This also opens the pores and cleanses the skin (it has to be warm, though). Not only will you be working to eliminate the bumps, but you’ll also get a closer, cleaner shave, too.

Oddly enough, you can find pre-shave oils at health food stores. But don’t eat it. It’s made of silicone and is just used to cut down on friction and soften your hairs. [4] X Research source

Choosing shaving cream is usually a matter of personal taste. However, the better creams on the market are glycerin-based and contain these ingredients: aqua, stearic acid, myristic acid, coconut acid, sodium and potassium hydroxides, and triethanolamine. It’s best to avoid benzocaine and menthol, as those are both rather pore-clogging. [4] X Research source

You can extend the life of your razor by taking good care of it. Wash out any hair trapped in the blades, but don’t leave it wet – the water will wear down the blades.

Use light pressure. Pressing the razor too hard against the face or shaving the same patch in multiple strokes will cause irritation. Don’t stretch the skin! For your pubic area this may be necessary, but your beard will do just fine on its own, thanks.

Hang it bristles downward so it drains after you’re finished using it. The shape of the brush will stay more intact, but you’ll also cut down on bacteria, cutting down on razor bumps. [4] X Research source Everybody wins! Well, except the bacteria.

You can also press a cold, wet cloth against your face for five minutes to really seal the deal. Really, the more time you take, the better.

They are especially useful for healing accidental cuts. If you get a quick nick, moisten the block and apply it to the area. It works as an antiseptic![4] X Research source

This step is imperative to restoring moisture to your skin. Go for an alcohol-free one to stay derma-hydrated. If that wasn’t a word, it sure is now. You may wish to choose a product specifically made for sensitive skin. If you know yours reacts to everything under the sun, spend another dollar or two to go for the good stuff.

It doesn’t have to be even and pretty, it just has to be short. Make sure to check the hard-to-reach areas too!

You can do this in a number of ways. First off, the shower or bath is your best bet. The more time you spend under the water, the better. However, you could also take a wet washrag to the area if you’re pressed for time.

Don’t use the same stuff you used on your face, if you can help it. Choose a product that’s specifically made for pubic hair shaving (namely, scent-free). As you probably well know, your face is a completely different canvas than what’s down there.

Use a good razor. Throw out the ones you use every few shaving sessions. They just dull and do a poor job after too long (and can actually lead to spreading bacteria, creating bumps and burn). Treat yours right by rinsing all the hair off and drying it when you’re done – water will erode away the metal.

If you must choose one exfoliating process to do, choose this one. You don’t want to leave your follicles all over the place, allowing for ingrown hairs and bacteria to spread. All that work for nothing!

Do not go for aftershave. Do you want an ambulance to be called? Stick to alcohol-free, unscented creams and lotions. Baby oil is good if you’re not planning on having sex after, as it can deteriorate latex condoms. [11] X Research source www. pamf. org/teen/health/skin/pubichairremoval. html

This actually goes for your beard, too, if you keep clothing around your face. On the off chance you’re wearing scarves or turtlenecks to cover up the bumps, know that this could actually be making it worse!

If you have razor bumps already, give ’em a chance to heal! Skip a few days of shaving to let them do their thing. You won’t have to grow a hobo beard (but if you could, that’d also be useful), but do grow some stubble. They’ll work themselves out.

Alternatively, you could apply a cool, wet compress to razor burn for up to 20 minutes to reduce inflammation and relieve itching. [15] X Research source

In a pinch, aloe vera or hydrocortisone should also help. These products are a little easier to find in your mom’s/sister’s/roommate’s medicine cabinet, huh?

Don’t rub them either. When in doubt, stay away. They’ll go away with time. Patience, young Jedi.