These Razors Will Groom Your Bikini Area and Leave You Ingrown Hair-Free
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While removing bikini-line hair is a deeply personal choice and isn't exactly necessary, some people prefer to have hairless skin—removing said hair, however, can be a little complicated, especially if you shave with a classic bikini trimmer or razor. These days, there are a ton of hair removal methods that promise long-lasting, baby soft results, and though each of them have their hangups, it's shaving that gets the most flack.
Shaving, while arguably the easiest of hair removal methods, can often leave the skin crowded with razor bumps and ingrown hairs, though this typically happens when the act is done incorrectly and with the wrong kinds of products. It's for this reason that if you're still attached to the tried-and-true method of shaving your bikini area, you can save yourself a lot of trouble by investing in a bikini shaver or razor that can get the job done sans the irritation.
Even with a number of new trimmers, electric razors, and devices to choose from, though, the hair and skin on our bikini area is different from that on the rest of the body, and it’s important that we treat it accordingly. When it comes to shaving, Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologist in NYC, says the most important (and often overlooked) part of doing bikini hair removal right is how you prep your skin, as well as how you care for it afterwards. With the help of Dr. Engelman’s tips, we break down the do’s and don’t’s of at-home bikini hair removal followed by the best tools for the job depending on your specific needs and goals.
Never dry shave.
Always use a shaving cream, gel, or “at least water,” Dr. Engelman says, adding that doing so “greatly reduces the chances of razor burn and irritation.” Find a cream-based shaving cream that, when applied to the skin, softens the hair and follicles so that when a razor goes across the skin, there is less irritation. (This one from Fur is a great option.)
If you’re prone to razor bumps and irritation, exfoliate first.
Though it’s true that shaving exfoliates, those prone to irritation will benefit from exfoliating before shaving, too. “It ensures that the hair can cleanly come out, and will smooth skin texture, buffing away dirt that may be clogging your pores and causing inflammation” Dr. Engelman explains. While it might sound a bit odd, using your facial products—be it a cleanser, toner, or peel—on your bikini region before shaving can be a great help, but there are also slightly more site-specific solutions (like this body scrub from LATHER).
Shave in one direction.
“Shaving in all directions increases the chance of razor bumps, irritation, and even ingrown hairs,” Dr. Engelman explains. Her advice? “Shave in the direction of which your hair grows. Shaving against hair growth gives you a closer shave but the blunt-tipped end of hairs can grow back into the skin rather than up and out.” Don’t use a dull razor either. “A dull razor is actually more likely to cut you than a new, sharper razor,” Dr. Engelman says. If you shave every day, the general rule of thumb is to change your razor every two weeks, and if you shave every other day, you should change your blade every three weeks.
Remember to moisturize after.
“It softens the hair and hair follicle, as well as the skin, reducing the chances of ingrown hairs,” Dr. Engelman notes. Your usual body moisturizer will do the trick, but if you feel like treating your bikini line to a little extra something special, try an after-shave balm (like this one from DeoDoc). If you do cut yourself or have post-shave irritation, Dr. Engelman recommends a standard facial toner (like this Thayer’s Witch Hazel Facial Toner with Aloe Vera classic). “Look for formulas with ingredients that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties like aloe, witch hazel, allantoin, or willow bark,” Dr. Engelman recommends.
Best Safety Razor: Oui the People Rose Gold Sensitive Skin Razor
Sometimes the use of multi-blade razors can lead to irritation and ingrown hairs—the blades can pull at the hair and cause any hair that grows back to potentially get trapped under the surface of the skin—which is why this single-blade razor is a godsend for those with sensitive skin. It removes hair in just one to two swipes, and it's also weighted, so it eliminates the need to put any additional pressure on the skin as you're shaving.
Best Razor For Dry Shaving: Hanni The Weighted Razor
Single-blade razors have the ability to closely cut the hair without tugging at it and, in turn, irritating the skin. What makes this one of the best though is that it's weighted and can even be used outside of the shower—its sister product is a moisturizing "shave pillow" that glides onto the skin via a rollerball applicator and allows you to shave pretty much anywhere you want.
Best Painless Razor: Brori Electric Razor
This cordless electric razor allows you to easily and quietly remove any body hair without causing any irritation, sensitivity, or nicks.
Best Splurge: Fur Trimmer
Quiet, cordless, water-resistant, and it features an LED light that you can shine on harder to reach areas? Yes, this one's definitely worth the money.
Best Sustainable Razor: Zomchi Double Edge Safety Razor
If you're looking for a few more sustainable products to add to your overall beauty routine, try this safety razor. Not only does it come in a gorgeous rose gold color, but it's also made of metal and comes with replaceable blades, eliminating your need to keep tossing your all-plastic, disposable razors whenever they get dull.
Best For Precision Work: Philips Bikini Perfect Women's Rechargeable Electric Trimmer
This hypoallergenic micro-shaver/trimmer has customizable length settings so you can groom your bikini area to your exact specifications. It can also be used in or out of the shower.
Best Electric Razor: Luminess Air Silk & Smooth Hair Remover Device
This battery-operated electric shaver gives close, precise results with zero pain by way of rotating twin blades. And contrary to Dr. Engelman's tip above, this one requires no water or shaving cream.
Best Multitasking Razor: Schick HydroSilk TrimStyle
This dual-ended shower must-have is both your standard razor (with skin-hydrating properties) and a bikini trimmer in one. The bikini trimmer has four settings so you can customize your results. This one is perfect for packing too, as you’ll only need one tool instead of two!
Best Razor For Sensitive Skin: The Art of Shaving Rose Gold Safety Razor
In order to combat the all-too-common problem of pressing too hard while shaving, causing razor burn and bumps, The Art of Shaving created a gilded razor that’s already weighted. With just the right amount of pressure needed for silky smooth results, this razor will do all the heavy-lifting, and all you need do is hold it lightly.
Best Razor Subscription: Athena Club The Razor Kit
While finding the right razor using it safely is half the battle, changing it frequently is the rest. With The Best Shave Ever from Athena Club, you’ll not only get an innovative, curve-loving razor with patented blades and a water-activated serum for smoothness, but you’ll also get a regular replacement. Choose a subscription plan that fits your needs, and you’ll get a new set of blades every two, four, or six months, all of which can simply be switched out for the current one on your handle.
Best Drugstore Razor: Venus Extra Smooth Sensitive Razor
If you want a classic shave but need to keep it gentle, try the Venus Extra Smooth sensitive razor, which is designed especially for women with sensitive skin. It features a “SkinElixir” Lubrastrip that helps it glide smoother—and prevents nicks and cuts.
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