A BEAUTICIAN has revealed the five mistakes you make when shaving – and which one is going to irritate the delicate skin more than anything else.
Professional bikini waxer Jessica Normanton took to TikTok where she revealed how to achieve the perfect smooth finish – so, how many of these mistakes are YOU guilty of?
While most of us take great care when it comes to exfoliating our body, the privates rarely get the attention they need – and according to the expert, this is a big no-no.
Begging beauty buffs to exfoliate, the TikToker said: “Do you know all the dead skin cells that lie there when you pull your razor across are just gonna irritate the heck out of it?”
She explained in the informative video: “If you’ve got a build-up of dry skin, guess what’s gonna happen? Your hair is gonna get caught up in that – and it’s gonna cause lumps and bumps.”
Another mistake to steer clear at all costs is dry shaving, Jessica warned her 183k followers.
Although it may sound harmless, the expert said this mistake “is going to make her the angriest girl in the planet”.
“Best time to shave down there is at the end of the shower when all your hair has been warmed up, your skin is nice and soft,” Jessica said.
The TikToker also revealed how often you should be replacing your razor if you want to achieve the best results – and it’s bad news if yours has been sitting in the shower for six months.
“And you’re wondering why you’re getting lumps and bumps? Chuck that razor out,” she urged.
“If your razor is old and it’s got a slight bit of rust on it, girl, that is literally your razor screaming for help.”
Dropping the knowledge bombs online, the TikToker (@thebrazilianwaxcompany) also advised to best not store your razor in the shower – as it will lead to rust.
How to shave your private parts? According to the guru, you shouldn’t start by gliding the razor upwards – instead, pull it in the direction of which the hair grows which is typically going downwards.
“You’re gonna go down, then you’re gonna go sideways and sideways that way and then up,” she demonstrated.
“Because when you go down and sideways, that gets rid of the bulk of the hair – so when you go up like this, this motion will give you the sharpest, freshest cut.”
The speed here, she added, also matters – and it’s always better to go slower.
How to prepare for a bikini wax
IF you’re thinking of booking a bikini wax, here’s how you can prepare.
Choose the Right Time: Schedule your appointment at least a week after your menstrual cycle when your pain threshold is higher.
Exfoliate: Gently exfoliate the bikini area a day or two before your wax to remove dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hairs.
Trim Hair: Ensure hair is about 1/4 inch long; if it’s longer, trim it down for a smoother waxing process.
Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol: Steer clear of caffeine and alcohol on the day of your appointment as they can tighten pores and increase sensitivity.
Take a Pain Reliever: Consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever about 30 minutes before your appointment to help minimise discomfort.
Wear Loose Clothing: Opt for loose-fitting clothes on the day of your waxing to avoid irritation post-treatment.
Communicate with Your Aesthetician: Don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns or questions with your aesthetician before the session begins.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water leading up to your appointment to keep your skin hydrated and more supple.
Jessica continued: “Once you’ve finished shaving, I need you to rinse with cool water […], walm the area down.
“Then you’re gonna hop out of the shower and apply a fragrance-free lotion.
“I don’t want to see people skipping lotion anymore, I’m sick of it – she is crying out for some lotion.
“Once you’re done, you’re gonna put on some loose baggy clothing – no tight knickers, no lacy affairs, no leggings.
“She needs air to breathe, you’ve just given her a really close haircut.”
Posted earlier today, January 26th, the clip has already racked up more than 30k views, with dozens flocking to comments.
“[I] am 34 and needed to hear this Jess!” wrote one person.
“My problem is not the shave but in the days after it gets irritated by clothes and sweat and such,” another said.
“I use sudocream after ! It works so well,” someone else chimed in.
