Re: removal of hair
Do not shave down there. It leads to folliculitis (ingrown and infected hairs), boils, etc. If you're going to remove it, have it waxed.
If you're going to wax it yourself, make sure that you purchase an applicable preparing powder (don't use baby powder, it's linked to cancer of the reproductive organs in women who use it in their genitalia area). Make sure you clean it first, then dry it.
After you wax it, apply a mild astringent or witch hazel to the area. It contracts the skin and closes the pores.
-- I'd still suggest seeing a professional in these cases. Doing this incorrectly can cause serious problems (especially considering sanitation). To those who think it's unislamic to have another woman wax you, would you consider it to be unislamic to have a doctor exam you? Estheticians go through rigorous training and soooooooo many complications can arise if you aren't educated enough in how to perform this. I can't stress this enough!