Shaving for PCOS and excessive hair growth: gentle strategies that work

PCOS can cause heavy and rapid hair growth, making shaving a daily struggle. Not only against stubble, but also against pimples, itching, and ingrown hairs. Many say that they have to shave more often than their friends. And that their skin becomes red and sore.

We hear this often, and we know that the solution lies in three things: the right technique, clean products, and a rhythm that suits your skin. Here you will find specific advice that works in everyday life, even in areas where hair is most stubborn.

For those with PCOS, it's not about shaving more. It's about shaving smarter. And gently.

Why does shaving feel different with PCOS?

PCOS can mean more terminal hair on the face, body, and bikini line. The hairs are often thicker and stiffer, and they grow back quickly. This combination increases friction on the skin, and friction is one of the main causes of pimples, ingrown hairs, and razor burn.

When hairs are thick and strong, they are more easily pushed down into the skin if they are cut too short or sharply at the wrong angle. This causes small red bumps that can itch and hurt. At the same time, frequent shaving is in itself a strain on the skin.

That's why we're big fans of products without perfume, alcohol, and unnecessary irritants. And of cutting down on anything that disrupts the skin's balance. This is where our patented gel and foam stand out: they are designed to prevent pimples, itching, and ingrown hairs, even on sensitive skin and during intimate shaving. They also cleanse both the skin and razor of bacteria, so the blades last longer.

The routine that reduces pimples and itching

A good shave begins before the razor touches the skin. It sounds trivial, but preparation is everything when it comes to the results the next day.

Start with warm water. A 5-minute bath softens the hair strands and makes the razor more effective. Avoid scrubbing hard with exfoliating gloves right before shaving. Light chemical exfoliation a few times a week is fine, but take a break 24 hours before and after shaving.

Choose a gel or shaving foam that actually protects. Our gels and foams are fragrance-free and contain no colorants. They cleanse both skin and razor of bacteria, so the blades last longer. They are designed to reduce friction, keep the skin clean during shaving, and make it easier to control the direction. Try, for example, our Woman Shaving Gel or the ultra-mild Sensitive shaving foam.

Use short, light strokes and shave in the direction of hair growth. If you want a really close shave, finish with a single gentle stroke at an angle to the hair growth rather than directly against it. This small adjustment will give you a close shave without increasing the risk of ingrown hairs.

Always finish by rinsing with cold water and patting dry. Do not rub with a towel. And use a fragrance-free repair cream that locks in moisture and soothes irritation.

After the first week of a gentle routine, you can adjust the frequency. Many people with PCOS have better results with fewer, better shaves than with frequent, quick ones. Quality over quantity.

After an introduction, here is a simple checklist that you can save:

• Hot water
• Mild gel or foam without perfume
• Fresh scraper
• Light hand
• Cold rinse and repairing care

If you have problems in the bikini line, targeted aftercare is worth its weight in gold. A soothing cream can be the difference between calm skin and red bumps the next day. Try our Bikini Line Repair Cream as the final step.

Technology that makes a difference

A good razor helps, but technique is even more important. Here are the most important techniques we teach our customers:

• An angle of approximately 30 degrees provides a close cut without digging into the skin.
• Short strokes provide better control than long movements.
• Gently stretch the skin with your free hand. Less bouncing on the surface, fewer scratches.
• Rinse the blade every 1-2 strokes. Soap residue increases friction and irritates the hair follicles.
• Change blades frequently. With heavy hair growth, a blade typically lasts for a shorter period of time.

And then there's the big classic: avoid driving over the same area again and again. Each pass is a new load. Two controlled strokes beat five quick ones every time.

Frequency, timing, and small tips

When you shave depends on your skin's rhythm. Some people get fewer pimples if they shave in the evening, allowing their skin to calm down while they sleep. Others thrive on a quiet morning shower and a few extra minutes for aftercare.

Sweat, tight pants, and friction from sportswear can aggravate irritation, especially in the bikini line and inner thighs. Plan your shaving so that you don't jump into your tightest tights or cycling shorts right after.

We usually recommend these small adjustments in everyday life:

• Trim the length before shaving if the hairs are very long.
• Change pillowcases more often when shaving your face
• Take breaks from strong acids and retinoids on the days you shave.
• Have a quick repair routine ready for "emergency days"

Methods compared for heavy hair growth

Shaving is the gentlest method when you want to remove hair frequently. However, it may make sense to combine it with other methods, depending on the area and your needs. Here is an overview so you can match the method to your skin and everyday life.

