A Woman's Guide to Shaving Body Hair

September 27, 2026

By: Truly Beauty

Are you shaving for the first time? Fed up with always ending up red, itchy, and bumpy? We’ve got you.

Truth be told, most of us never properly learn how to shave body hair. Sure, we know we need a razor and some shaving cream, but there’s more to it than that.

From the right techniques to the best products, here’s everything you need for a smoother shave. 

Step 1. Soften Your Body Hair 

A good shave starts with a warm shower. Warm water softens coarse hair which makes it easier for your razor to cut. And that means less chance of irritation. So next time you shave, soak the area you want to shave for a couple of minutes via a warm shower, bath, under running water, or a warm compress if you’re in a rush.

Step 2. Exfoliate Before Shaving

Strawberry Blossoms Smoothing Body Scrub

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If you want a smoother, closer shave, use an exfoliating body scrub before shaving. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells so that your razor glides over your skin more easily. 

This helps prevent strawberry legs, those little dark dots on your legs that happen after shaving. It also helps prevent keratosis pilaris, a harmless skin condition caused by keratin buildup in hair follicles.

It’s always better to exfoliate before not after shaving. Otherwise, you can end up more irritated. Use a gentle scrub or loofah in the shower to buff away dead skin and prep your skin for a smoother shave.

Step 3. Apply Shave Cream for a Smooth Glide

Coco Cloud Luxury Shave Butter

Super-Smoothing Shave Cream

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Now your skin is freshly buffed, apply a thick, even layer of shaving cream or shaving gel over the area you want to shave. Some people dry shave to save time but applying shave cream adds an extra layer of protection to prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn. 

Using shave cream also shows you where you’ve already shaved. This stops you from gliding over the same areas again which can increase your chances of skin irritation. 

Step 4. Use a Sharp Razor with Cushioning 

Life Shaver Starter Razor

Best Razor for Sensitive Skin

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A good razor is well worth the investment. Personally, we prefer reusable razors over disposable ones. Since razor blades generally last up to 10 shaves, make sure your razor blades are always sharp. If your blades start pulling on your hair, that’s your sign for a refresh.

Choose a razor with gel bars too. Preferably, ones infused with shea or aloe. They provide additional lather and lubrication to protect your skin against nicks and razor bumps.  After shaving, rinse your razor thoroughly and store it in a dry place.

Step 5. Shave Using the Right Techniques

While good products are a must, you also need to use the proper techniques. These techniques can change depending on which areas of your body you are shaving. 

When you shave your bikini line and underarms, shave in the direction of hair growth to avoid ingrown hairs. You can shave against the grain for a closer shave but it can increase your chances of bumps. For your legs, shave from the ankles upwards.

Step 6. Apply After Shave Serum

Coco Cloud After Shave Serum

Post-Shave Skin Soother

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The step 99% tend to forget. Most people skip straight to using lotion, but lotion only moisturizes your skin. You want to heal your skin with a targeted product before doing that. 

Shaving is a form of exfoliation that causes micro-tears in the skin. To heal your skin after shaving, you need to focus on calming down irritation and repairing the skin barrier. To do this, apply a targeted after shave serum or oil with soothing ingredients like coconut milk, vitamin E, and niacinamide. 

Some of these treatments help with other shaving concerns like dark spots after shaving.

Step 7. Finish with Moisturizer 

Soft Serve After Shave Hydrating Cream

Plumping After Shave Cream

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Finish your shave routine with a hydrating post-shave moisturizer. Shaving and warm water can cause dry skin, so applying a good body cream helps to support the skin barrier and protect your skin against moisture loss. 

Moisturizing will leave you feeling soft, smooth, and comfortable after your shave. Choose a moisturizer with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and glycerin.

FAQ: How to Shave Body Hair

What is the Proper Way to Shave Your Body Hair?

Despite what you may have heard, there is a right way to shave your body hair. When it comes to how to shave body hair, you should always use a shaving cream, shave in the direction of hair growth, and avoid going over the same area twice. You'll also need to keep your razor clean in order for it to work its best and prevent dulling the blades.

Do You Shave Your Body Up or Down?

Always shave with the grain (in the direction of hair growth) to prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs. While shaving against the grain can give you a closer shave, it can also lead to various skin problems such as redness, irritation, and razor bumps.

How Often Should You Shave Body Hair?

How often you shave body hair depends on your hair growth rate and skin sensitivity. Most people shave every 2–5 days, but those with sensitive skin may benefit from shaving less frequently to reduce irritation and razor bumps.

What is the Best Way to Shave Body Hair Without Irritation?

The best way to shave body hair without irritation is to shave on clean, warm skin, use a sharp razor, apply a hydrating shave cream or shave butter and shave in the direction of hair growth. Then finish with a soothing moisturizer.

Should You Shave Body Hair Wet or Dry?

Wet shaving is generally better than dry shaving. Shaving after a warm shower softens the hair and opens pores, allowing the razor to glide more easily and reducing the risk of cuts and irritation.

Is it Bad to Shave Body Hair Every Day?

Shaving body hair every day isn’t harmful for everyone, but it can increase dryness and irritation, especially for sensitive skin. If you shave daily, make sure to use a moisturizing shave product and a gentle post-shave routine.

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