Hairy Situations: Too Much, Too Little & Shaving / Question
Published: May 16, 2000
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I'm really scared to shave my legs, underarms and bikini area. I want to, but I just don't want to have any nasty red bumps. Any suggestions.
Signed: How To's - Shaving & Bumps
Dear How To's - Shaving & Bumps,
Many people shave their legs, underarms and bikini area. This routine usually begins in your teens, so this is a great question. Although this is completely cultural and not medically necessary, many teenage women see this as yet another passage into growing up. FX can understand why you would be hesitant. Those little red bumps (ingrown hairs or infected hair follicle) can be quite annoying and some may be a little painful. Worse yet, is a cut from a razor. For these reasons, here are some basic guidelines:
- Shave at a time when you are comfortable and not rushed.
- Choose to shave in a location that is most comfortable for you. It can be done in a variety of ways like in the shower or while taking a bath. Do what works best for you and what you are most comfortable with.
- Use a safety, disposable razor - never share a razor with a friend or family member.
- Make sure that the area you are shaving is wet.
- Apply a hypoallergenic shaving cream or lotion. Do not use body wash, which has perfume and can be an irritant.
- Shave legs in a slow upward motion. Some women only shave the bottom of their legs (from the knee down), others do the whole leg. Be careful around the knees and the shins because they are easily cut
- Shave underarms with your arm up in a slow downward motion.
- Shave your bikini area one side at a time in a slow upward motion. Always wear cotton underwear, as this is less likely to irritate your vaginal area.
- After you are done, apply a moisturizer to the area you have shaved (again, make sure it is not perfumed). This may help to prevent dry skin and possible ingrown hairs.
As a note, shave only areas that have hair growth that you want to remove. Do not shave eyebrows or your mustache (for women). Do not pluck or pick at unwanted hair as this can cause infected hair follicles.
Other methods of removing unwanted hair include waxing, electrolysis and depilatories. Bleaching is another alternative that is used mainly around the upper lip area of women. These methods work best if done by a professional but can be expensive, time-consuming and uncomfortable.
In addition, to following these instructions, talk to your mom or a female relative. They can give you other useful tips in shaving and may even be able to demonstrate it to you. As always, if your skin is becoming irritated due to shaving or if you are having any health problem, stop shaving and see a doctor.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
30% of teens with depression also have a substance abuse problem.
