Whether shaving pubic hair should become a part of your personal hygiene routine or not is a common dilemma. From rocking a full bush to trying out a bare Brazilian to make it as smooth as a baby’s bottom in order to make it look more appealing for partners, pubic-hair styling is a very personal preference.
Even though popular media constantly bombards us with messages about grooming the pubes, it is important to remember that no one is obligated to get rid of them. You are allowed to go with what feels right for you, just like anything else concerning your body.
Is there a benefit of leaving your pubic hair as it is? Yes, pubic hair plays an important role in reducing friction during penetrative sex. This is especially important since the skin around the genitals is extra-sensitive and prone to chafing. Moreover, pubic hair can trap dirt, pathogens, and bacteria from entering the genital organs. It helps avoid infections after sexual intercourse.
On the other hand, the benefits of pubic hair removal are largely aesthetic. You can easily flaunt swimsuits and bikini bottoms confidently. Plus due to the lack of hair, there is no chance of dealing with sweat and itchiness during humid and hot months.
Is shaving better than waxing?
When it comes to hair removal, intimate area shaving and waxing are vastly different.
If you opt for waxing, you need to book an appointment at a salon or use an at-home waxing kit. You will need to bear with moderate pain as applying hot wax to your pubes and pulling the hair out using a strip is not exactly a walk in the park. You also need to grow out the hair to approximately a quarter of an inch before you can get the area waxed.
In contrast, shaving is a minimally painful procedure that takes just a couple of minutes. You can shave whenever and wherever you need. All you need is a safety razor to get the job done.
Lastly, a professional wax appointment can be rather pricey compared to the cost of purchasing disposable razors.
What’s the best technique for shaving your pubic hair?
Since you are dealing with an extremely sensitive area, you need to be mindful of a few tips. Otherwise, shaving can seem like a hit-or-miss.
How you shave pubic hair can make a world of difference in the final outcome. So here’s a step-wise guide to nailing a smooth shave every time you pick a razor:
1. Trim, then shave
Once you trim the excess hair on your pubes, shaving the area becomes much easier. So grab a pair of small scissors and trim a few inches. Alternatively, you can also use a hair trimmer. Apart from these, you can try Sirona all-in-one shaving kit that includes an Aloe Vera Strip razor and a post shaving gel for a better shaving experience.
2. Exfoliate and shave when in the shower
Scrubbing the area a little and washing it with mild soap and warm water allows a closer shave. Hence, doing it while you are in the shower is an excellent idea. A dry shave can result in more nicks and razor burns.
3. Use a shaving cream
Shaving cream is a specially formulated thick cream to protect the skin against friction while you use your razor. So make sure to apply chemical-free shaving cream on your pubic hair before starting to shave.
4. Always use a sharp razor
Using a sharp razor allows you to get a close shave without putting too much pressure on your skin. When you use a blunt razor, you may end up stretching the skin instead of simply cutting the hair. This can increase the chances of irritation, infection, and ingrown hair. Most razors have an indicator strip that tells you when the blade is dulling so that you can replace it at the right time.
It is also a good idea to use a separate razor for shaving pubic hair. If you are using a single razor for your entire body, make sure to use it first to shave your pubes and then use it on the rest of your body.
5. Be gentle
Don’t go too hard over the same area multiple times even though you may be hoping for an ultra-smooth shave.
Wondering which direction you should shave pubic hair? Always do it in the direction of the hair growth to prevent ingrown hairs and cuts.
6. Rinse the razor after every stroke
This is an important step because a razor clogged with pubic hair and shaving cream isn’t going to be sharp enough to help you get a smoother shave. In case you don’t have access to running water to rinse, keep a mug of warm water handy so you can keep dipping the razor after each stroke.
7. Dry the area and moisturise
Once you are done shaving, rinse the area with cold water and use a clean towel to pat dry. Make sure to get rid of excess shaving cream and hair. Follow it up with a gentle fragrance-free moisturiser to protect the skin barrier from irritation. But don’t use a heavy occlusive like coconut oil as that can end up clogging pores and leave you with nasty bumps down there.
Conclusion
The key to getting a smooth shave is to go as slow as you can. The gentler and slower you are, the better the results will be. Do not blind shave. Use a mirror if you can’t see what you are doing. In case you get a cut or an infection, set up an appointment with your dermatologist immediately.
Finally, before mastering how to shave your pubes, make sure that this is really what you want to do. There’s nothing wrong with embracing the hair that grows in that area.
Only you know what’s best for you, and the final decision is up to you. Never let someone else’s opinion sway you.
Do you really feel a need to shave down there?
Let us know in the comment section below.
