We all know that waxing is the quickest way to eliminate hair down
there. But for many women, putting up with the pain—not to mention
forking over $60 to $75 at every appointment—just isn’t worth the end
result. Luckily for your lady parts, shaving can be just as effective
when it comes to tackling hair below the belt. Just follow these simple
steps for before, during, and after your shaving routine and you’ll
never feel the need to hit up the waxing salon again. (Committed to
waxing but hate the appointments? Try it at home: 7 Pro Tips for DIY Bikini Waxing.)
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Invest in the Right Razor
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Additionally, don’t wait for the razor to rust to replace it. “Since blades tend to dull after a few uses, toss them out by the fourth shave—or even earlier if you see buildup of dirt or dead skin on your razor,” says Nazarian. This is where disposables razors come in handy, since two blade throwaways are just as effective at offering a close shave.
Make Exfoliating a Priority
Apply A Delicate Moisturizer Pre-Shave
“Using heavily perfumed shaving
creams can irritate your sensitive areas,” says Nazarian. So it’s best
to substitute those products for unscented, moisturizing cleansers like a
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser ($13, ulta.com) or Cetaphil Hydrating Cleanser ($8.50, walmart.com)
Unlike popular shaving products (think: Skintimate Shave Gels), these
won’t foam. “But they do offer a smooth, easy surface for the razor, as
well as prevent over-drying or irritation,” says Nazarian.
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Avoid Unnecessary Friction
While shaving against the
direction of hair growth gives a closer shave, it can also cause
sensitive skin to flare up. “Ideally, to avoid tugging on the hair, the
razor should follow the direction of hair growth while trying to
minimize the number of strokes,” says Nazarian. By shaving down with the
hair growth, you prevent razor burn as well as ingrown hairs, she
explains. Another major cause of razor burn is pressing too hard with
the razor. Your blade should glide over the hairs, so if you feel a lot
of resistance and pulling, you’re pressing too hard. (Didn’t know that?
Read these 7 Things You May Not Know about Hair Removal But Should.)
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Follow Up with a Soothing Moisturizer
“Applying a light, perfume-free,
alcohol-free moisturizer immediately after showering can help soothe
skin and hair follicles that might be inflamed from the shaving
process,” says Nazarian. And since lotions and topical creams are
absorbed more effectively after bathing, it’s best to use lotion that
contains colloidal oatmeal, which naturally calms irritated skin.
Nazarian recommends trying Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing
Lotion ($7, target.com). (Check out the Best Body Lotion for Your Skin.)