How you groom your pubic hair is a personal choice. Women are generally more fastidious about grooming below the waist.
Furry Preferences
⚠️ Use discretion for mature genital hair images.
Some scientists say pubic hair plays a part in releasing pheromones that attract mates. It reduces genital friction while wearing clothing or during sexual activity. Pubic hair provides natural moisture wicking for perspiration. It acts as a barrier, preventing germs from entering a woman’s vaginal canal. [1]
It was not until the late 1800s that women began making hair removal an integral part of their beauty routines. [2] Do you shave or let hairs grow ungroomed?
Fertile Habitat
Regardless of hair length, keep your pubic area clean to help prevent odor and lice proliferation. The incidence of pubic lice infestations has an average of 2% worldwide with an estimated 70–80% of adults removing pubic hair in part or entirety.
Pubic lice bite to feed on blood every 4 to 5 hours. [3] You may find dried spots of blood with fine black particles of crab feces in your underwear.
Rid yourself of lice before shaving to prevent transferring nits (larvae) to shaving instruments. For similar reasons, it is wise to avoid sharing hats, combs, personal razors, and cosmetics with others.
Treatment for pubic lice (Pthirus pubis) or crab louse includes an over-the-counter lice-killing lotion containing 1% permethrin. You might also use a mousse containing pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide.
Dermatologists say that lice are becoming resistant to chemical treatments such as permethrin. Since lice attach themselves to the hair shaft close to the skin, the popularity of bikini waxing reduces the incidence of crabs. [3–7]
Shaving Methods
Women are generally more fastidious about grooming below the waist. Regardless of gender, whether you trim your pubic hair is a personal choice. Some people prefer the natural curly bush. Creative individuals shave designs. Other people trim the bikini line or shave the entire area to its prepubescent state.
Electric Trim Method
Electric trimmers for the genital area reduce risk of bumps.
There are electric razors, especially for the genital area. You might see them advertised as body groomers. With appropriate settings or attachments, you can maintain a comfortable hair length. The advantage of electric trimmers is they reduce the risk of ingrown hairs because at least some stubble remains.
The Manscaper 3 allows you to ‘mow your lawn’ in the bathroom sink or shower. Use a drain shield to prevent clogs. When you’re trimming certain wrinkly areas, stretch your skin out so it’s taut and smooth. Otherwise, the skin can get cut in between the trimming teeth. [8]
Manscaper 3 Features
- LED Headlight*
- Adjustable blade length*
- Quiet 10,000 RPM motor*
- Lithium rechargeable battery*
- USB/AC charger
- 4 ounces
* improvement over Manscaper 2. The company recommends replacing ceramic blade ($15) every three months.
Razor Blade Method
Many people lather up with shaving cream. Then, using a dual-blade razor, the first blade tugs the hair so the second one cuts it below the epidermis. This requires careful handling to prevent nicks.
You are highly susceptible to sexually transmitted infections when your skin barrier is broken. Other downsides include a higher risk of razor bumps or uncomfortable ingrown hairs. If you have no allergies, applying aloe gel after shaving is helpful.
Tips For Women Shaving Pubic Hair [9]
- 1. Get a good view of the area with a hand mirror.
- 2. Use sharp scissors to trim as much hair as possible before you begin shaving.
- 3. Soak in the tub for at least 5 minutes to soften the skin and pubic hair before shaving.
- 4. Apply shaving cream or gel with aloe vera or another soothing agent for women over all the areas you plan to shave.
- 5. Use a new sharp “bikini” razor, ideally with a built-in moisturizing strip.
- 6. With gentle pressure, hold the skin tight with one hand and shave with the other hand.
- 7. Shave in the direction that the hair grows, using slow strokes.
- 8. Rinse your skin with warm water after you’re done shaving and then pat dry.
- 9. Apply unscented baby oil or lotion with aloe vera to the shaved area afterward.
Wax-and-Snatch Method
Bikini waxing removes hair with the root. But ripping your hair out is pretty painful—especially in such a sensitive area. This also opens up hair follicles which makes it easy for bacteria to enter and cause infection.
A technician often employs hot wax and can recommend products to reduce the chance of infection. After treatment, which can include other areas of the body, there is no stubble, and results last longer than shaving.
Some women prefer the Brazilian wax, also called the Sphinx. It leaves the bikini line and vulva completely bare of hair.
Laser Zap Method
Laser hair removal and electrolysis sometimes work. With frequent treatments, it is possible for board-certified technicians to permanently remove hair. The precision allows for a variety of pubic hairstyles.
Depilatory Method
Depilatories are creams that you apply to break down the keratin structure. This thins and dissolves the base of the hairs to the point where they are weak enough to break off when the cream is wiped away.
Coarse hairs do not respond as well as fine ones. Leaving a depilatory on too long or trying to cut stubborn hairs with a razor afterward can cause redness and possible scarring. General side effects can include allergic reactions, discomfort, and irritation. [10-12]
You may decide to shave/wax to minimize pubic lice or for personal aesthetic appearance. Do not use a razor following depilatory treatment. Read directions carefully and recognize the risks. Maintain hygienic practices to keep your private areas healthy.
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To support the writing of useful articles about women, ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online. You may sponsor specific articles or remit a small donation.
ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online to offset expense of the writing useful articles about women. Slide extra posters into DeuPair Frames without removing from the wall.
ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online. You may remit a small donation.
You can support the writing of useful articles about women by sponsoring specific articles or remitting a small donation. Visible content is optimized for device size.
