One of the most frequently asked questions that I get from my male and female clients is "how do I shave my bikini/brazilian area AND avoid getting razor bumps and/or ingrown hairs?". Ironically it has absolutely nothing to do with your razor or how expensive it is. Getting a smooth bikini/brazilian area has everything to do with what you do before and after! Here are some tips for a smooth shave this summer (if you are not interested in waxing or laser hair removal)!
#1. Exfoliate
24 hours prior to shaving, gently exfoliate the area with a non oil based product! Oil will occlude the skin/follicles and cause bumps and breakouts. I like to use aloe leaf gel (in place of oil) and brown sugar (because it is less abrasive than granulated white sugar)!
#2. Trim
The hair should be no longer than 1/4 of an inch and no shorter than 1/16 of an inch! Hair any longer will cause you to go over that area multiple times which will then irritate the skin and cause razor burn. Hair any shorter will be pulled backwards/tugged on by the razor, which can then result in ingrown hairs and irritation.
#3. Apply Heat
Haven't you seen vintage barber shop photos with steamed towels wrapped around the men's faces? 10 minutes prior to shaving, apply a steamed towel to the targeted area! This will soften the hair and open up the follicle, allowing for a better shave. Avoid applying any heat after shaving.
#4. Lube
Yes... I said lube! Shaving cream (for the most part) is formulated for use on/around external areas! Ladies, this can actually disrupt the feminine PH with all of the dyes, fillers and fragrances. However, lubricants are specifically formulated for those private areas and are silicone based which gives the perfect amount of glide. A tiny amount goes a very long way and can be used for any other areas you would like to shave!
Don't have time for a hot towel? Use a warming sensation lube in the shower, it will do the same thing!
#5. Use Your Hands
Holding the area taut is an absolute must! It will give you more control of the razor and help avoid cutting the skin or irritation!
#6. The Right Razor
Whether or not you shave against the grain of the hair or with, a fresh and sharp razor will make a world of difference! Avoid cheap disposable ones because you get what you pay for.
#7. Tone Up
Applying an after shave liquid to the area will help keep pores clear of dirt/oils, prevent bumps, redness, ingrown hairs and ensure the area remains even and smooth. Apply daily after showering! I have used Tend Skin for years and it works really great for shaving and waxing! I also use it spot treat any breakouts I get on my face :)
Click Here to see Tend Skin products!
#8. Exfoliate More!
1-2 days after shaving gently exfoliate the area with a wash cloth! Doing this consistently between shaving will help keep dead skin from building up over the hair follicles and forcing the hair to grow downward (which is how ingrown hairs are formed).
#9. Protect
If the areas that you intend to shave will be exposed to the sun this summer then they must be protected by a sunblock! Shaving is a form of exfoliation which exposes unprotected fresh skin to the sun! Zinc based blocks are usually broad spectrum so they will protect you from UVA and UVB rays as well as help minimize redness and irritation.
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