Below you will find a brief comparison. Think of it as a decision-making tool, not rules.

If you choose wax or an epilator, plan for extra aftercare and give your skin some space in the days that follow. Never combine aggressive methods with close shaving on the same day.

Skin care before and after: simple, fragrance-free, and effective

A short, consistent routine provides peace of mind. For many people with PCOS, the skin barrier is already challenged by frequent shaving and equipment that rubs against the skin throughout the day.

• Clean gently: Lukewarm water and mild detergent, no strong perfumes.
• Prepare the skin: Wait 2-3 minutes after applying the gel or foam to allow the hairs to soften.
• Shave gently: Use short strokes and rinse the blade frequently.
• Finish smart: Cold water, pat dry, and a soothing, fragrance-free cream.

If you suffer from ingrown hairs, use a mild acid 1-2 times a week on days when you don't shave. Avoid physical scrubbing on the same day as shaving. Less is better.

Safety, hormones, and skin

PCOS can come with other skin issues, such as breakouts or dryness. If you use prescription acne treatments or retinoids, your skin may be extra vulnerable. Give yourself breaks from active ingredients around shaving time, and pay attention to your skin's signals.

Sores, inflamed bumps, or small boils should not be shaved over. Wait until the skin is calm, or carefully trim the hairs instead. For recurring folliculitis, your doctor or dermatologist can help you develop a plan that suits your situation.

If you are unsure whether IPL or laser treatment is right for you, talk to a clinic that has experience with hormone-related hair growth. For some people, it results in less hair, while for others, it requires maintenance due to their hormone status. Shaving can always be your safe bet between treatments.

Intimate shaving for PCOS

The bikini line is often a problem area for pimples and ingrown hairs. The skin is thin, the hairs are coarse, and clothing rubs against the skin. This makes technique particularly important here.

Shave after a bath, when the hairs are softened. Apply gel or foam generously and allow it to work for a minute. Tighten the skin slightly with your free hand and use small, gentle strokes in the direction of hair growth. If you want a closer result, you can gently shave at an angle to the growth in a single area, but avoid going directly against the direction of growth.

Soft cotton underwear and a slightly looser fit right after shaving make a world of difference. And here, aftercare is a necessity, not a luxury. Our Bikini Line Repair Cream is designed to soothe and reduce the classic red bumps, without perfume or dyes.

Choosing a product: gel or foam?

Gel provides clarity, precise control, and maximum glide. It is ideal for the face, bikini line, and other areas where you want to see exactly where you are shaving. Our Woman Shaving Gel is fragrance-free, patented, and developed to keep skin calm, even when you shave frequently.

Foam is quick, soft, and envelops the hairs. It can be nice for legs and larger areas where you want a light, airy feeling. Our Sensitive shaving foam is made especially for very sensitive skin and for those who react to perfume.

Regardless of your choice, the point remains the same: choose products without perfume or colorants, and with proven effectiveness against pimples and ingrown hairs. It saves time and protects your skin.

Questions we often get

Do more blades help prevent irritation? As a rule, yes, because the pressure is distributed and the hair is cut in one smooth motion. But change the blades often, especially if you have thick hair growth. A dull blade tears the hair shaft and irritates the skin.

Can I shave every day? You can, if you use the right technique and aftercare, but many people find that their skin is calmer if they leave a day between shaves in the most exposed areas. Try it out and see what works for you.

How do I avoid "shadow" on my face? Warm water, a gel with good glide, and short strokes are the first steps. Then you can shave once at an angle to the growth for a closer result. Finish with cold water and a fragrance-free cream to keep the skin calm.

Can I combine shaving and laser treatment? Yes. Shaving is often recommended by clinics between treatments. Avoid waxing and epilators between treatments, as the hair root must be intact for the laser to work optimally.

Small habits, big difference

• Keep the blades clean: Rinse thoroughly and dry them lightly so they don't rust.
• Give your skin a break: Plan your workout clothes and shaving so that friction doesn't peak on the same day.
• Choose calmness in the ingredient list: Fragrance-free, pure formulations make everyday life easier for sensitive skin.

We create products that work for both men and women and make shaving easier, even when hair growth is heavy. Our patented formulas are clinically tested and fragrance-free. Our creams have a high organic content, so you can count on calm skin, smooth results, and more energy in your everyday life.