Shaving around the bikini line is a sensitive activity that requires patience and good light as well as a sharp razor. The Palo Alto Medical Foundation recommends not using an electric razor for shaving the bikini area because you have less control over the blades. If you prefer electric over other blades, use caution and be prepared with creams and lotions to treat the sensitive skin while you shave.
Trim long hair with a pair of very sharp scissors before shaving with the electric razor. Pubic hair can grow as long as 2 or 3 inches and can clog up the razor. Pull a small section of hair away from your skin and cut off the hair as close to your skin as possible.
Soak in a hot bath for about five minutes to open up the hair follicles and make it easier to remove the remaining hair while shaving. You will be able to get a closer shave when the skin is warm. Apply hair conditioner on the pubic hair to make it softer and more manageable; rinse. Dry skin thoroughly.
Pull the skin around your bikini line taut and run the electric razor over the area, starting at the outside of the hairline. To help avoid ingrown hairs, shave downward, in the direction of hair growth. Shave a small portion and check if you need to remove hair closer to your genitals.
Sit in the tub again and wash the area thoroughly in warm water to make sure the coarse pubic hairs do not curl inward.
Apply baby oil to the area to keep the skin soft and to help avoid a red, dry rash. Use lotion or gel that has aloe vera in it if your skin is especially sensitive.
Tip
Consider buying an electric razor designed specifically for shaving the bikini line.
Shave every day to avoid rashes from the razor. There will be fewer hairs and the skin will become a little tougher and desensitized to the blades.
Warning
Doctors at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation report that there can be consequences of shaving around the genitals that include bumps, blisters, ingrown hairs and infection. Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicle caused by fungi or bacteria; make sure the razor is clean before shaving.
Never use men's aftershave following a bikini shave, as it will sting.
References
Writer Bio
Linda Ray is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years reporting experience. She's covered business for newspapers and magazines, including the "Greenville News," "Success Magazine" and "American City Business Journals." Ray holds a journalism degree and teaches writing, career development and an FDIC course called "Money Smart."