Pubic hair comes in all types – from fine to coarse. But what’s up with the obsession of being bare “down there?” If the decision to remove pubic hair is made, just how much should actually be removed? Is a trim sufficient? Should the bikini line be free of unsightly hair? Or should a woman jump on the bandwagon and go for the much-hyped Brazilian wax? Let’s discuss pubic hair removal options.
Shaving
Shaving is the most common method of removing pubic hair, likely because it’s cheap and you can do it yourself. Most women use a razor and if you decide to do the same, remember to use a safety razor designed for bikini line hair removal. Electric razors are more expensive but less hassle to use and a little safer.
Many women find shaving a quick and convenient short-term method of bikini line hair removal but frequent pubic hair shaving can be a pain. Side effects can include razor bumps and other skin irritations and stubble growth between shaves can lead to itching and ingrown hairs.
Depilatory lotions
Depilatory lotions (e.g. Nair) can take as little as ten minutes to dissolve hair. Some are designed for bikini line hair removal but you should use them with caution. Never use them in the pubic area other than along the bikini line as the chemicals can burn the skin or cause allergic reactions. Always carry out a skin test on your elbow before using a depilatory cream. Don’t use products designed for removing hair on the face: the pubic area is more sensitive.
Waxing
It seems that waxing is by far the pubic hair removal treatment method of choice for most. Waxing is relatively inexpensive, and in most cases, is only temporarily uncomfortable, mostly during the time of the actual procedure. When it’s over, the skin in the pubic area is soft and stubble-free.
Waxing is not a permanent hair removal treatment. With this process, the hairs are simply pulled out of the hair shafts. Hair will grow back in a few weeks, which means that the waxing process will have to be repeated for as long as the effect is desired. However, some people claim that the hair that does grow back does diminish over time and that these hairs grow back with a different texture: they’re finer and not as course as they once were. Because it is possible that repeated plucking of the hairs out of their shafts may ultimately damage the actual hair follicle, the point from which the hair grows, future hair growth can be affected.
Another benefit of waxing is that it enables a person to better control the location of the pubic area that is to be hair-free. It’s a quick process and one that a person can do on his or her own if desired. However, there are plenty of people who will perform this hair removal technique for you, if you’re willing to share this very personal encounter! Many waxing products are available but be sure you read the label before purchasing. You want a waxing product that is safe to use in this area.
Sugaring
Sugaring is a technique that is similar to waxing. But instead of using wax, which can be messy and difficult to clean up, a sugar-based organic mixture is used instead. Generally mixed with honey and lemon, the sugary paste concept has been around for centuries. The paste is applied to the skin, and as it hardens, it traps the pubic hairs. Once it has paste hardened, it is pulled very quickly from the skin, removing the hair as it goes.
Epilators
Epilators are electric devices that when applied to the skin pull hair out by the roots. Hair may not return for up to four weeks so it’s considered a great long-term method of pubic hair removal. Though historically, epilators were thought to be painful, current products are reportedly less so as they numb the skin as they work. Very short hairs can be removed too so stubble and ingrown hairs are less of a problem.
Waxing or sugaring generally won’t cause skin irritation like shaving a
nd chemical-based depilatories often do. And these methods are far less expensive than laser treatments and electrolysis. Whatever you choose, be careful, and seek medical attention for any signs and symptoms of infection.
