Each and every woman has her own “style” in the bikini area. Regardless of whether you prefer the nude Brazilian look, the “runway,” or just clean up the edges, we all suffer from razor burn, bumps, and ingrown hairs from time to time. There are certain shaving techniques, before and after shave products that will help, if not eliminate, that painful and itchy “plucked chicken” look. Here are some tips for a healthy and safe shave “down there”.

1. Exfoliate: Gently scrub your bikini area before shaving to remove dead skin that causes clogged pores and post-shave irritation. You can use a scrub cloth or a regular body or face scrub. Exfoliating this area regularly will help prevent further irritation, ingrown hairs, and skin sensitivity.

2. Wait until the end of the shower and use a natural, oil-based shaving cream: For the sensitive skin of the bikini area, there is a basic shaving technique that experts say works for everyone. Most experts suggest waiting until the end of your shower to shave. After soaking the skin, the hair and skin become softer, allowing for a close and smooth shave. Apply an emollient-rich cream-based shaving cream that contains hemp seed and argan oils to add moisture and protection during the shave.

3. Shave with the hair growth first, then against the grain: pubic hair is coarse and the skin in that area is the most prone to irritation. Begin by shaving in the same direction the hair grows. Then, if you want a smoother, completely hairless look, shave against the grain and rinse. This technique can be used on all body hair, but generally the finer hair on the legs and arms can be shaved against the grain from the start. It’s best to use a new razor every time you shave your bikini area.

4. Pat dry: After you finish shaving, pat the skin dry, do not rub. Rubbing with a towel irritates the skin and should not be done regardless of whether the skin is freshly shaven or not. You should also try to stay away from heat to avoid sweating for 24 hours after shaving to prevent itchiness and ingrown hairs.

5. Apply an all-natural aftershave treatment: Apply an aftershave treatment that contains all-natural ingredients. Tea tree oil-based products are particularly effective for the newly shaved or waxed bikini area. Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It is a very effective natural remedy against countless skin ailments, infections, cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites, skin blemishes, etc.

Using tea tree oil will help heal and renew your skin, allowing you to shave more often and maintain a close shave with minimal irritation. Look for a product that combines tea tree oil with more emollients, vitamin E, and oils rich in Omega 3, 6, 9 such as hemp seed oil, avocado, rosehip, soybean, jojoba, and apricot kernel oil to moisturize and protect freshly shaved skin. These types of aftershave oils are also great for after waxing.

6. Stay away from products that contain harmful and irritating ingredients – Freshly shaved skin that is as sensitive as your bikini area easily absorbs any product you may apply, therefore it is important to avoid harmful or irritating chemicals. Be sure to avoid pre-shave and after-shave products that contain mineral oil, dyes, propylene glycol sulfates, acetylsalicylate (which is potentially toxic and is present in many shaving products), phthalates, or parabens.