Just A Super Useful Guide to Shaving Down There

The biggest rule of thumb on how to shave down there without getting bumps is using the proper equipment. So, when choosing the best razor for this sensitive area, consider the number of blades. "When it comes to the pubic hair, less is more," CC Sofronas, co-founder of Pacific Shaving Co, says. (You know, just to be safe.) "You don't need a 12-blade razor like you might for your legs, because that will just irritate the skin."

The magic number, then, is somewhere between three and six blades. (If you need a little help choosing, you could also consider the Dollar Shave Club 6-Blade vs 4-Blade Razor Starter Set ($11), which comes with two options to test what's best for you.) Otherwise, consider a razor with "floating" (aka flexible) blades and a pivoting head to make it easy to maneuver around tight spaces, like the Venus for Pubic Hair & Skin Razor ($18). This is recommended over one "fixed blades and fixed head that can be much less forgiving," says Orszulak.

The one non-negotiable? "You have to have a sharp razor blade — that's the first thing — and that you replenish the blade when required when it feels dull," says Sofranos, and Orszulak agrees: "Older razors with duller blades will pull on hair more, which can cause irritation."

Too much pubic hair can lead it to tug on your razor, making it harder to remove in one fell swoop — in those instances, you'll have to glide it across skin like I so eloquently did in middle school (and thus, increasing your risk of irritation). So, you'll want to learn how to trim your pubic hair. "You can skip the trim if you prefer, but shaving longer hair can quickly clog up the blades so you have to rinse the razor more often," Orszulak says.

Instead, Sofronas suggests you get some small sterile scissors; we like the Tweezerman Facial Hair Scissors ($15). Or, if you want to use what you have at home, sewing scissors could also work. "Just don't use big kitchen sheers — that could be dangerous if you're shaving your pubic area," she says.

If your hair is still too long after using scissors (the ideal length, experts agree, is about a quarter-inch) — and especially in areas where it's a little trickier to reach, like near the labia — use a tried-and-true trimmer or a trimmer attachment, like what you'd get with the Schick Hydro Silk 5 TrimStyle Women's Razor ($19). "That way it won't clog the razor too much," Sofronas says.

Assuming you're shaving in the shower (which is preferred versus dry shaving to minimize irritation), you can use that steam and water to your advantage. "Save any shaving you do for the end of your shower experience," says Sofronas. "You can wash your face, shampoo, conditioner, anything you need to do first, and then that way your skin and hair are softer and that makes for an easier shave. It's better timing instead of at the beginning of the shower."

Exfoliating first can also be helpful in preventing ingrowns, although it's up to you on how often you do this step. "Either using a loofah or an [exfoliating] product can help to release any trapped hair and remove excess dead skin cells and sebum that can get in the way of a smooth shaving experience," says Katelyn Liston, a scientist for P&G.

The type of shaving formula you choose — oil, cream, mousse — is based on personal preference, but the important thing is you have one. "You don't want to shave dry or wet without a barrier because it'll irritate the skin, so having one makes for a more comfortable shave," says Sofronas. Her product of choice is the Pacific Shaving Company Ultra Slick Shave Stick ($13), which is a solid, transparent formula that lathers when introduced with water. "It's a shave stick in what looks like a deodorant container, so it's super easy to use. You just swipe it across your skin to create that barrier, but then unlike shaving cream you can also see any areas that you missed."

If you want something easier to spread across skin, the King C Gillette Transparent Shave Gel ($9) or Billie Shaving Cream ($8) are good options. For beginners, or if you want more of a guide to areas so you don't accidentally glide across the skin more times than you need to, an opaque formula like a cream or mousse might be best. Just make sure whatever you use is fragrance-free and doesn't contain any harsh chemicals that could cause an adverse reaction.

Now, onto the main event. The first tip to getting the closest shave is to ensure you're pulling the skin taut. "The flatter the shaving surface, the more comfortable the experience will be," says Liston.

Then, a tip I probably could have used way back when: "You want to shave in the direction of the hair growth — with the grain, so to speak," Sofronas says. "And you don't want to go over the same area multiple times."

Stick to one pass with the razor if you can (that's where trimming beforehand will help), especially if you're a beginner. After you've done it a few times, and you want an even closer shave, you can go against the hair growth on a second pass. ("Then that's it; you're good to move on to the next shaving area.") Oh, and always make sure you rinse the razor between strokes.

Some other good need-to-knows? "Press down enough that the blade hits the hair, but don't go too hard — you want to be gentle on this area. That's what leads to nicks."

Even more so than the top of your pubic bone, the skin on your labia or lips is a coarser texture, "so you want to be extra careful," Sofronas says. "This is when you just really want to take your time."

Because you might have a harder time getting visibility here, she recommends you lift your leg on a dry, flat, elevated surface to ensure easier access to the area. "It's tricky, but try your best to pull that skin taut so there's no bump, that's going to make for a safer shaving experience."

Liston agrees, adding that whatever position floats your boat works, whether it's putting a foot up on the side of the tub or laying down a mirror on the floor of your shower. "If employing either of these methods, try to use your other hand — the one that's not holding the razor or trimmer — to hold the shaving surface taut."

So, you successfully (and safely) shaved your vagina — congrats are in order — but that's only half the battle. To minimize the likelihood of razor bumps and ingrowns, keep the area soothed and moisturized. "The thin skin is permeable and allows moisture to escape more than in other areas of the body," says Orszulak. "Keeping skin hydrated helps to ensure your skin and hair are in good condition for next time." (We like the Fur Ingrown Concentrate ($32) or the Flamingo Ingrown Spot Treatment ($10) for these purposes.)

"When you get an ingrown, that means the hair isn't able to pop through the skin, so that's why it's important to use a noncomedogenic post-shave moisturizer, whether it's an oil or something else," says Sofronas. "You also want to avoid clogging your pores, so exfoliating can help remove that top layer of dead skin."

Kelsey Castañon (she/her) is an ASME Award-nominated writer, editor, and content strategist with enough years of experience to warrant a retinol prescription. She is currently the senior content director at PS, where she oversees the Beauty, Health, Fitness, and Balance verticals while simultaneously stockpiling (and reporting on) everything from skin care to wine.