Quick Question: What’s the Safest Way to Shave Down There?

October 22, 2019

By: Genesis Rivas | skincare.com by L'Oréal

Quick Question: What’s the Safest Way to Shave Down There?

Of all the hair-removal methods, shaving can sometimes feel like the most tedious. That’s why we’ve been on a mission to find out the best way to give you soft, silky feeling skin at all times. Recently, we tackled the common mistakes we make when shaving our legs and how to fix them, the right way to shave our face and uncovered the truth about whether shaving makes your hair grow thicker. Now, we’re talking all about how to shave our pubic and bikini area because razor burn, ingrown hairs and nicks can feel a thousand times worse down there. Ahead, master esthetician and Esthetics Director of Education at Kenneth's Hair Salons & Day Spas, Amy McLain guides us on all the tips and tricks to ensure a safe and effective bikini-area shave.

Tip #1: Gently Exfoliate the Skin With Acids

“I think one of the best things you can do to prep your skin for shaving [down there] is to exfoliate the skin,” says McLain. “This will slough away dead surface skin cells, which will allow for a smooth shave and promote surface cell turnover.” Try exfoliating the day before you shave with products that contain glycolic, salicylic or lactic acids. “This will help to minimize the risk of getting an ingrown hair” she says. Try using the Fur Silk Scrub because it is made with glycolic and lactic acids and is dermatologically and gynecologically tested to gently slough away dead surface skin cells.

Tip #2: Don’t Shave the Same Spot Multiple Times

“Keep in mind that you are taking a blade to your skin,” says McLain. “Every pass is exfoliating the skin.” And because this is a sensitive area on your body, you want to ensure that you aren’t over-exfoliating, which can potentially irritate your skin.

Tip #3: Use Shaving Cream as a Guide

“I recommend a shaving cream or conditioning emollient,” says McLain. “This will soften the hairs and also allow you to see where you’ve been.”

Tip #4: Soothe Razor Burn and Irritation with Natural Ingredients

For those post-shaving woes, McLain advises using products with ingredients such as coconut oil, aloe or witch hazel to help soothe and calm the area. We love the Kiehl’s Post Shave Repair Gel because its lightweight formula works to comfort the skin after shaving by fighting razor burn and sensitivity. Not to mention, it’s made with aloe vera to hydrate and soothe the skin.

Tip #5: Let the Area Breathe Post-Shave

“I also advise clients to avoid any activities that would involve lots of friction or sweating (think: running, intense exercise) if they are prone to razor burn,” says McLain. “Too much friction or sweating can just lead to more issues. Letting the area breathe and calm down before engaging in those activities is best.”

Tip #6: Use a Razor With Multiple Blades

“A razor that has multiple blades is going to be able to remove more hair with less passes,” explains McLain. Reach for the Billie Razor, which is comprised of five sharp, stainless steel blades and is encased in charcoal shave soap to help give your skin an extremely close shave. And, as always, be adamant about swapping out your razors frequently to avoid any dull blades.

Tip #7 Don’t Shave Everyday

“I recommend clients not shave every day,” says McLain. “It’s too much for the skin. Every two or three days is much better.”