How to shave “down there” if you have a vagina
In this article
What's the lowdown?
Shaving is one of the multiple ways to remove your pubic hair
It can be the easiest and least painful method of hair removal
However, shaving is more likely to cause skin rashes and ingrown hair
There is no perfect way to shave but there are some tips to prevent cutting and irritating your skin
You by no means need to remove any or all of your vaginal hair, it should be completely your choice, not what society tells you to do
How to shave down there?
Shaving, waxing or lasering all for the end goal of a smooth hairless vagina. Well firstly, do not feel the need to be a naked mole rat down there. Whatever you see on TV or porn is not the norm. Men and women both have pubic hair. It’s normal, natural, part of being human!
So firstly, whether you choose to remove your hair or not should be your choice. No one should make you feel like you need to. And how you choose to remove your hair should also be your choice. Each one has pros and cons, so weigh it up and decide.
How to shave your pubes?
Your pubes cover your external genitalia. This is not just on the top of your pubic bone (the triangle-shaped area above your genitals called the mons pubis), it also covers your labia majora and labia minora and extends onto your thighs (the bikini line).
You can choose to remove all the hair or just some parts like the bikini line.
Steps on how to shave pubic hair
As the eldest daughter in my household, my shaving experience was completely self-taught. These are tips I learnt along my journey and shared with my sisters. It is by no means the ‘correct’ way to shave, but it is the way I have prevented cutting or irritating my skin.
- Pre-trim your hair: Shortening the hair makes shaving easier as razors are designed for shorter hair. Long hair clogs the razor, causing it to lose its sharpness. You can trim your hair either with a trimmer, scissors or a clipper. Just be careful, you are near precious goods.
- Exfoliate: This helps remove all the dead skin and aligns the hair in the same direction, allowing for a closer shave.
- Soften your hair: Pubic hair is coarse so placing a warm washcloth or taking a hot shower before you shave can soften the hair.
- Foam or lather: Use soap or shaving foam and apply a layer on your hair. Make sure to use unscented or gentle products and don’t put these inside the vagina, and try to avoid products going inside the labia onto the vulva.
- Mirror: This step is optional but recommended for shaving newbies as it allows you to visualise where you are shaving. Place it under your genitalia and stand over it to get a good view.
- Stretch your skin: Pull the skin taught as it will prevent you from cutting yourself.
- Shaving direction: You can choose to shave against the hair or with the hair. You can remove more hair by shaving against the hair but you are more likely to irritate the skin. If you have sensitive skin or are new to shaving, try shaving with the hair.
- Exfoliate: Exfoliating after you shave is also important as it removes dead skin and reduces the likelihood of ingrown hairs.
- Clean up: Rinse the area with water to make sure you wash away all the hair. Remember the hair can clog your shower drain so make sure to scoop it out and throw it away!
Shaving FAQs
How to reduce shaving bumps? How to prevent shaving rash?
Make sure you use a sharp razor and shave in the direction of the hair. Avoid shaving on dry skin, so find a good shaving cream or lather up with soap. Change your disposable razor every 5-7 shaves as they lose their edge and are more likely to irritate your skin.
How to get rid of shaving bumps?
Avoid popping your shaving bumps. I know it can be tempting but this will just make them angrier. It can also lead to infection or scarring. You can apply a cold compress on your skin as it will calm your skin, helping reduce inflammation and irritation.
Alternatives to shaving your bikini line
Shaving is not the only way to remove pubic hair, but it might be the easiest and least painful. Some people opt to wax which is longer lasting but often (for me, definitely) more painful. Electric trimmers are a quicker alternative to shaving and can offer a closer shave, but it is a large electric device near your nether regions.
Others might choose to use hair removal creams. This is also a pain-free method but as the creams contain a lot of chemicals, it may not be the safest for our sensitive vulval skin. Laser hair removal has a large upfront cost and also involves shaving before each treatment, however, the hope is the hair growth slows down after sufficient sessions and stops completely.
Ultimately remember, your body, your choice!
Dr Fatema Dawoodbhoy
Fatema is currently training in London as an Academic doctor, with a special interest in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She is passionate about championing women to understand their bodies better and prioritise their health. She understands the importance of clinically accurate articles and has been writing engaging and educative medical content for 5 years.
Our medical review process
This article has been medically reviewed for factual and up to date information by a Lowdown doctor.
