Shaving your pubic hair is a private selection. Wish to shave it? Cool. Favor to not? Cool. And what occurs in case you by no means shave pubic hair? Nothing! However there are some things to learn about easy methods to maintain your pubic space clear and contemporary in case you do maintain hairs and easy methods to take away them in case you so select. Right here, we spoke with Gunvor Ekman Ordeberg, MD; Richard Bottiglione, MD; and Papri Sarkar, MD, about whether or not it’s protected to shave your pubic hair, the advantages of not shaving them, and the way to take action safely—whether or not you select to at all times, typically or by no means shave your pubic hair.
Can I shave my pubic hair? Is it protected?
Sure, it’s protected to shave your pubic hair, however in line with specialists, it’s a trickier space to shave than different elements of the physique. In response to Dr. Sarkar, visibility will be difficult, and there are numerous extra nooks, crannies, and curves to contemplate. Dr. Ordeberg agrees, and shares that utilizing merchandise particularly made for intimate shaving can also be important to keep away from irritation, razor burn, ingrown, and folliculitis. This means choosing shaving merchandise designed for the pubic space, just like the Billie V Easy Shave Gel + Cleanser ($13) or the Fur Shave Cream ($32), each of which have been examined for areas down there.
Are there advantages to not shaving my pubic hair?
There are advantages to not shaving pubic hair altogether — you’ll be able to keep away from razor bumps, cuts, or nicks — while you don’t shave, you gained’t get irritated. The specialists be aware that in case you are going to protect your pubic hair, it’s essential to maintain them as clear as you’d some other a part of your physique. “Use an intimate wash every day,” says Dr. Ordeberg. “It’s essential that the wash is formulated with pH 5 and with out irritants resembling important oils, perfumes, and so forth.” Go for a genital-safe wash just like the Love Wellness pH Balancing Cleanser ($16), which is fragrance-free and non-irritating.
Does shaving pubic hair cut back odor?
Whereas shaving can typically cut back odor (as sweat, urine, and micro organism can not get trapped within the hair), all of the specialists agree that holding the realm clear is extra essential for odor discount than shaving it. For that reason, Dr. Sarkar recommends utilizing a product with a chemical exfoliant to reduce bacterial carriage and completely wash the realm. The First Support Magnificence Ingrown Hair Pads with BHA & AHA ($30) include exfoliating glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and witch hazel components to maintain the realm clear, easy, and ingrown-free. The very best half is that they can be utilized on the bikini line, whether or not or not you shave, to assist remove odor and micro organism.
What occurs if I don’t shave my pubic hair?
If you don’t shave your pubic hair, nothing occurs, in line with all the specialists! “The hair will get lengthy, however by not shaving, you’re much less prone to get irritation on the pores and skin,” says Dr. Bottiglione. Dr. Ordeberg echoes this sentiment and shares that no research present the advantages of shaving vs. not shaving pubic hair. This implies that if you wish to shave the realm, go for it, and if you don’t, there’s no must.
Ideas for shaving pubic hair
Should you do wish to take away pubic hair, there are some things to bear in mind. First, be sure you’re utilizing a clear, sharp razor. “Should you use a blade that’s uninteresting, broken, or unclean, you’re extra in danger for razor burn, cuts, or infections,” says Dr. Sarkar. It’s additionally essential to keep away from storing your razors within the bathe, as lifeless pores and skin cells and humidity are the proper buffet for micro organism and fungus. “Clear it and depart it in a cool, dry place. This is one space the place I’m all for a brand new razor each single shave,” she says.
One other tip is to at all times shave within the course the hair grows. “Whenever you shave in opposition to the hair, that’s while you’ll have extra of an inclination to get ingrowns,” says Dr. Bottiglione. Should you do have ingrowns, be sure you’re making use of an exfoliating product to the bikini line, just like the Billie Final Pores and skin Answer ($14) or the Topicals Excessive Curler Ingrown Hair Tonic ($26), to assist reduce irritation.
Subsequent, visibility is key, in line with the specialists. “Shave in an space with nice lighting and a visible device—you’re much less prone to reduce your self in case you can really see and attain the hair you’re making an attempt to take away,” says Dr. Sarkar. She recommends utilizing a mirror, pulling the pores and skin taught, and going sluggish. “This can be a delicate space so deal with it as such—give it the time and a spotlight it wants.”
Lastly, after-care is essential. “Soothe and moisturize the pores and skin with mild components, and opposite to what many assume, keep away from making use of alcohol [to the area] as a result of it’s a serious irritant that can dry out the pores and skin,” says Dr. Ordeberg. As a substitute, moisturize the bikini line with a fragrance-free, mild choose like Nécessaire The Physique Lotion ($28), which has niacinamide and multi-vitamins. A moisturizing physique oil will also be used whether or not you shave or not. Fur Oil ($26) is a crowd favourite with grape seed, jojoba, and tea tree oil to assist soothe the realm post-shave, or it can be utilized on full-length pubic hair to melt its texture.
Last takeaway
It’s protected to shave your pubic hair, nevertheless it’s additionally protected to by no means shave your pubic hair. The advantages of not shaving pubic hair are avoiding irritation, cuts, and ingrowns—while you don’t shave, you gained’t get irritated. Should you don’t shave your pubic hair, nothing occurs, nevertheless it’s essential to maintain it clear with a day by day genital-friendly wash and exfoliant to maintain odor at bay.
Should you do select to shave pubic hair, use a clear, sharp razor, take it sluggish, and remove ingrowns on the bikini line with an exfoliating tonic or pads. After you shave, or even in case you don’t, full your pubic hair routine with a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer or oil. It’s your pubic hair and you are able to do with it as you would like.
