Red bumps, ingrown hair, dry and irritated skin… these are all signs that you're not shaving correctly.

When you shave coarse hair, it's bound to have some type of irritation, especially when you're not following the proper steps to shaving pubic hair. Your method is important, as is the type of razor you're using and the products you put on your skin. Most of all, exfoliation is what will help keep your skin healthy and free of ingrown hairs.

Read on to learn how to avoid those pesky, unattractive bumps and how to get a closer shave without any irritation.

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What Causes Ingrown Hairs?

Ingrown hairs occur when the hair grows back into the skin instead of growing out. This can be caused by incorrect shaving techniques, using a dull razor blade, and excessive friction from tight clothing. Ingrown hairs can also be caused by neglecting to exfoliate your skin regularly which will help remove dead skin cells and hair follicles that can trap hairs below the surface of the skin.

When it comes to shaving pubic hair, the same rules apply as when shaving any other body part. Make sure to use a sharp razor and plenty of lather or cream to help the blade glide smoothly over your skin. Shave in the direction of hair growth, using short strokes, and be careful around sensitive areas like the scrotum and penis.

However, there are some extra steps you need to take in order to prevent razor burn, ingrown hairs, or those little red bumps.

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The 5-Step Method: W.E.L.P.E

Phoenix's five-step method can help you get a closer shave without any irritation.

1. Wash! Start by washing the area you're going to shave with warm water and soap. This will help soften the hair and open up your pores, making it easier for the blade to glide over your skin.

2. Exfoliate! Use a good quality exfoliating scrub to remove any dead skin cells and hair follicles that might be trapping hairs below the surface of your skin. This will help prevent ingrown hairs from forming. Hint: Buy a proper exfoliation glove or cloth. It should be mildly stiff and good for buffing your skin.

3. Lather up! Apply a thick layer of shaving cream, lather, or soap to the area you're going to shave. This will help protect your skin from the blade and make it less likely for you to nick yourself. If you have sensitive skin, try using a shaving oil or cream specifically made for sensitive skin. Be careful to not press down hard. Your razor should be sharp, ensuring a close shave with little to no irritation.

4. Pause and Stretch. If you're shaving your scrotum, stretch the skin tight before you begin shaving. This will help keep the area taut and make it easier for you to shave without nicking yourself.

5. Exfoliate again! Really, it makes all the difference. This final exfoliation should be more gentle than the first. After shaving, you have a clearer shot at pulling up dead skin that would otherwise clog hair follicles and cause ingrown hairs. Exfoliation before and after shaving is the real key to success.

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Exfoliation, The Secret Key to a Smooth Shave

Exfoliation is one of the most important steps in preventing ingrown hairs and razor burn. You should exfoliate your skin before you shave, as well as after to remove any dead skin cells or trapped hair follicles. There are plenty of good exfoliating products out there, but since you're shaving your pubic hair, you should use just soap, water, and an exfoliating glove or cloth.

Make sure that the cloth is wet and lathered with soap before you start exfoliating. Rub the cloth in a circular motion all over your pubic area, being especially careful around the sensitive areas. If the glove or cloth is not coarse, scratchy, or abrasive enough, you may want to purchase a new one. The goal is to remove as much dead skin and hair as possible so that the razor can glide smoothly over your skin.

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Different Shaving Methods: Pros and Cons

1. The Wet Shave Method

This is the traditional way of shaving, and it's best for men with thicker hair. You'll need a sharp razor, some hot water, shaving cream or gel, and a towel.

To use the wet shave method, wet your pubic area with warm water and apply shaving cream or gel. Lather up the area well and shave in the direction of hair growth, using gentle strokes. Rinse off any remaining shaving cream and inspect your work. If you need to re-shave any areas, do so carefully.

Pros:

• Gives a close shave
• Easy and doesn't take much time
• Moisturizes the skin
  

Cons:

• Can cause nicks and cuts if not done correctly
• Doesn't factor in exfoliation, which can lead to ingrown hairs
• Tends to be more expensive than other methods (frequent replacement of blades is necessary)

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2. The Electric Shave Method

This method is best for men with less coarse hair. You'll need an electric shaver, some shaving cream or gel, and a towel.

To use the electric shave method, wet your pubic area with warm water and apply shaving cream or gel. Lather up the area well and shave in the direction of hair growth, using gentle strokes. Rinse off any remaining shaving cream and inspect your work. If you need to re-shave any areas, do so carefully.

Pros:

• Easy and doesn't take much time
• Electric shavers are less likely to cause nicks and cuts than razors
• Doesn't get so close to the skin that it causes irritation
• Factors in exfoliation, which helps to prevent ingrown hairs
  

Cons:

• May not give as close a shave as the wet shave method
• Electric Shavers can be more expensive than razors
• Can cause skin irritation if not used correctly

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3. The Trim Method

This is the best method for men with very little hair or who prefer a less-than-close shave. You'll need scissors and/or a trimmer. Note that trimming isn't quite the same as shaving and that the hair will still grow back, albeit at a slower rate.

To trim using the trim method, cut the hair down to about 1/4 inch long with scissors or a trimmer. Be careful not to cut too close to the skin - you don't want to end up cutting yourself! Then rinse the area and apply a moisturizing cream or oil.

Pros:

• Inexpensive and requires no special tools or products
• Easy to do; can be done in the shower or elsewhere
• Gives a more natural look than shaving does (some people don't like the "bald" look that shaving can create)
  

Cons:

• Hair will still grow back, albeit at a slower rate than if it's shaved off completely
• May not be suitable for all areas (e.g., some people may find it difficult to trim around the anus)
• Hair may grow back thicker and darker than before

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Conclusion

Shaving the public region can be difficult, and avoiding razor bumps and ingrown hairs is no easy task. When shaving, it's best to follow the five-step method: W.E.L.P.E (wash, exfoliate, lather, pause and stretch the skin, and exfoliate again.) Exfoliation is key to preventing razor bumps, as it removes the dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause ingrown hairs.

To exfoliate, use a gentle scrub or facial brush. Apply the scrub in circular motions to the entire area you're shaving, and be sure to pay special attention to problem areas. Rinse well with warm water and pat dry.

If you experience bumps on the groin and you're unsure if they are related to shaving, the best course of action is to see your doctor.