How to Shave your Back Hair?
Let’s get this straight first: There’s no right or wrong way to wear your pubic hair. How much hair you have down there is a purely personal choice (there are benefits to having it, FYI!). But if you prefer to rely on shaving and trimming—with the occasional bikini wax thrown in for good measure—know that taking matters into your own hands on the regular can also mean repeating bad behavior without knowing it. To that end, here are some common mistakes that could be hurting you when it comes to removing hair in this delicate area.
Mistake #1: Shaving the second you get into the shower.
We know you’re in a rush, but this is a surefire way to earn yourself a raging case of razor burn. Make shaving the last thing you do in the shower or bath instead. It’ll give your hair follicles a chance to properly soften, which lowers your risk for irritation by a lot. Exfoliate the area gently beforehand to get an even closer shave and ward off ingrown hairs.
Mistake #2: Using shower gel and an old AF razor.
You don’t see guys using any old razor and bar of soap to shave their faces, right? That’s because the proper tools make all the difference. Use a shaving cream without heavy fragrances (like EOS Moisturizing Shave Cream, $4, target.com), and leave on the area for a minute or two to soften the hairs. Then pick up a fresh razor and get the job done. (These are our current favorites of the moment.) Using one that’s old and worn out will at best be inefficient and, at worst, give you a rash or razor burn.
Mistake #3: Not trimming in addition to removing hair.
Owning a pair of grooming scissors will help you not only trim back the hair you’re not looking to shave off, but will also get you ready for a big shave if it’s been a while since you groomed down there (if you recently had a baby, you might know what we’re talking about here). If your hair has grown longer than a ¼ inch, trim it back before stepping into the shower. Not only will this save you time, it’ll also ward off irritation.
Mistake #4: Fearing the every-last-inch wax.
The bikini wax is a beautiful yet painful thing. Even if you swear by shaving, having a trusted waxer in your rolodex is a game changer. Sure, some might disagree with this, but we like to think of it like getting a pedicure in between DIY polish changes at home: Your waxer will get the job done in a way that you and your handheld mirror will never be able to accomplish. It’s worth paying her (or him) a visit every few months, at minimum.
Mistake #5: Dry shaving around your underwear in a rush.
We’ve all been there: You get an impromptu invite to the beach or are rushing to get ready for a date and you realize—shit—you need to shave. So you prop your leg up on the sink and quickly take care of business. At the very least, take a few minutes to press a hot washcloth against the area you want to shave in order to soften the hairs and prep your skin for a razor. No one needs visible red bumps in those situations.
Mistake #6: Using your regular lotion to soothe just-shaved skin.
Unless you’re a natural-beauty girl, chances are your favorite body lotion is loaded up with fragrances that can irritate freshly shaved skin. Buy a product that’s specifically geared to soothe the area (be careful of men’s after-shaves, which aren’t the same thing) or use a mild natural moisturizer like aloe vera or coconut oil to hydrate and protect your skin.
Mistake #7: Putting on the wrong kind of underwear when you’re done.
If you can help it, don’t reach for your itty-bitty lacy thong after grooming down there. Soft, 100-percent cotton underwear that doesn’t have tight elastic bands around the leg openings is ideal. It’ll give your skin a chance to breathe and recover, preventing in-grown hairs in the process.
For more hair removal tips, don't miss:
-11 Things You Should NEVER Do After a Bikini Wax
-11 Things Your Bikini Waxer Wants You to Know
