How to treat shaving bumps on the pubic area

Should I shave down there? And how should I shave down there? These are common questions you’ve likely had when thinking about your personal grooming. Shaving the pubic area can be a tricky and sensitive task – especially if you’re prone to shaving bumps down there. These bumps occur when the skin becomes irritated after shaving or when hairs grow back into the skin, causing redness and inflammation. The good news? Shaving bumps on the pubic area can be avoided with the right technique and post-shaving care. 

 

In this guide, we’ll cover how to avoid shaving bumps down there and offer helpful tips for a smooth, irritation-free shave.

Why do I get shaving bumps down there?

 

Shaving bumps on pubic areas, also known as razor bumps or pseudofolliculitis, appear as red, inflamed bumps on the skin after shaving.¹ They are caused by hair that curls back into the skin, resulting in irritation and inflammation, which are known as ingrown hairs. 

Now, as daunting as that all sounds, learning how to get rid of shaving bumps on pubic areas isn’t too complicated if you have the right approach! 

How to shave down there without getting bumps: Skin preparation 

 

To avoid shaving bumps on the pubic area, preparation is key. Follow these steps to ensure your skin is ready for shaving:

 

1. Exfoliate the area: Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, unclogs hair follicles, and allows hair to grow freely. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or exfoliating glove on the pubic area before shaving to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs and shaving bumps on the pubic area. 
   
   
2. Take a warm shower: For those wanting to learn how to shave down there without getting bumps, warm water can open your pores and soften the hair down there, making it easier to shave without irritation. Avoid hot water, as it can dry out the skin and increase sensitivity.
   
   
3. Apply shaving gel or cream: For a smooth shave, apply a generous amount of shaving gel or cream. Choose a fragrance-free formula, as fragrances can irritate sensitive skin. A soothing shaving gel creates a protective layer between the blade and the skin, minimising the chances of shaving bumps down there.
   

How to prevent bumps after shaving pubic hair using the right tools

 

Now that you’ve prepped your skin, let’s dive into the proper shaving techniques and tools to avoid shaving bumps down there:

 

• Use a clean, sharp shaver: The first and most important answer to your question, ‘how to avoid shaving bumps down there’, is to make sure you’ve got the right tools in your arsenal. A dull razor can tug at the hair, leading to skin irritation and nicks. Always use a clean, sharp shaver. Like the Philips OneBlade Intimate, which is ideal for sensitive areas and delivers a smooth, bump-free shave without irritation, helping you avoid needing to ask questions like ‘how to not get shaving bumps down there’! 
  
  
• Shave in the direction of hair growth: Now onto the techniques. Shaving against the grain may seem like a shortcut to a closer shave, but it can lead to bumps and ingrown hairs. If you want to know how to avoid shaving bumps down there, the key is to always shave in the direction of hair growth to reduce the risk of irritation.
  
  
• Stretch the skin: When shaving a specific area, like the anus or underarms, gently stretch the skin to make it taut. The tightness will create a smoother surface for shaving and help avoid cuts.
  
  
• Avoid pressing too hard: You might feel tempted to just quickly get this process over done with, using choppy, broad strokes of your blade. But that will only lead to more shaving bumps on the pubic area. Instead, let the shaver glide gently over your skin without pressing too hard—the key is to be gentle and allow the shaver to do the work.
  
  
• Rinse the blade frequently: There’s nothing worse than a dirty blade. When shaving, hair and shaving gel can build up on the blade, making the shave less effective and potentially causing cuts. Rinse the blade frequently to ensure a smooth, consistent shave.

Post-shaving care: How to prevent razor bumps on pubic area

 

Once you’ve finished shaving, proper aftercare is an essential step when learning how to get rid of shaving bumps on the pubic area. Here’s what you need to do:

 

1. Rinse with cool water: Before shaving, you need a warm shower. But after shaving, rinse the pubic area with cool water. This helps close the pores and soothe the skin. It will also remove any residual shaving cream or hair, reducing the risk of bumps after shaving down there.
   
   
2. Pat dry gently: Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing the skin, as this can cause additional irritation and redness, which could lead to shaving bumps on the pubic area. 
   
   
3. Apply a soothing moisturiser: To calm the skin, apply a fragrance-free moisturiser or aloe vera gel. These products hydrate and soothe the skin, preventing dryness and irritation. Choose a product designed for sensitive skin to avoid further discomfort and reduce the risk of shaving bumps down there. 
   
   
4. Wear loose, breathable clothing: Tight clothing can cause friction on freshly shaved skin, leading to irritation and bumps. Opt for loose-fitting underwear and breathable fabrics to keep the area comfortable and minimise the risk of shaving bumps on the pubic area.

How to prevent bumps after shaving pubic hair long-term

 

If you’re prone to shaving bumps down there, here are some long-term strategies to prevent them:

 

• Shave less frequently: Now, you may be causing shaving bumps down there because you’re shaving too frequently, before the hair is ready to be removed. Instead, if you’re feeling like your hair is getting too long, but it’s still too close to the skin to shave, consider trimming the pubic area with a body groomer. This can help maintain neatness without causing as much irritation.
  
  
• Exfoliate regularly: Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, preventing clogged pores and ingrown hairs. It’s one of the most effective ways to avoid the dreaded shaving bumps on the pubic area.
  
  
• Invest in the right tools: Ensuring that you have the right tools in your personal grooming kit is essential to your shaving routine. Having a high-quality shaver, like the Philips OneBlade Intimate, and adopting a gentle shaving routine can make all the difference when trying to prevent shaving bumps down there.

 

Avoiding shaving bumps down there is all about preparation, technique, and post-shaving care. By following the steps outlined above, you can enjoy smooth, irritation-free skin without worrying about unsightly bumps. And once you’re comfortable with your new routine, you experiment with some shaving styles for your intimate areas as well!

 

Sources:
¹ Pseudofolliculitis, British Association of Dermatology