No, we aren’t endorsing the ideology that being absolutely fuzz-free down there is the way to be – it’s completely up to you and your preferences. And even if you choose to be squeaky clean between the legs, waxing the bikini area isn’t something we all can brave (what with all the hair pulling, sensitive skin down there and mustering the courage to bare it all in front of the parlour lady). Your best bet, ladies, is running a razor on the area. It’s quick, pain-free and a fairly simple process too, in the comfort of your home. Just so you do it correctly, we present to you a definitive guide to shaving your bikini area. This guide will familiarize you with the right technique and products that you need to be hair-free down there.
1. Excellent exfoliation
Exfoliating before any kind of hair removal process is a must. The rule of the thumb here is that you choose a mild scrub, one that you’d be okay with using on your face too. Scrub your bikini area well to remove dead skin and have all that ingrowth come onto the surface of your skin so that it can be shaved off properly.
We suggest you use the Fabindia Neem Tulsi Gel Scrub Body And Face (Rs 390). It is both mild and nourishing thanks to its neem and tulsi content, and will do the job perfectly.
2. Take a hot shower
Spending 5 to 10 minutes in a hot shower cubicle will moisten your skin to the fullest, making it soft and supple. This is an ideal way to prep the skin down there for hair removal because shaving becomes easier and smoother thanks to the soft skin surface.
3. Choose the right razor
It is a fact that the skin in your bikini area is slightly more sensitive than the rest of your skin. Therefore, choose a blade that isn’t too harsh or sharp. Make it a point to change the blade regularly because hygiene is key here, ladies. You definitely don’t want to use an old, rusty blade on your skin. Besides, the newer the blade, the smoother and better the shaving process.
Go for a ladies’ razor, the Gillette Venus Breeze 3 Blades Lather For 1 Step Silky Skin (Rs 299), to be precise. Its 3 spring-mounted blades work flawlessly when removing hair, and the flexible shave gel bars on it contain body butters for a light lather.
4. Stretch properly
While one hand firmly holds the razor and works with it, the other one should stretch out the part you’re shaving. This tip is especially for the labia. Make it a point to use your index and middle finger to stretch out the skin and make it taut before running the razor over it to avoid any nicks and cuts.
5. Don’t forget to trim
A pre-shave trim is imperative if you want smooth, fuzz-free skin down there. Running a razor over long hair will not result in squeaky clean skin in the bikini area. Trimming it beforehand will make the shaving process a whole lot more efficient.
The trimmer you need in your beauty kit is the Vega T-5 Grooming Station Hair Trimmer (Rs 1,672). It is easy to maneuver and can be used without the cord too.
6. Be gentle, ladies
Keep this in mind – always glide the razor over your skin. Pressing it too hard will not only make your skin sore, but could also lead to nicking of skin. Pushing it down too hard does not mean it will be a closer shave, ladies. In fact, it will do you more harm than good. Make sure your blade is right, and gently glide the razor over the skin down there.
7. Shaving cream is a must
Lathering up the area with some shaving foam before you start off with the razor is a smart way to go about it. A pro tip here would be to use a fragrance-free one as any sort of scented or chemicalized product could cause irritation down there.
We suggest the soothing Forest Essentials Shaving Cream – Sandalwood & Orange Peel (Rs 875) which has natural ingredients that will nourish the skin.
8. Cooling cures, followed by moisturizer
Do not undermine the importance of post-shave care, girls. Any redness or soreness after shaving your bikini area can be taken care of with great ease. Either rub some ice over it or apply aloe vera gel on it to soothe the area and close any open pores. After this, moisturize your bikini area thoroughly and wear cotton underwear only so as to not irritate your skin.
The AuraVedic Pure Aloe Vera Gel with Aloe Green Tea (Rs 225) is just what you need to cool the area. To moisturize it well, get your hands on the Nivea Smooth Milk Body Lotion With Shea Butter (Rs 306).
