Smooth shaving

Ahhh, the old bikini line. Sure it’s the middle of Winter and you might have let the old girl go, but before you know it the sun will be shining again and you’ll be reaching for the bikini, and the razor once more. But ouch, the bumps, the rash, it’s not all roses. The Bachelor’s Abbie Chatfield talked about it a while back on socials - but we know she isn’t alone in experiencing shaving bumps down there. The reality for the reality TV star—and everyone, really—is that shaving bikini lines can cause irritation.

If you’re a woman who chooses to groom her bikini area, use these top tips from Make My Shave for a smoother shaving experience: 1. Invest in a quality women’s razor Picking a premium women’s razor that’s designed to suit sensitive areas is the first step in making sure your bikini line is left smooth and rash-free. When choosing your razor, look out for three things: multiple blades, a lubricated cushion, and a flexible head. 5-blades make a touchable difference and give a much closer shave around your precious parts. A quick, gentle shave means less risk of nasty nicks and cuts, and less chance of unsightly (and annoying) irritation. 2. Fresh razor heads work best Quality blades make a huge difference in the quest for a silky smooth bikini line. A dull blade tugs delicate skin and can cause inflammation around hair follicles, increasing the risk of razor bumps. With a razor subscription, fresh, recyclable razor heads get delivered on demand. Because you control your subscription, the convenient delivery of new blades fits perfectly with your regular shave routine. 3. Don’t forget the pre-shave prep! Moist skin is an essential part of a safe, smooth shave. If shaving happens in the shower or bathtub, make sure to wet the bikini area with warm water before getting started. By softening the outer layer of skin, hair removal is easier, with less drag and less chance of uncomfortable razor burn. Exfoliating lightly with a body scrub, washcloth, or loofah with soap also helps—but remember to be gentle: less is more! It’s always best to avoid heavily scented products on your delicate areas. Exfoliation is a major must because it teases out ingrown hairs and lets the blades get even closer to your skin, for an up-close, personal shave that is as smooth as silk.

4. Match shaving cream/gel to your skin type When shaving your bikini area, extra slickness can make all the difference. Whatever product you choose, make sure it’s fragrance-free to reduce irritation risk. Letting the cream or gel soak in will help soften the skin before shaving. Look for eco-products especially designed for pubic hair 5. Shave in one direction To help prevent annoying ingrown hairs, avoid shaving in different directions. Without adding too much pressure, downward blade strokes work best. With a superior 5-blade razor, one pass is usually enough to remove the hairs easily. Gently stretching out the skin with the other hand makes a smoother surface for effortless shaving. Avoid re-shaving over delicate areas. With the right prep and care (and the right razor!), there will be less trauma and a more enjoyable shaving experience. 6. Rinse the razor between shaves In between each shaving stroke, rinsing the razor helps prevent clogged blades. Removing debris and hair build-up means a sharper shave.

7. Close those pores! After shaving, make sure all traces of shaving foam or gel have been rinsed away before running cooler water over the area to close the pores and prevent bacteria or dirt from getting under the skin. To avoid the risk of irritation and reduce razor burn, one sneaky tip is to hold a cold compress on the delicate area.

8. Treat with tea tree if needed No matter how careful you may be, sometimes small nicks still happen. Using a natural tea tree antiseptic spray or lotion can help relieve any stings and minimise the risk of infection.

9. Soothe and moisturise for baby smooth skin Moisturising after shaving is a body care must-do! Stick to unscented, alcohol-free moisturisers. Aloe vera, jojoba oil, and vitamin E are great skin hydration and will help skin feel as good as it looks. 10.Don’t forget sun protection Shaving that silky smooth bikini line may be all about getting beach-ready (especially if there is a tropical holiday on the agenda!) but it’s important to remember that freshly shaved skin is sensitive to sunburn and needs protection. Plan shaving for 24 hours prior to sun exposure for safest results. 11. Clean and dry your razor Rinsing the razor thoroughly with hot water after each shave will help protect the blades and prolong the life of your razor. 12. Choose sustainable Technically, whether or not your razor of choice is friendlier to the planet doesn’t make it friendlier for your skin. But it’s definitely friendlier for your soul! Luckily, smooth, easy shaving doesn’t have to cost the earth. Make My Shave’s sustainable shavers subscriptions plants trees for Australian wildlife, provides free carbon offset delivery, and includes a free compostable mailer so that customers can send back their used heads for recycling! makemyshave.com.au