The Biggest Mistake You're Making When Shaving Down There, Experts Say

IF YOU'RE NOT TAKING THIS LITTLE PRE-SHAVING STEP, YOU COULD END UP INJURING YOURSELF.

There are many ways you can go about ridding the area beneath your bathing suit of hair. But whether you're shaving, waxing, or lasering it off, it must be done gingerly, lest you risk messing with a super delicate spot. If you're going to journey into shaving your pubic hair, you want to avoid any mistakes that could cause cuts, razor bumps, or infections. But since it's a topic we don't tend to talk about often, the truth is, you could be doing it wrong. According to experts, the biggest mistake people run into when shaving down there is not soaking the area first. To learn what they mean by that, read on. And for more dos and don'ts, check out The One Body Part You Should Never Shave.

The thought of running a razor over a dry patch of hair is enough to make your skin crawl; but even worse, it'll make your skin irritated. "Soaking your skin and hair in water before you shave will make your hair softer and ensure a smoother shave," says beauty expert Lina Buk.

"Never. Shave. Dry," Lindsay Wynn, founder of vaginal wellness brand Momotaro Apotheca, confirmed to beauty site Byrdie. "Unless you want a raging rash of razor burn, shave your pubic hair at the end of your shower or bath, once your hair follicles will have had a chance to thoroughly soften."

The softer your hair is down there, the easier it will be for the razor to do its job. "The water will help soften your pubic hair (which can be wiry) and make it easier for the razor to glide over your skin," the experts at Gillette add.

But not using enough water is hardly the only mistake you're making when shaving. Here are other common missteps to avoid when shaving downtown. And to see which body part could be risky to clean, check out The One Body Part You Should Never Clean, According to Doctors.

1
Not exfoliating
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Any expert will tell you that exfoliation is the key to achieving a smooth shave. "Remember to exfoliate your shaving area with a gentle exfoliating cream," advises Buk. "This will eliminate dead skin cells and other impurities, prevent ingrown hairs, and help you get a smoother shave." To see which body part you should avoid in the shower entirely, check out The One Body Part You Shouldn't Wash in the Shower, Doctors Say.

2
Using harsh soaps
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Not every soap is meant to come in contact with every part of your body. Buk says some soaps could irritate your most sensitive skin when shaving, so you should avoid those containing perfumes and other harsh chemicals and opt for more gentle soaps. And for more useful information delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.

3
Not maintaining tension
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Esthetician and blogger Mathayi Abraham says this applies more to men than women, but it's relevant to both. "When you are shaving the trickier parts, you need to ensure that you stretch your skin enough to maintain tension. If you do not do this, you can cut yourself because the razor cannot move smoothly," she explains. And for the tea on another taboo topic, find out What Happens to Your Body When You Forget to Wear Deodorant.

4
Not using shaving cream
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Shaving cream has one job, and that is to make shaving safer and smoother for you. "Friction is your enemy," says Abraham. "You need to ensure that your hair is doused in shaving cream to ensure a smooth shave." And for more about taking care of your most sensitive area, check out What Happens to Your Body When You Don't Change Your Underwear.