Start by Trimming the Hair

If your pubic hair is super long, you’ll want to start by trimming it a bit (a pair of small eyebrow scissors makes it easy to do so). According to Dr. Portela, it should ideally be about a 1/4 inch long—any longer, and you risk the razor getting clogged with hair, preventing you from getting the closest and smoothest shave possible.

Pick the Right Razor

There’s a lot that goes into picking a good razor. And it’s time worth spending—just think about the instances where you’ve gone with a cheap, ill-suited razor because it was all you had available…the results are rarely comfortable.

Razors with more blades can deliver a closer shave, but you should be careful about using them in a sensitive area like along your bikini line—especially if you have sensitive skin to begin with.

You should also consider the features and function of the razor. Using a razor with a flexible head that can easily navigate curves is an especially good idea when shaving your bikini area, says Dr. Portela. And shavettes or straight razors should probably be removed from the running altogether.

Wash and Exfoliate the Area

Shave in the shower after you’ve cleansed the area and exfoliated. Exfoliation removes dead skin cell buildup, which if left on the skin’s surface can trap hairs beneath the skin (leading to ingrown hairs and bumps). Removing dead skin helps lift the hair away from the skin for a smoother shave, explains Dr. Yadav. You can use a gentle physical scrub for this (sugar-based scrubs tend to be more hydrating than salt-based options) or simply massage the area gently with a damp washcloth or loofah; no product required.

Shave at the End of Your Shower

Giving your skin time to soak in water before shaving is key to a smooth finish. Shaving can feel like a chore and it’s unlikely you’ll come across someone who just loves shaving. So, it’s natural to want to rush through the process and get it over and done with. But, this can be a potentially harmful approach—or at least, one that will lead to more bumps and skin irritation.

You can get a closer, smoother, and less irritating shave by giving your skin time to soak in warm water. This allows the hair to soften, dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD tells Byrdie. This is easy to achieve by positioning shaving as the grand finale of your shower, but if you’re just popping in specifically for shaving purposes then give your skin roughly 10 minutes or so to soak.

Make Sure Your Razor Is Sharp

“A fresh, sharp razor is essential for a close and even shave,” explains Dr. Portela. “Dull blades can cause irritation, razor burn, and uneven results.” Dr. Yadav agrees, noting that the duller the razor, the more times you’ll have to go over the same area, upping the likelihood of irritation and bumps. (Not to mention, old razors can start to get rusty and harbor germs and bacteria.)

Load Up On Shaving Cream

Shaving dry is essentially a one-way ticket to razor burns and bumps. Slather on shaving cream, which will lubricate the area and help the razor glide smoothly over your skin; “This reduces the risk of both cuts or irritation,” says Dr. Portela.

While any shaving cream will be better than none at all, ideally, you’ll want to choose one that’s fragrance-free or formulated for the sensitive skin of the bikini area, he adds. We like Eos’ Shea Better Shaving Cream for Sensitive Skin.

Shave in the Direction of Hair Growth

Giving a little extra thought to your shaving technique can make a world of difference when it comes to the results. For starters, “Shave in the direction of hair growth to minimize irritation and the risk of ingrown hairs,” Dr. Portela advises. “This decreases the risk of a hair being cut so short that it recedes below the surface of the skin, at which point it is much more likely to become ingrown.”

Use light, even strokes with gentle pressure, and rinse the razor frequently to remove built-up hair and shaving cream. Finally, pull the skin taut as you shave. This will help the razor glide easier and reduce irritation, which is especially important if you’re shaving areas where the skin is softer and has more stretch, such as the labia, he adds.

Finish With a Post-Shave Product

Pat the area dry and apply a soothing, moisturizing after-shave product. Shaving doesn’t just remove hair but also exfoliates the skin, Dr. Portela notes; this can lead to irritation if the skin isn’t moisturized afterward. Similarly, Dr. Yadav says a post-shaving product is also a good way to soothe and comfort the skin and minimize the likelihood of bumps. She recommends Tree Hut’s Coconut Lime Bare Post-Shave Soothing Mist.