That is almost always the question when it comes to dealing with the bikini area. Shaving certainly is convenient. It's there when you need it, you don't have to make an appointment, you don't have to bare your unmentionables to a stranger and it's free (except for buying the razor, that is).
Of course, after even the best of shaves, that little unwelcome visitor, stubble, rears its ugly head and makes you remember why you hate shaving! The itching, the discomfortand that's AFTER the red, raised, bumps and irritation that happen right after shaving. When you put it all together, maybe shaving isn't the best way to clean up that bikini line. So, short of leaving the area untamed and unworthy of even a modest one-piece bathing suit, what's a girl to do?
Today, there are lots of alternatives to sending your hairs under the blade, if you will: Waxing, electrolysiseven laser hair removal. Understanding the benefits and not-so-great sides of each method will help you make the best decision for you.
And even if you're committed to keeping your razor, there are a host of products and techniques that you can use to minimize, or even eliminate, those notorious "bikini bumps."
If you appreciate the always-ready convenience of shaving, there are a few things you can do to minimize the "bikini bump" syndrome that often accompanies this home hair-removal method.
First, be sure to adequately wet the skin and the bikini hair. Since pubic hair is much more coarse than hair on other parts of the body, this saturating step is very important. Using a large amount of a moisturizing shaving cream, such as Aveeno Therapeutic Shaving Gel or Whish Shave Crave - Almond used with Whish Original Body Brush, helps soften the hair even more, making shaving easier.
When you begin to shave, pull the skin tight with your non-shaving hand. Then shave in upward strokes. Make sure there is adequate shaving cream on the hair and skin before each stroke. Without this protection, you're likely to get red and bumpy after you shave.
Some experts recommend rubbing an ice cube over the shaved bikini area to reduce redness and discomfort. A nice application of a soothing after-shave product, such as California North After Shave Care can help make you more comfortable. And if those nasty bikini bumps do appear, try MD Formulations Glycare Acne Gel, which is great for sending them packing.
Rubbing alcohol-based shaving bump products have made a name for themselves but be careful. Alcohol can actually worsen the inflammation. And the active ingredient in most of these products is nothing more than aspirin. So consider taking a Tylenol or Advil before you shave to reduce the amount of inflammation that may arise. You'll be able to skip the alcohol and still reap the benefits.
Another option to reduce skin inflammation: look to GHK Copper Peptides. Best known for their use in skin rejuvenation, these handy little molecules first made their presence known in the wound healing world. Try a dab of Neova After Shave Therapyafter shaving and see if you don't get some well deserved relief.
Are you acne prone after shaving? Then fall back upon a standard, benzoyl peroxide to be precise. No longer relegated to prescription status, using a bpo based product such as B. Kamins Medicated Acne Gel with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide or MD Formulations Benzoyl Peroxide 10 can make a world of difference. Follow this up with one of your favorite options above and wear your bikini with flare!
And finally, to decrease the discomfort of the soon-to-return stubble, make sure to keep the area well moisturized between shaves.
Fashionwithfifi.com is giving you a chance to win SCHICK's Intuition Plus Sensitive Care kit (in Aloe & Vitamin E). The kit contains 1 razor and cartridge and 1 x 0.35 oz (10g) skin conditioning solid.
Official Rules:
1) First you must be a member of the free to join "Fashion Circle" and be subscribed to Fashionwithfifi.com. Click Here: If you aren't already a free subscriber.
2) Next you'll need to leave a comment on this post telling us whether or not you should shave and why (by wording it "to shave because... " or "not to shave because...").
3) Shipping is Free for all participants in the U.S. Winner from a country outside of the U.S. would have to pay for shipping.
4) Contest runs from now - Tuesday, October 20, 2009 through Monday, October 26, 2009. Winner will be announced on here on Fashionwithfifi.com on Tuesday, October 27, 2009.
5) You must be 18 years or older to enter. Under 18 will need a parent's consent.
6) Shipping to P.O. Box is fine.
"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"
- Suzanna
Not to shave because of razor bumps. I've always gotten razor bumps after shaving so I stop doing it. I get it waxed or I use the lotion stuff which seems to work well for me. I don't shave my legs either, I use the lotion on my legs and arms since I was 14 and it always does the job.
ReplyDeleteTo shave because. I never did before b/c I would always get razor burn, but now I'm much gentler and I don't get razor burn any longer. Pheew!
ReplyDeleteHi Yoshi, Pheew!
