How To Shave 'Down There'

When it comes to shaving “down there,” many women consider it a pain. But fortunately, with a little help, it doesn’t have to be.

Different Ways of Shaving “Down There”

Shaving is a personal decision. And because of this, there’s really no right or wrong way to do it. There are many ways to groom your lady parts, from wet shaving to trimming.

You can have it professionally waxed at a salon, or lasered away at a hair removal clinic. You can schedule an appointment for sugaring sesh or DIY at home. No matter how you decide to mow your lawn, the important thing is that you feel comfortable in the skin you’re in.

Should You Do It?

Societal pressure has a tendency to dictate how a lot of people think and act. As a result “social norms” are created, one of which includes the expectation for women to shave.

According to a 2016 JAMA Network study, more than 80 percent of women admitted to regularly shaving down there. For many women, sex is a big reason why. Researchers from a university in Belgium report that in a study with 4,000 participants, 75 percent of women cited “comfort during oral sex” as the basis for why they shave.

To some women, shaving is a necessity. To others, it’s a chore. Whichever camp you fall in, it’s important to remember that the decision is yours — and only yours — to make. Take a look at this guide for how to shave “down there:”

Disclaimer: 

All of the products on 21Ninety are hand-picked by our editorial team. Most of these products we use and love or come highly recommended by our community. If you grab anything we mention using our referral links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Consider How You Want It To Look

When women think of hairstyles, they probably think of pixie cuts, cornrows, or TWAs. But your hair “down there” can also be styled. And many women have a preference for how they want it to look.

According to Byrdie, experts report that the three most popular pubic hair styles are the Brazilian, the “thin strip,” and au naturale. Not to mention, other styles to choose from include the “Postage Stamp,” “Martini Glass,” and “Bermuda Triangle.”

Of course, you don’t have to choose any style. Whether you prefer a heart shape or no hair at all, what’s most important is to do what feels comfortable to you.

Trim It Down

Pubic hair tends to be thicker than the hair on our heads, making shaving the area more challenging. To make the process easier, start by trimming the hair first.

You can use a pair of scissor or an electric razor to cut down much of the hair. Keep in mind that electric razors can snag at the hair, causing soreness and inflammation. If you find that trimming with a razor is still challenging, swap it out for scissors instead.

Try to cut the hair as low as you can — approximately a quarter of an inch —before moving on to the electric razor. You can then leave it as so, or continue on to the next step for a cleaner shave.

Prep the Area

An important part of shaving involves preparing your skin for the act.

This includes exfoliating, which can help cleanse the pores by decreasing the buildup of natural oils. It also prevents the formation of razor bumps cause by pesky ingrown hairs.

To start, wet the area with a damp sponge or towel. This helps to soften the hair, making it easier to shave down. 

Then, apply your favorite exfoliator to the bikini line or vulva — or both, depending on the look you’re going for. For best results, use this an exfoliating brush to gently buff the area, working in a circular motion.

We like this exfoliating body brush from Dylonic, but you can use a natural sponge, loofah, or even exfoliating gloves instead.

Grab a Razor

The next step is one that many women find most challenging about shaving. It involves using a non-electric razor to remove the remaining hair for a squeaky clean look. 

First things first, pick out a quality razor. Avoid choosing a manual razor with too many blades because this can irritate the area. Instead, try one with added lubrication for a safer shave that leaves your skin feeling soft and hair-free. Our pick: The Schick HydroStyle Moisturizing Razor that includes a bikini trimmer AND three refills.

Start by applying a generous amount of shaving cream or gel to your bikini line or vulva. Then, pulling the skin taut, use your razor to shave in the direction of your hair growth. 

Practice Aftercare

Many women conclude the shaving process after they’ve achieved the look they’re going for. But an important part of shaving involves aftercare.

Caring for the area after shaving is essential to maintaining smooth, healthy skin. It reduces the risk of developing redness, hyperpigmentation, razor bumps, and other common skin conditions.

After rinsing the area, apply a quality moisturizer to the skin. The Coochy Plus Intimate After Shave Protection Moisturizer uses an antioxidant formula free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and alcohol — a customer favorite.

In addition to this, experts suggest wearing breathable cotton underwear following a shave session because it keeps the skin cool and dry, reducing irritation.