It's not so much about downstairs as the type of chamois and the saddle for me.

You are right to keep trimmed in case that may be an issue, but I've found that it's more important for me to have a thin chamois and a saddle that fits properly. I have also been professionally fitted to my specific bicycle by a physiotherapist who is an expert fitter/cyclist ($200!). Sometimes you have to experiment with saddle tilt/angle and this combined with the proper fitting can take some pressure off your nether regions.

For a very long ride (over 3 hours or 100 miles), I also use Beljum Budder in combination with all of the above.

Good luck!

I get major chafing issues if i shave with a razor. I stick to wax, works wonderfully and avoids stubble and associated stubble-pains.

I'm pretty old-school and shave and chamois-butter well when I'm going long on the bike. No problems, other than that I have no sympathy for any man who does not shave because it's too hard. At least he can see where he's going...sheesh...

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DFL > DNF > DNS

The product you want is Hoo Ha Ride Glide. Designed for women, it is a cream that goes "everywhere but inside." All the little nooks and crannies. It is the bomb. Have used it with and without hair (thank you local salon for the brazillian) and love it. Recommended by a friend who waxes and seconded by another who is natural.

For me the trick is Desitin Diaper Rash Cream next to my skin and then aquaphor on top of that. I have tried all the saddle creams and none work the same. The desitin is think and lasts all day and keeps next to the skin dry and protected. The aquaphor on top keeps my shorts moving smoothly.

lindsayonthego wrote:

Alright, I have a question for you ladies who are cycling a lot... How do your groom your downstairs area? I went out for yet another cycling ride to day with chamois cream well applied, but I still ended up with some friction "burns" that are either caused by my seat or ....... I keep it trimmed short, but am wondering if I need to venture into other grooming techniques......

Hi there!

I am an Aesthi/Cosmo and do all the treatments to other people and on myself so I know all the ins and outs from both sides of the treatment table.

I have gotten my clients to tell me if they are talking about the "carpet" (pubic area) or the "drapes" (the hair on the head) when they are on the phone in mixed company and are trying to book an appointment *lol*

First up, waxing any day over shaving.

Waxing expresses the entire hair from the root to the tip and eliminates chaffing as the hair grows out because the tip of the hair is fine rather than blunt cut by a razor. You also risk less razor burn and ingrown hairs as well.

When I say "bikini wax" the industry standard for that term is 1 inch in from the fold of the leg (including out on the leg) and 1 inch down from the growth line (no anus or labia clean up).

Brazilian.... while it is great, it isn't for everyone. I sported one for about a year and honestly I found that even a marginal amount of hair "there" is there for more than just one purpose... the most common complaint I have gotten with Brazilian clients is that you tend to kinda pee all over the place, literally...in most cases down your thigh because there is no hair there to focus a steady stream, which for some isn't much of a bother but for others is a total annoyance. Other clients who tried them and changed back to a deep wax referred to it as a feeling of "always drooling and sweating down there" I will let you elaborate on that thought.

Deep waxing, this is a great compromise between shaving and a Brazilian. A deep wax is more like 1-2" in from the leg fold, anything out on the leg, 1-2' down from the growth line and the anus. This creates a "neat little bush" that you can clipper down as short as you like and you have all the benefits of waxing without any of the annoyances some find about the Brazilian.

If you haven't waxed before find someone in your area who does and go to their regular person even if it means waiting a week to get an appointment. the last thing you want is someone who is new to waxing to guess their way through your first few times. Down there, you want a seasoned pro *lol* not some newbie.


Tell the Aesthetican what you are looking for and discuss, don't be talked into a Brazilian unless that's what you want, the first time you get one, plain and simple... it hurts.... and if you have thick or dense pubic hair it will hurt even more. I usually have 1st timers take Advil a minimum of an hour before they come and I promise neither sex nor a bike ride will be on your list of favorite things to do for a couple days. The positive thing is that after the first couple times of getting it done your skin gets used to it and you've had a chance to interrupt the 3 stage hair growth cycle.... so it does get easier.

Lubrication, a lot of the lady pro's say that they don't use all the expensive chamois creams out there but rather stick to simpler easy to get methods. I read an article just recently that the pro said she was in a pinch couldn't get chamois cream and started using Aquaphor and has never gone back to anything else. So I gave it a try and I really liked it (I had a tube of it from my last tattoo recovery) it is more of an ointment than a cream so its a lot harder to sweat it away like the creams....

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I am an avid cyclist who is also the co-owner and buyer for Low Country Multisport a performance specific F.I.S.T. certified fit studio and repair shop in the beautiful Lowcountry of South Carolina. And, I just happen to be married to a retired Marine who is completely addicted to the iron distance. "lord help my wallet!!"

Great information! I am just getting into tri's and was wondering what other ladies do! Will certainly keep these suggestions in mind! Thank you for such a timely thread.

I've been shaving but leaning towards either waxing or laser hair removal due to the reasons listed above.

I use extra strength adult diaper rash cream. It helps somewhat. Will try Aquaphor on top of it. Interesting idea.

This is the first season that I have had persistent problems. Previously I never had this level of issues. Not fun. At all.

Great thread. Misery loves company, lol.

Hi,

I agree ... it takes a while to find the right short - saddle combination. Once I found the "right-for-me" saddle, I fell in love with the bike & saw instant performance improvement. Be patient & look for a shop or website that offers a saddle demo program!