Shaving Routine For Women

Shaving is a personal choice that often feels like an act of care, comfort, or confidence. For many women, it becomes a familiar part of their self-care routine, especially when it comes to the legs, face, and bikini area. However, women’s shaving experiences differ significantly from men’s. Our skin tends to be more sensitive, and personal preferences and social influences often guide how we approach shaving.

As a product safety researcher and someone who has walked a long health journey, I stay mindful about the routines and products I choose. I focus on what supports my skin, reduces irritation, and aligns with my wellness values. Most importantly, I love sharing what I’ve learned, through science and personal experience, so you can build a shaving routine that feels gentle, safe, and genuinely empowering.

Shaving Routine For Women

In this post, you’ll explore evidence-based insights from peer-reviewed academic sources that detail the benefits and risks of shaving for women. I’ll first explain the history of how and why shaving became so popular among women. Then, I’ll guide you through a step-by-step routine, backed by scientific research and my own experience, to help you safely shave sensitive areas like the pubic region and legs.

Additionally, I’ll recommend ingredient-conscious products, including my personal non-toxic favorites. Throughout, you’ll also find practical tips to protect sensitive skin, gently exfoliate before shaving, minimize razor burn and ingrown hairs, and care for your skin after shaving.

When Did Shaving Become A Thing For Women?

To understand the context, let’s look back. Shaving among women is a surprisingly modern practice. Historical research shows that widespread leg and underarm hair removal in the U.S. began in the early to mid-20th century. Razor companies launched bold advertising campaigns, and as hemlines rose, so did the pressure to maintain smooth skin. Before then, most women didn’t remove body hair unless they had a medical or hygienic reason to do so (source).

Today, most women see shaving as a normal part of grooming. At the same time, the reasons behind choosing to shave remain deeply personal. Many women say shaving makes them feel cleaner, more comfortable, or simply more confident in their skin and clothing (source).

Is Shaving Good For Women?

Shaving offers several benefits—both physical and emotional. Across the globe, women continue to choose it for reasons such as:

• smoother, softer skin
• convenient hair removal
• confidence and self-care.

Smoother, Softer Skin

If you’ve shaved before, then you already know how smooth and soft your skin feels afterward. Shaving gently exfoliates your skin by removing dead skin cells, leaving it more refreshed.

However, some body areas are easier to shave than others. By choosing a shaving cream or gel designed for sensitive skin, you create a protective barrier that helps minimize skin irritation and leads to a more comfortable shave.

Convenient Hair Removal

In addition to smoother skin, shaving remains one of the most accessible and cost-effective methods of hair removal. Waxing or laser treatments can be expensive, painful, and require special scheduling. Not only that, I do not want a stranger managing my hair removal. In contrast, shaving is easy to fit into your schedule, and you can do it in the privacy of your home whenever the need arises.

Confidence & Self-Care

Beyond physical benefits, shaving often provides a mental and emotional lift. Many women say it boosts their confidence or helps them feel more like themselves. Whether you spend time in swimsuits, prefer smooth legs, or want to remove hair in certain areas, shaving can offer a sense of ease and well-being. Something is refreshing about slipping into your clothes with freshly shaved skin!

Potential Risks & Scientific Findings

Of course, even a well-planned shave can sometimes lead to skin issues. Many women experience skin irritation, dry skin, razor burn, small nicks, or ingrown hairs, especially in sensitive places like the bikini area.

According to one clinical study, the type of razor you use has a major impact on your experience. Specifically, safety razors may cause less redness and inflammation compared to multi-blade cartridges, though they do require a short adjustment period (source). Keep this in mind when reviewing my razor recommendations.

If you’re prone to dry skin, choosing the right shaving products and moisturizers becomes even more important to avoid discomfort later. Don’t worry, though, I have you covered!

How To Shave For Women

Now, let’s go step-by-step through a shaving routine that supports both comfort and skin health. This process draws from peer-reviewed science and years of hands-on testing.

How To Shave Your Face For Women

In more recent years, many women have begun actively shaving their faces with a dry razor. More specifically, this process is referred to as dermaplaning, and it describes both hair removal and exfoliation. While it is offered by professionals, women find success in doing it at home.

First, they prepare by cleansing and drying their skin to create a clean surface. Next, they use a small, single-blade facial razor, hold the skin taut, and glide the tool in short, downward strokes at a 45-degree angle. This motion directly removes dead skin cells and fine hairs, which immediately reveals a smoother and brighter complexion.

Unlike dry shaving other areas of the body, dermaplaning is usually well tolerated. The hair on women’s faces is generally softer or fuzzier, unlike body hair. With that said, if you have eczema, active acne, or sensitive skin, it may not be right for you (source and source).

Afterward, they apply a soothing moisturizer or serum, which hydrates and calms the skin. As a result, their makeup and skincare products sit more evenly and absorb more effectively, enhancing the entire routine.

How To Shave Your Pubic Hair For Women

Next, let’s move on to shaving your pubic region. Importantly, women should shave their pubic area by first trimming longer hairs with scissors to reduce pulling and irritation. Next, cleanse the skin with warm water and a gentle, non-toxic cleanser to soften the hair and lower bacteria in the area. Following this, apply a shaving cream or gel to create a barrier that reduces friction, and then shave with a clean, sharp razor in the direction of hair growth using light, steady strokes.

