Ingrown pubic hairs are the result of waxing, tweezing or shaving the pubic area. After the hair is removed, the hair that remains in the follicle begins to grow again. As it grows, it may curve to grow through the wall of the follicle or it may grow out of the follicle and then curve around into the skin. People with curly hair, such as African Americans and Hispanics, are at an increased risk of ingrown hairs, states the Mayo Clinic. There are, however, some ways to minimize the risk of getting ingrown hairs.
Step 1
Exfoliate the pubic area with a rough towel before shaving. This removes dead skin cells, which contribute to ingrown hairs by directing the hair’s growth pattern.
Step 2
Soak in a bathtub of warm water for five minutes before removing hair if you must shave. This softens the hair and makes it easier to get a clean and even shave.
Step 3
Use a razor with a single blade. Multi-blade razors lift the hair slightly out of the follicle before cutting it. Once the hair is cut, it retracts beneath the surface of the skin, which significantly increases the risk of ingrown hairs.
Step 4
Apply a shaving gel to the pubic area so it is well lubricated. Dry shaving or shaving without proper lubrication irritates the skin and may cause ingrown hairs.
Step 5
Shave from the top of the pubic area downward. This is the direction the hair grows. Shaving with the grain of the hair reduces the risk of ingrown hairs, states Epigee.
Step 6
Rinse the razor after each stroke and use one stroke over each area. A clogged razor applies uneven pressure and may irritate the skin. Multiple strokes over a single area irritates the skin and may cause uneven cuts on the hairs.
Step 7
Place a cool compress on the pubic area after you shave to reduce inflammation and irritation in the area.
Tips and Warnings
- If you have dry skin, you can apply a non-comedogenic lotion to the area. Non-comedogenic products don’t clog pores, so they won’t worsen the ingrown hairs. Clip or trim the pubic hairs, recommends the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, instead of shaving, tweezing or waxing. When you clip or trim the hairs, you leave a little bit of hair above the skin line. This minimizes the risk of the hair becoming ingrown.
Things You'll Need
- Towel
- Single blade razor
- Shaving gel
- Cool compress
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