Laser, waxing or shaving?

Hair can be permanently removed by laser. But it could be that at some point a partner comes along who loves the wild and original. Or the fashion changes again. But then the hair will be gone. Forever.

With waxing, the ordeal should be less painful after the first few times. This is certainly due to the fact that the hair is gradually removed permanently. There are dermatologists who advise against straining the sensitive intimate area in this way. And they also recommend classic shaving.

The great advantage of shaving is that the hair roots are not affected. So if fashion, your partner or your tastes change, you can simply let your hair grow back. Waxing, not waxing.... But now to the spots. These make smooth skin appear much less erotic or well-groomed. And they can also contribute to an impaired sense of well-being. With a few preparations, however, they can also be avoided when shaving:

Cleanse the skin well

Use an antibacterial wash lotion to lather up the hair and flush any bacteria that may be present down the sink. After all, one reason for pimples can be the same bacteria that penetrate skin that has been stressed by shaving. The key word is "stressed skin". So don't panic, these bacteria don't do anything else. Rumor has it that pubic hair is unhygienic. Nonsense. This is only true if you don't think much of washing overall. You can also make a real ritual out of it and treat yourself to a relaxing bath. This will leave your skin nice and soft.

Important for women: It really is enough if you only lather the hair. The inner part of your vulva and vagina does not need washing lotion.

Trim the bush

If you have just decided to go naked and still have a full bush to show for it, you should trim your hair first. Even if it's only part of the bush. This is because long hair can get caught in the razor and be accidentally torn out. And we want to be gentle on the skin. You can use scissors (please be careful!) or an electric razor (if available) for pre-shaving.

Wet or dry shaving?

Opinions differ here. Again, there are advantages and disadvantages to both methods:

• If you want to shave each other or yourself in an erotic ceremony, a classic wet shave with a razor, brush and shaving foam is definitely the hotter method. This also makes it easier to model contours if you want your intimate hair to have a certain style afterwards. The more thorough result also speaks in favor of wet shaving, where the next shave can wait two to three days. However, the risk of injury is much higher with a razor. If you like the thrill, go for it.
  
• If, on the other hand, you like it safe, simple and fast, you might be better off with a dry shave. However, there is a risk of clogged pores due to horn dust, which in turn can develop into small pimples. In addition, the hair is only cut off superficially and therefore grows in more easily, which can also lead to inflammation and pustules. And that's exactly what we want to avoid.

Simply try out which method works best for you.

Use a sharp blade

A sharp blade is the be-all and end-all of shaving (and cooking) and is actually given far too little attention. "It'll be fine" is the motto. No, as with kitchen knives, the sharper the better and the lower the risk of injury. With blunt blades, you are more likely to rip the hair out than cut it off.

Incidentally, normal disposable razors only have a single blade, unlike reusable razors. And with one blade you naturally catch fewer hairs than with several. However, the more often you rake over the skin, the more stressed it becomes. So it's worth spending a little more money. And please always shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it!

Care before and after

When shaving wet, you should use shaving gel, shaving foam or a pH-neutral shower gel anyway. This softens both skin and hair, makes shaving easier and cares for the skin. Afterwards, you can cool the skin with cold water and apply skin oils, aloe vera or lotions with jojoba ingredients. You can also use skin care balms that have been specially developed for shaved skin. Make sure that it does not contain alcohol, as this irritates sensitive skin.

The aftershow

Freshly shaved skin should not be irritated by tight underwear or synthetic materials. It is therefore advisable to wear a little more cotton underwear, especially after the first shave. Or stay in bed without underwear. ☺ Once your skin has got used to the new feeling and has become a little more resistant, you can do what you want again.

Anja Drews - qualified sex educator for ORION