Afterward, rinse thoroughly, gently pat the area dry, and apply a fragrance-free non-toxic moisturizer to soothe the skin. Finally, you can reduce irritation by wearing breathable cotton underwear and avoiding tight clothing immediately after shaving. Notably, dermatology experts emphasize that pubic hair removal carries risks of microtears, folliculitis, and higher susceptibility to infections, so women should always use clean tools and avoid sharing razors (source).

How To Shave Your Legs For Women

Due to the popularity of having shaved legs, I am detailing the steps of how to achieve a safe smooth shave below. Following that, don’t miss my top razor recommendations.

Step 1: Prepare Your Skin

Always take time to properly care for your skin before shaving, as it sets the stage for a comfortable experience and long-lasting results.

First, if your hair has grown out significantly, trim it with clean scissors. This simple step makes the shave easier and more comfortable right from the start.

Next, it is key to exfoliate before shaving. However, while exfoliating helps prevent ingrown hairs, avoid doing it on the same day you shave, especially if your skin is sensitive. Instead, exfoliate one or two days ahead using a gentle scrub. This will remove dead skin cells without over-stripping your skin. I share my favorite exfoliators for sensitive skin in a separate blog post.

Then, to soften hair, wait until the end of your shower or bath to begin shaving. By that time, your skin will be further hydrated, making for a smoother glide and fewer nicks. Also, make sure your shower temperature stays warm or cool (not hot) to protect your skin barrier (source).

Step 2: Apply Non-Toxic Shaving Cream Or Gel

Now, reach for a non-toxic shaving cream or gel. These formulas create a silky cushion between your skin and the blade, which helps reduce friction and skin irritation. A good shaving cream not only improves glide, it also helps protect your skin. If you do not have a shaving cream or gel available, use soap or body wash instead. I use Pure Haven Bar Soap instead of a shaving cream and gel.

Step 3: Shave With A Sharp Razor

Importantly, always use a sharp, clean razor. In sensitive areas, shave in the direction your hair grows. For an even closer shave, you can gently shave against the grain or in the direction your hair grows. Be sure to rinse the blade frequently to keep it free of cream and hair.

Everyone’s hair growth pattern is different, so pay attention to the direction and density of hair for each area when deciding how to shave.

If you elect to use a safety razor, allow the weight of the razor to guide each stroke. Use short, light motions. Thanks to their single-blade design, safety razors often cause less skin irritation than multi-blade cartridges. Plus, their refills cost significantly less, making it more budget-friendly to always use a sharp blade.

My Razor Recommendations:

• Check out my Amazon Storefront for convenient razor options.
• Public Goods Bamboo Razor Handle and Razor Blades
• Zero Waste Safety Razor and Zero Waste Replacement Razors

Step 4: Rinse With Cool Water

Next, rinse the shaved area with cool water. This refreshes the skin, soothes inflammation, and tightens pores. In fact, a 2022 study found that cool water causes significantly less skin damage than hot water during regular hand washing (source).

Step 5: Post-Shave Moisturizing

Finally, gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel and apply a quality non-toxic moisturizer. This step is essential to your post shave care routine, as it replenishes moisture, calms inflammation, and protects your skin barrier. Furthermore, this helps your freshly shaved skin stay soft throughout the day.

Your post shave care routine doesn’t have to be complicated; just a few intentional steps can make all the difference in preventing bumps and irritation.

My Favorite Facial Moisturizers:

• Crunchi Daylight Advanced Moisturizer
• Crunchi Advanced Night Cream

Both products are made with high-purity ingredients and are absorbent, non-greasy, and rich in antioxidants. They are deeply hydrating and won’t clog pores. I have been using mine daily for years! (Learn about 15 Pore Clogging Ingredients To Avoid.)

My Favorite Body Lotions:

• Pure Haven Body Butter (contains exceptionally hydrating organic aloe vera and organic sunflower seed oil)
• Crunchi Age-Defying Body Treatment Lotion (packed with beneficial skin ingredients, like you would find in a facial moisturizer)
• Visit my 7 Best Body Lotions blog post for more non-toxic options.

Conclusion: What Are The Benefits Of A Shaving Routine For Women?

A Consistent Shaving Routine Can Not Only Boost Your Confidence And Comfort, But Also Improve Your Skincare Regimen Through Exfoliation, Dead Skin Cells Removal, And Better Absorption Of Skincare Products.

In conclusion, shaving can be so much more than just a quick grooming step, it’s an opportunity to care for your skin and connect with your body. With the right approach, you can turn shaving into a calming, confidence-boosting ritual that leaves your skin smooth, healthy, and protected.

Taking the time to care for your skin before shaving improves your results and reduces the chance of razor bumps. From trimming and prepping your skin to using non-toxic products like face and body moisturizers, each step plays a key role in keeping skin irritation at bay and supporting your skin barrier.

By understanding the science behind shaving and choosing ingredient-safe products, you reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals while promoting long-term skin health. Whether you’re trying facial dermaplaning for the first time or simply upgrading your moisturizer, small changes can make a big difference. And when your post shave care routine aligns with both comfort and safety, you’ll start to feel the results.

If you’re ready to explore more ways to create healthier routines with fewer toxins, I invite you to visit the research-based I Read Labels For You blog. You’ll find science-backed skincare advice, in-depth product reviews, and trusted recommendations for every room in your home.

Also, explore my non-toxic shop for other personal care products, my Amazon storefront, and my groundbreaking e-books designed to help you make wise decisions. Lastly, unlock premium offers and unique resources by getting my free emails—let’s make safer living feel simple and empowering!