ReplyDeleteTo shave because it reduces the amount sweat (for me personally). I work out alot and if I do not shave I am a sweaty mess & more likely to carry odor.
ReplyDelete"To shave" because I mean, I dance alot in the clubs, and it would just NOT be cute to raise up my arms and it's a forest under there, LoL! And just as a woman, I think it's just the sanitary, womanly thing to do...that's just ME =)
ReplyDeleteoh and as well "to shave" DOWN THERE, just keepin' it real, is a YES because, I just feel cleaner & fresher HONESTLY, lol
ReplyDeleteNot to shave because it just leaves my skin horribly irritated. Another method would probably be best.
ReplyDeleteNot to shave because when you shave you shave the hair off of the surface and do not take the hair from the root. Other options, like waxing, lasts longer and in my opinion is better for dealing with pubic hair.
ReplyDeleteHi T-Charry. Thanks for Keeping it Real
ReplyDeleteTo shave, because you will feel cleaner and more confident about yourself
ReplyDeleteTo shave because I don't want to walk down the street looking like I have on leggings when I don't...LOL
ReplyDeleteGood Comment, Patrice. Natural leggings went out during the victorian age. LOL
ReplyDeleteTo shave, because afros are only cute when they're on your head. LOL
ReplyDeleteTo shave because it look more sexy when you have a clean smooth surface on your body then a hairy bush. Shaving is clearly the best option.
ReplyDeleteTo shave cause it just feel better
ReplyDeleteTo shave because you can show off your sexy, hairless legs and feel beautiful on the inside without worrying about anyone thinking you nasty for leaving your legs so hairy. It is just nice to have a clean, shaved legs.
ReplyDeletemost of the time i will shave, but when winter rolls around my skin gets very dry, so instead i will use veet, or nair on my legs bc it moisturizes them so much and thats great to keep my legs smooth and touchable for the cold weather :)
ReplyDeleteTo shave because I hate being the hairy werewolf I am.
ReplyDeleteTO SHAVE!! I hate seeing women with hair on their longer that what is on their head....Not attrative in my eyes.
ReplyDeleteShave if you need to bc too much hair is not cute!
ReplyDeleteNot to shave because it's irritating when it starts to regrow.
ReplyDeleteSHAVEEEEE!!!!. its a must... at least for me.. If not i tend to look like a " Hairy-Scary Monster". Not a good look
ReplyDeleteTo shave....lawd have mercy not worst than a hairy chica:)
ReplyDeleteTo shave because I don't want to walk around looking like Jar Jar Binx!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteTo shave because I love to have my body (except my head) nice and hairless...lol.
ReplyDeleteto shave...because I like the smoothness of my body with no hair...plus there are so many options now to avoid the bumps
ReplyDeleteTo shave because furry does NOT look good on me...!! LOL. Plus, I think it's better for my skin than using products like Nair or Veet.
ReplyDeleteNot to shave, razor bumps for two weeks!
ReplyDeleteTo shave because shaved legs look sexy and feel so supplw and soft. It also helps to shave especially this time of the year so that when you are putting on your tights or stockings your hair wont get caught in the material!!
ReplyDeleteTo shave!!! Well because it feels great after.... If done correctly!! plus my hubby does it for me lol
ReplyDeleteTo shave, so everything is nice and neat and pleasing to the eye!
ReplyDeleteTo shave because it's more convenient and I don't want a stranger looking at my stuff. Also waxing hurts alot and can also cause redness, irritation, ingrown hairs, and less money in your pockets lol.
ReplyDeleteTo SHAVE!!!..geesh..just looks nicer! lolz
ReplyDeleteDON'T SHAVE...because it leaves you with ingrown hairs which kill to get out as the cream you can use burns the skin it's uncomfy and the hairs grown back too fast
ReplyDeleteBut TO SHAVE because i dont like to be hairy so BOTH lol
to shave cuz I wanna be soft and smooth
ReplyDeleteNannyGadiOctober 23, 2009 at 8:53 AM
I don't shave in that area. I don't see the point reall lol. God put it there. It's an extra layer of warmth. lol does that sound gross?
ReplyDeleteto shave because.......It does leave my legs feeling smooth when i use the right products and for me its the most convenient method
ReplyDeletenot to shave!!!!!!.....its more natural :)
ReplyDeleteEvery woman should shave....just use veet! Some areas just are not pleasing to the eye when they are hairy!!!
ReplyDeleteTo save because You will be more fresh in that area and feel more confident!
ReplyDeleteTo shave because I love the way my legs feels
ReplyDeletehairless.