Project FIG’s four products are designed to work in tandem on all of these issues:
- Ingrown hairs
- Red bumps
- Razor burn
- Irritation from regrowth
First
Shave Gel: For the most comfortable shave and to help prevent razor burn, (see Razor Recommendations) generously apply Shave Gel and shave in the direction of hair growth, and if you wax, best to leave it up to a professional.
Second
Soothing Serum: Following waxing or shaving use Soothing Serum to calm skin and reduce redness and irritation. Apply often and as needed in-between grooming to reduce itching from regrowth. Water lily extract immediately calms while licorice root reduces visible redness and white willow bark and papaya help soften skin and dissolve dead cell build up leading to ingrown hair. Soothing Serum is lightweight, hydrating and a perfect solution for irritation in any area, including the face. Use it on sunburn, rashes and bug bites to soothe and calm.
Third
Exfoliant: For both shavers and waxers, ingrown hairs are the most troublesome. The best prevention is regular and gentle exfoliation. We recommend using the Exfoliant on non-grooming days, and, for daily shavers, if you shave in the morning (see De-Puffing), exfoliate at night or vice versa. Like all of our products , our Exfoliant is also gentle enough to use on your face…. We do! Regular exfoliation is a preventative measure for ingrown hairs and also helps speed up the recovery process. Our Exfoliant combines jojoba beads and micro-fine bamboo powder to gently slough away dead skin cells and product buildup (i.e., sunscreens and body lotions), preventing clogged pores that result in ingrown hairs.
Fourth
Hair Inhibitor: For longer lasting smoothness and to help minimize regrowth irritation use Hair Inhibitor daily. Two clinically proven, powerful hair inhibiting ingredients, Capislow™, from chaparral extract, and IBR-Dormin®, from narcissus bulb, slow two distinct phases of hair regrowth for finer, sparser-looking hair. This highly concentrated serum also works wonders under the arms and on the face.
Where, when, how and if you remove your hair is an entirely personal choice. We’re just here to make sure your better-regions get the respect they deserve.
FIG Zone 1: High Thigh
The inner and upper thigh, and all areas outside the panty line, front and back.
Special considerations:
One of the most commonly groomed areas, especially during warmer weather, it can also be the most tricky in terms of preventing razor bumps, burns and ingrown hair. This area is susceptible to irritation from clothing rubbing, sweat from activity, various body products and sunscreens, and because it has a lot of sweat glands. This FIG Zone 1 is prone to some pretty huge not-so-fun ingrown hairs. Also, the hair in this area grows in multiple directions, and must be shaved in small patches to follow the direction of hair growth.
If you’re still suffering from ingrown hairs and razor burn after following our skincare regimen for intimate grooming, the culprit just may be what you’re wearing. Tight-fitting jeans, bodyshapers, hosiery, bike shorts, or any synthetic, non-breathable fabric that consistently rubs and clings against the skin can be mighty irritating. Give your skin a break from these types of clothing, and choose looser-fitting cotton whenever possible. Also it’s imperative to wash clothing made of synthetic fabric in-between each use to rinse away any perspiration that can cause irritation.
FIG Zone 2: Front and Center
The belly button down to the top of your vagina.
Special considerations:
Whether you shave or wax everything off or sculpt a design, Zone 2 can be the itchiest area during regrowth. Remember to wear cotton or other breathable fabrics and have the travel size Soothing Serum close at hand to help prevent and calm the irritating itchies.
Keep in mind that Zone 2 tends to be a bit tender and sensitive, especially right before your period. If possible, avoid shaving, waxing or exfoliating right before your period. Don’t forget to indulge yourself with a little time during intimate grooming to avoid a rushed shave. Irritation from speed shaving is never fun.
FIG Zone 3: Outer Brazilian
The area just inside the panty line, such as the buttocks and outer lips.
Special considerations:
In this area, hair grows in a variety of directions, so take time to understand your hair growth pattern. Shave in small patches in the direction of hair growth.
This Zone can definitely be a little tricky to get ultra-smooth, though, once mastered, it can be as hassle free as shaving your underarms. The term “practice makes perfect” certainly applies here. The more you get used to grooming this area, the less occurrence of irritation you’ll experience.
FIG Zone 4: The Brazilian
This includes all of the inner nooks and crannies, and back to the rectum – the most intimate area for grooming.
Special considerations:
Avoid all nicks and cuts by taking extra special care when shaving this area. Consider using a smaller, twin-blade disposable razor as it can get at the hair in FIG Zone 4 a little easier than a larger razor. And, as with FIG Zone 3, grooming this area becomes easier with practice… as easy and hassle-free as shaving your underarms. Be gentle to yourself as you’ll get used to this process. For you waxers out there, this is definitely an area where you’ll want to use the services of a professional!
SHAVERS
GIVE IT TIME
Be sure to shave your intimate areas when you have plenty of time and aren’t feeling rushed. Nothing says “ouch!” faster than a nick or cut.
TRIM
Start with trimming down the hair using scissors or a body hair trimmer if this is your first time or you’ve let the garden grow a bit. This reduces the chance of ‘pulling’ (no thanks!) and extensive damage to your razor. Typically, you should get about 3 good uses out of your razor, but only if you trim the hedges first.
BATHE
Optimally, follow trimming with a warm bath or shower to soften skin and hair and relax the hair follicles for a closer, more comfortable shave.
DE-PUFF
Avoid, whenever possible, grooming your intimate area first thing in the morning. Just as you may have puffy eyes upon waking, so can other sensitive areas retain fluid and experience a little puffiness. Wait at least an hour after getting out of bed before grooming, or do it later in the day to avoid possible irritation. And be sure to use Project FIG Soothing Serum if irritation occurs.
ALL INTIMATE GROOMERS
KEEP IT LOOSE
Right after intimate grooming, avoid tight clothing, especially after the first few times when skin may be a little more sensitive.
SLOUGH IT OFF
Be sure to exfoliate regularly in between grooming. Exfoliating keeps pores clean and removes dead cell build up that can lead to ingrown hair. Optimally, wait at least 8 to 12 hours before or after grooming to avoid irritation. Project FIG preventative Exfoliant is gentle, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth.
Zen and the Art of Razor Maintenance
PROPER RAZOR BEHAVIOR
The properly-tuned razor is imperative to achieve the most comfortably close shave. Here are a few tips for keeping it in fine working order:
- RINSE the blades often! After each swipe, in fact. This will keep your razor sharper longer, helping to minimize nicks, cuts and that dreaded razor burn.
- We recommend triple-blade razors for most hair types. We’ve found razors with 4 to 5 blades give you greater initial smoothness, but along with that comes greater re-growth irritation and razor bumps.
- Always use a LIGHT TOUCH. The need to apply pressure may be a sign that your razor is dull, thus increasing the potential for irritation. Pulling the skin taut will maximize smoothness, but added pressure will only cause more irritation.
- When shaving your most sensitive intimate parts, start with a FRESH razor and then designate its use for only that area. Realistically, you should get about three good uses out of it. After that, the razor may be used on less sensitive areas like the legs and underarms a few more times.
