Pubic hair removal: all you need to know

Body image and women’s body hair

Pubic hair protects the genitalia from friction and infection. It is absolutely not necessary to remove it. While removing pubic hair, a lot of women get cuts or ingrown hairs, and some develop inflammation of the hair follicles, or hyperpigmentation. If precautions are not taken, with regard to using a clean, sterilised razor – there is a possibility of skin infections and perhaps an increased risk of contracting herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Pubic hair removal is personal and cosmetic, not medical

If a woman likes how she looks with no pubic hair, great. Whatever she likes and makes her feel best is great. Many times, however, women are often pressured into getting rid of pubic hair. 

Picture Credits: Vox.com

Hair removal can be done in the following ways:

• Waxing

• Cream hair removers

• Laser

• Electrolysis

• Trimming 

• Shaving

Precautions and risks of pubic hair removal:

• Waxing and Shaving both increase the risk of skin infections.

• Both methods create small lesions in the epidermis from which bacteria can enter and cause infections.

• One must always use a very mild antibacterial soap to wash the treated area after hair removal.

• Waxing and shaving can often cause irritation, a cold towel can help with pore minimization, and irritation caused by hair follicle removal.

• Keep the area clean and dry and avoid lotions and gels after hair removal.

Other possible risks of hair removal:

• Razor burn (rash)

• Chemical burn from over-the-counter cream hair removers (depilatories)

• Redness

• Cuts, pimples and/or blisters

• Itching

• Infection in the hair root 

Removing pubic hair by shaving: 

To shave one needs the following:

• A pair of sharp scissors

• A new razor (not disposable or dull)

• Female shaving cream 

One must clip off as much hair as possible by trimming with scissors. The next step is to soften the pubic area by soaking in a hot bath or shower for at least three minutes. After that, dry off and wait for a couple of minutes. Apply the female shaving cream and begin shaving using a safety razor. Pull the skin tight with your free hand and do not apply pressure on the razor. Always shave upwards or in the direction of the hair. When done wash with warm water and apply lots of baby oil.

One must avoid shaving right after waking up as during sleep, your body fluids accumulate under the skin and make the skin puffy. Wait 20 to 30 minutes until the fluids regress so the skin is taut and the hair shaft more exposed.

Removing pubic hair by waxing: 

• Avoid waxing yourself as much as possible. Visit a licensed salon. Make sure they do it in the most hygienic way possible.

• Bikini or Braziallian waxing is done with a special wax that is meant for this purpose.

• As after care, use aloe vera gel.

• Avoid using soap on the area immediately after a waxing session.

WHL Tip: If you choose to remove your pubic hair, do it because it pleases you cosmetically or sexually, and you accept that there is a small potential for injury and some possible unknown consequences of chronic, long-term removal.