Is it okay to shave your bikini line? My friend says that she gets red bumps when she does it. Is that what normally happens? How can I prevent that but still shave safely?
—Anonymous
It is okay and safe to shave your pubic hairline. The red bumps that appear are just a result of irritation to the hair follicles in the area. This irritation is more likely to happen if you have sensitive skin, but it is also just a normal bodily response. Some people find it's better to shave when they have been in the shower for a few minutes, after the warm water has opened up their pores. People with sensitive skin should try using shaving cream, and of course the razor should be new, not dull. If you do get red bumps or irritation from shaving your bikini line, there are other methods of hair removal you could try.
A popular one is waxing, which is done by a professional at a salon, making it pricier than shaving. There are kits to do it yourself at home, but there are enough ways to mess up so that it's not the best idea unless you really know what you're doing. There are also hair removal creams and bleaches, which are available at drug stores.
—Kate Forest, MSW
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