved.
If an ingrown hair does appear, don’t panic! Avoid picking or touching the ingrown, which can cause further irritation or even infection. While ingrowns can be annoying, they usually go away on their own after a few days. Using Flamingo Ingrown Spot Treatment can help with the process. It’s a dermatologist and gynecologist tested, targeted solution to soothe visible redness and gently exfoliate ingrown hairs with white willow bark, lactic acid, and bisabolol.
When to Seek Professional Help
Most razor burn and ingrown hairs clear up on their own or with the aid of over-the-counter remedies, but if you experience an ingrown hair or razor burn that is extremely painful, getting worse, and the skin around it is hot or swollen, or you even have a high temperature and feel unwell, visit a doctor.
If you’re following proper shaving techniques but ingrown hairs and razor burn still continue to be a problem, you may want to visit a dermatologist for further guidance.
Conclusion
The best way to get a smooth bikini line and prevent razor bumps is to take your time and follow proper shaving techniques:
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Always use a sharp razor and pair it with a shave gel
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Hydrate, cleanse, and exfoliate your pubic area before shaving
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Carefully shave with light strokes in the direction of hair growth
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Rinse and pat skin dry after shaving with a clean towel
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Apply soothing after care products
Everyone’s skin and hair is different, so don’t be afraid to try out different products and see what works best for you!
Recommended Products
Pubic Restorative Post Shave Serum
FAQ
How often should I shave my bikini area to avoid irritation?
We recommend shaving your bikini area no more than once every two to three days. It’s important to give your skin some recovery time in between shaving days to avoid irritation.
What type of razor is best for shaving the bikini area?
The best razor for shaving the bikini area is a razor that is sharp, first and foremost, and preferably with four to five blades.
How can I prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs after shaving?
Prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs after shaving your bikini line by gently patting the area dry and avoiding rubbing. Applying soothing and hydrating after care products, preferably ones that are free of fragrance and alcohol.
Is it better to shave with or against the grain?
Usually it’s best to shave with the grain, i.e. in the direction of hair growth. If shaving with the grain first doesn’t give you close enough results, you can apply more shave gel and carefully shave against the direction of hair growth. Be mindful that shaving against the grain can be more disruptive to your skin, so the fewer razor strokes, the less potential for irritation.
What are the best soothing products to use after shaving?
Aloe vera gel is always a good option because of its natural cooling properties. A hydrating body lotion or moisturizing oil can help prevent dry, itchy skin. To prevent any further irritation to your sensitive pubic area, avoid products that contain fragrance or alcohol. We recommend Flamingo Pubic Restorative Shave Serum, which is safe for sensitive skin, gynecologist and dermatologist tested, and pH balanced. It’s made with calming oat extract to help reduce the appearance of redness, ceramides and squalane to restore the skin’s natural barrier, and apple extract to soften and moisturize.
