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Health

How do I Treat Bikini Line Razor Burn?

By B. Miller
Updated May 17, 2024
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Bikini line razor burn is a common problem because the skin in this area can be very sensitive and prone to bumps, ingrown hairs, and redness. The best way to treat this problem is to stop shaving for a few days and apply a gentle moisturizer that contains aloe; some people find that a hydrocortisone cream is also helpful in reducing pain and redness. This type of razor burn will typically take a few days to heal, and it is then best to prevent the problem in the future by always using a fresh razor and shaving cream when shaving the bikini line area.

To prevent razor burn on the bikini line in the first place, it is best to begin by shaving in the shower to soften the skin. Apply shaving cream, not soap, and use a new razor with a sharp blade. A dull blade will be more likely to cause razor burn and ingrown hairs. Rinse the blade regularly while shaving; then, when finished, apply a gentle, fragrance free moisturizing lotion. Moisturizers that contain aloe are some of the best choices, because they are soothing and non-irritating to the skin. Be sure to choose a moisturizer that will not clog the pores as well.

Another option to prevent bikini line razor burn is to use another method altogether. Waxing or depilatory creams may also be used to remove hair along the bikini line, and these may be less likely to cause razor burn. If the irritation does occur, it may be painful to apply moisturizer; in this case, hydrocortisone cream is a good choice because it will help to calm irritation and heal the skin at the same time. It will also be necessary to stop shaving for a few days while the skin heals; shaving razor burned skin will be quite painful and will just make the issue worse.

In addition, avoid wearing especially tight fitting pants or underwear while the area is healing because the friction could make it worse. When shaving in the future, some recommend using a shaving oil in addition to shaving cream, as well as exfoliating the skin regularly, which can help to prevent ingrown hairs. An exfoliating body wash can be an effective option. This advice applies when shaving the legs as well; it is far better to prevent razor burn in the first place than to try to treat it later.

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Discussion Comments

By anon302296 — On Nov 08, 2012

I work as a fashion photographer and it is not uncommon for me or a co-worker to get burned - lights, props - anything! When these accidents happen, without hesitation, I apply Made From the Earth "Pure Aloe Vera Treatment". I keep this product on hand at all times. I went to the beach with my children and experienced the worse sunburn I have ever experienced. I fell asleep in the sun.

I remembered this product was for burns and I prayed it would work. "Magic" is the best word for this product. It was soothing, fast acting, cooling, long lasting, non-greasy, non sticky.

I went from being in tears to wearing clothes and leaving the house in two days.

By Azuza — On Feb 04, 2012

I know how to get rid of razor bumps: simply shave less often! I've found that if I shave my bikini line (or my legs) too often, my skin gets really irritated and I get a ton of razor bumps. However, if I wait a few days between shaving, my skin is fine.

I know this might be kind of difficult during the summer, especially if your hair grows back quickly. But I think avoiding the pool for a day is worth it to avoid that horrible bikini line razor burn!

By JessicaLynn — On Feb 04, 2012

@SZapper - Interesting trick. I would never have thought to put deodorant on my bikini line after shaving to prevent razor bumps.

Usually I use a product called Tend Skin. It's marketed for men to use to prevent razor bumps on their faces. However, I've found that it works just fine for the bikini area!

Before I started using it I used to get horrible razor bumps, but that's a thing of the past now! However, if I happen to run out of this stuff by accident, I'll definitely try the deodorant trick.

By SZapper — On Feb 03, 2012

One of my friends is a go-go dancer at a club. She wears very skimpy outfits when she dances, and the clubs puts a spotlight right on her little stage. So she needs to make sure she doesn't have noticeable blemishes, especially on her bikini line.

She shared the following razor bump relief trick with me: after shaving, swipe some deodorant over the bikini line. She usually uses clear stick deodorant and she claims this always works. Apparently she learned the trick from another girl she works with!

I've never tried it because I'm not prone to razor burn, but I hope this little trick can help someone else!

By candyquilt — On Feb 03, 2012

Applying regular lotion right on the razor burn is a bad idea! It burns so bad! Regular lotions are not suitable for this I think because they just have too much perfume and irritating ingredients in them.

I agree that hydrocortisone ointment is one of the best things to use. I actually put on hydrocortisone ointment and an antibiotic ointment together which seems to give faster results. It's also a good way to prevent infection because sometimes I cut myself while shaving too.

Of course, the best way to get rid of razor burn and bumps is to prevent it and using warm water and lots of shaving cream helps. I haven't used shaving oil ever but my friend does and she said that it works great.

By burcidi — On Feb 02, 2012

I think razor burn heals itself pretty quickly (half a day to a day) if I keep the area dry. Unfortunately, this can be kind of tough if I'm outside in the summer. Sweat makes razor burns so much worse! It increases friction and I also have thighs which touch each other while walking.

You have no idea the pain I went through when I wore a skirt outside right after a razor burn! I could not walk for a couple of days!

So for razor bump treatment, I absolutely have to keep the area dry and I've found that baby powder does this pretty well. In a way razor burn is similar to diaper rash, and the rash powders and creams treat the irritation really well and prevent friction. And the products smell great too! Baby fresh!

By serenesurface — On Feb 01, 2012

I use natural witch hazel astringent after shaving. It helps prevent razor burn and bumps and helps treat it as well. Witch hazel is a natural astringent that has anti-inflammatory properties. Razor burn is inflammation caused by irritation to the hair follicles. Razors are so hard on the skin and follicles. I hate the itch and pain that follows shaving and the bikini line is the worst because my jeans rub up against it when I walk.

But since I've started using witch hazel on areas I shave, the pain goes away a lot faster. It's so soothing. I do follow witch hazel with some lotion though because it can be a bit drying to the skin if I use it undiluted. Sometimes I add it to my lotion and apply it that way.

By MrsWinslow — On Feb 01, 2012

Because I have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), I know all sorts of things about hair removal! And really, the best razor burn treatment is prevention.

I've tried pretty much everything. They make special tiny razors for that area, and special electric shavers. For me, the best result is simply from waxing. Yes, it hurts, and yes, it's embarrassing until you get used to it, but it's definitely the smoothest. I always get waxed if, for instance, I'm going on a beach vacation.

If I want to touch up in between, I use an electric shaver. I don't get super-close results, but it's good enough, and for me personally there is less razor burn.

By jennythelib — On Jan 31, 2012

I definitely got better results when I switched from shaving to depilatory. I picked one that came with a scraper - much less messy than a washcloth. I've also seen ones that come with a special sponge.

The major downside of using a depilatory is that it takes a lot, lot longer. I found that I have to leave it on for basically the maximum allowed time (close to 10 minutes) in order to get good results. But no more razor burn bumps. You have to do a really, really good job rinsing it off afterwards!

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