Pain and/or bleeding when shaving...

[happyflower]

Sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong area, none of the topic areas really fit the question, and it's a serious question.

I've been shaving my entire bikini area for about 5 years now... after about 1 year of it I noticed it hurt and/or bled to shave, so I stopped doing it as often. It's now to the point where I can only shave that area about once every two weeks. I seriously dislike having any hair in that area, and it bugs me that I have to let it grow about 1/4 of an inch before I can remove it again. Even then it usually bleeds. When I don't shave it looks like more than 1 hair is growing from each spot.

I asked an ex-boyfriend about it and he suggested I try shaving in the other direction. I did and it just left a gross stubble that looked and felt like 5 o'clock shadow. I only tried that a few times, it just wasn't cutting it for me. I don't know if I can just change the way the hair grows by shaving it different.

Side note: I shave my bikini area the same way as legs are shaved. Bottom to top.

Waxing doesn't really seem to be an option for me, considering that shaving alone makes the spots the hair grows from bleed. It would probably just rip off all of my skin with it if I even tried it (lol).

I use new Venus razors, good shave gel... what am I doing wrong? I'd really like to know how the heck men shave their faces every day without this happening! If I did  see a doctor about my problem, what kind of doctor would it be, a dermatologist? Anyone have any suggestions that may help me? Thanks.

[here4theinfo]

Have you tried to just "trim" the area, even with a shaver, you can grab the hair and "shave" it off. It makes it shorter and then you wont bleed. Also, if you condition  the hair, it will feel softer so it won't be so irritating. Another suggestion is using a men's shaver, they are mean't for sensitive skin, the Mach 3-4 seems to work, and when you shave, shave hair down or away from the follicle, then it won't irritate the follicle. Good luck..

[girl522]

Trying shaving the right side sideways and then the left side sideways.  I shave that way and never have irritation.

[happyflower]

I used Nads under my arms once... hurt like hell! But I didn't have to shave for like, 2-3 months and it was great. I may try that... thanks!

[pixijal]

I shave frequently too, and wax in the summer....can't STAND having hair there.  I shave SIDEWAYS.  For instance, on the left side bikini area, I shave from the leg (left to right), sideways to the private.  Works well, and I don't suffer irritation.  If you ever decide to try WAX, use NADS from Walgreens...as it is NOT heated, and is easy on your skin.  Waxing causes light bleeding, but it soooooo worth it at certain times of the year!