Shaving your pubic hair is a private alternative. Wish to shave it? Cool. Choose to not? Cool. And what occurs when you by no means shave pubic hair? Nothing! However there are some things to learn about find out how to maintain your pubic space clear and recent when you do maintain hairs and find out how to take away them when you so select. Right here, we spoke with Gunvor Ekman Ordeberg, MD; Richard Bottiglione, MD; and Papri Sarkar, MD, about whether or not it is 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, generally 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 keeping with consultants, it’s a trickier space to shave than different components of the physique. In accordance with Dr. Sarkar, visibility may be difficult, and there are lots of 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 — when you do not shave, you will not get irritated. The consultants be aware that when you are going to protect your pubic hair, it is essential to maintain them as clear as you’d another a part of your physique. “Use an intimate wash each day,” says Dr. Ordeberg. “It is essential that the wash is formulated with pH 5 and with out irritants akin to important oils, perfumes, and so on.” 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 scale back odor?
Whereas shaving can typically scale back odor (as sweat, urine, and micro organism can not get trapped within the hair), all of the consultants 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 totally 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. One of the best half is that they can be utilized on the bikini line, whether or not or not you shave, to assist get rid of odor and micro organism.
What occurs if I do not shave my pubic hair?
If you do not shave your pubic hair, nothing occurs, in keeping with all the consultants! “The hair will get lengthy, however by not shaving, you are much less more likely 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 signifies that if you wish to shave the realm, go for it, and if you do not, there is no have to.
Suggestions for shaving pubic hair
When you do need to take away pubic hair, there are some things to bear in mind. First, be sure you’re utilizing a clear, sharp razor. “When you use a blade that’s boring, broken, or unclean, you are extra in danger for razor burn, cuts, or infections,” says Dr. Sarkar. It is also essential to keep away from storing your razors within the bathe, as lifeless pores and skin cells and humidity are the right buffet for micro organism and fungus. “Clear it and depart it in a cool, dry place. This is one space the place I am 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. “If you shave in opposition to the hair, that is once you’ll have extra of an inclination to get ingrowns,” says Dr. Bottiglione. When 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 keeping with the consultants. “Shave in an space with nice lighting and a visible device—you are much less more likely to reduce your self when you can truly see and attain the hair you are attempting to take away,” says Dr. Sarkar. She recommends utilizing a mirror, pulling the pores and skin taught, and going sluggish. “It is 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 light components, and opposite to what many suppose, keep away from making use of alcohol [to the area] as a result of it is a main irritant that may dry out the pores and skin,” says Dr. Ordeberg. As an alternative, moisturize the bikini line with a fragrance-free, light decide like Nécessaire The Physique Lotion ($28), which has niacinamide and multi-vitamins. A moisturizing physique oil can 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.
Closing 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—when you do not shave, you will not get irritated. When you do not 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.
When you do select to shave pubic hair, use a clear, sharp razor, take it sluggish, and get rid of ingrowns on the bikini line with an exfoliating tonic or pads. After you shave, or even when you do not, full your pubic hair routine with a delicate, fragrance-free moisturizer or oil. It is your pubic hair and you are able to do with it as you want.
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