If you’re a woman who doesn’t like bushy unders, you’ve probably tried at least two of these methods and found that they each have their flaws — some of them more than others. We spoke to these seven women to share which option they prefer and techniques that might help the rest of us.
“Combining the cream and razor methods is the most effective” — Sabi, 21
The only time I use the razor is after I apply shaving cream. The plastic remover the creams come with is as useless as the letter b in doubt. On the other hand, I don’t feel like I’m raw dogging my skin because the razor alone leaves bumps.
I’ve never waxed before because I’m too lazy to leave my house to get it done. Also, my pain tolerance is abysmal, so I doubt I could pull it off.
“Shaving creams irritate my skin” — Gbemi, 27
I use shaving creams occasionally, but they irritate my skin and make me itch days after, so I’d rather use shaving sticks. They’re easier, and they get the job done. All I have to do is apply my body wash on the area for a few minutes before going in with the stick. I’m also very gentle to avoid too many bumps.
“The bumps are minimal with waxing” — Veronica, 26
I’m all for waxing. My first time wasn’t enjoyable because I wasn’t used to the pain, because I’d only used creams or razors before then. And now, my hair had overgrown. The feeling after, however, was amazing. I felt smooth. I was advised to avoid sex for the next two to three days, apply lotion and wear loose-fitted clothing to help the area breathe. The bumps are minimal; it may take two weeks before you start to notice them. And you won’t need another appointment until after about two months, so you can relax and save up until then.
Related: 5 Nigerian Women Share Their Funniest Waxing Experience
“Shaving stick is the most convenient” — Steph, 28
I’ve not tried waxing, but from what I hear, it hurts. So shaving creams and sticks are the way to go. I mostly use shaving sticks because they’re convenient, cheap, easy to find, and do the job. I’ve found a way to minimise the bumps by shaving in the direction of the hair growth instead of against it. I don’t get cuts, or at least, I can’t remember any time I did.
“I apply soap before using the shaving stick” — Maro, 28
I started with shaving sticks, but they’d take time and still leave you with multiple cuts. So after a couple of scratches, I started applying soap before I shaved, and oil after. With time I moved to shave cream, but I still do the soap method whenever I run out.
I’ll try waxing in the future, but for now, it’s expensive, and there’s the issue of pain too.
“The hair grows too fast with shaving cream” — Justina, 30
I use shaving creams, but the hair regrowth is ridiculous, so I’ve started considering waxing. And according to my friends, the pain is ultimately worth it. So why not?
“You get used to the pain over time” — Zainab, 26
I started waxing in October 2022, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I only have to go for my sessions once in two months because it takes longer for the hair to grow out. You get used to the pain over time.
Names have been changed for the sake of anonymity
READ ALSO: 7 Shaving Struggles EVERY Nigerian Woman Can Relate To
