How To Cut or Trim Pubic Hair

Want to avoid getting razor burn, skin irritation and ingrown hairs when shaving or cutting pubic hair? Discover the best methods and devices for bikini hair removal or trimming.

Woman doing cartwheel on the beach

Knowing how to remove pubic hair (sometimes also called bikini line hair) properly reduces the chances of skin irritation. Learn how to successfully remove pubic hair and protect your skin while doing it. Since the skin around the pubic area is sensitive, and the hair is thick and coarse, you have to be extra cautious when removing hair down there to prevent skin irritation. Below are essential pubic hair removal tips to keep in mind to safeguard your skin. And, if you’re just interested in just shaving around the bikini line, click here to learn how to do it properly.

How to trim or cut pubic hair?

Woman shaving her belly area

If you want to simply trim, cut or style pubic hair, use a pair of scissors, electric razor or bikini trimmers to cut the pubic hair to the desired length. When trimming pubic hair the hair around areas that are not clearly visible, grab a mirror so you can see what you are doing and minimize the chances of error, cuts or irritation.

How to shave pubic hair?

Woman shaving her belly area

For sensitive areas like your pubic area and bikini line, knowing how to shave properly to prevent skin irritation, razor burn and ingrown hairs is crucial. Here are some fundamental steps for shaving pubic hair.

Trim before shaving

Bikini trimmer on the blue background

If your pubic hair is on the long side, trimming pubic hair is a key step to take before shaving this area. It helps protect your skin from irritation by avoiding re-shaving over any areas with longer hair and helps keep your razor blade sharper for longer.

Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells

Woman applying product to her bikini area

After trimming or cutting any long hairs as needed, use a gentle scrub, loofah or exfoliation gloves and lightly scrub the pubic area. Exfoliating before you shave helps remove any dead skin which can cause ingrown hairs to develop. Learn more about ingrown hairs and how to prevent them.

Use a sharp, clean razor

Detached 2 bladed razor head

Using a dull razor blade increases the chances of razor burn, bumps and irritation, so make sure to use a sharp, clean razor when shaving. If your blade feels rough on your skin, pulls at your body hair or you’re itching more than normal after you shave, it’s time to replace your razor blade. What’s more, consider using a dedicated razor for the pubic area to help prevent spreading any bacteria in case you get nicked or cut while shaving. If you need a new razor before your next shave, try building your own; and click here to see all the shaving products available.

Hydrate and wash your pubic area before shaving

Female legs in a bubbly bath

Soak your pubic area for at least five minutes via a warm shower or bath, and make sure your skin is clean before you shave. This helps soften the follicles so the pubic hairs cut more easily.

Applying a generous layer of shaving cream

Woman applying product to her bikini area

Shaving gel or cream helps maintain moisture while you shave and allows the blade to move more smoothly across your skin down there. And, using shaving cream also prevents accidentally re-shaving over the same spots, which can irritate the skin around your pubic area.

Shave in the direction of hair growth

Woman shaving her bikini line

Gently press down on the razor, pull the skin taut and shave in short, steady strokes in the direction of the hair growth. Rinse off the razor after each stroke to keep the blades clean. For a closer shave, reapply shave gel and carefully shave against the direction of the hair growth.

Apply moisturizer after you finish shaving

A woman pouring oil form a dropper into her hand

Once finished shaving, rinse the pubic area, pat your skin dry and apply a mild moisturizer, ideally alcohol-free. For added protection, let your skin recover for at least an hour before putting on any tight clothing.

In addition to trimming and shaving pubic hair, there are a wide range of hair removal methods you can try, whether you want to cut the hair at the surface, or the root or find a more permanent solution. What’s most important is finding a hair removal method that fits your specific needs. Learn more about various hair removal methods from pubic hair removal cream to epilation.