When you decide to remove your pubic hair, you are putting yourself at risk of ingrown hairs and razor bumps. However, hair removal isn't the only cause of ingrown pubic hairs. Epigee states that ingrown hairs are also caused by oil in the hair follicles, having coarse, curly or stiff hair, and dry skin. While there isn't any way to completely prevent ingrown pubic hairs, there are ways to reduce the risk of developing them.
Protect the Pubic Area
Step 1
Wear loose clothing. Tight clothing may rub against the skin and contribute to developing ingrown hairs, notes Medline Plus.
Step 2
Allow the pubic area to get air by wearing natural fibers like cotton. Moisture wicking synthetics are also appropriate.
Step 3
Rinse your pubic area off after working out or sweating to remove the oils and sweat that may mix with dead skin to block pores. If the pores are blocked, hair growth may be blocked or redirected and cause ingrown hairs.
Step 4
Apply non-comedogenic moisturizer to the pubic area to minimize the chance of dry skin or clogged pores leading to ingrown hairs.
Step 5
Exfoliate between shavings if there aren't any ingrown hairs present. Use a towel or toothbrush to gently rub the area using circular motions.
Shave Properly
Step 1
Trim the pubic hair as short as possible using barber clippers or scissors, notes the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. This reduces the chance of hairs getting pulled by the razor and reduces inflammation associated with shaving.
Step 2
Soften your pubic hair by sitting in warm water for at least five minutes before you shave. You can also apply hair conditioner to the hair if desired.
Step 3
Use shaving gel. This will lubricate your skin and hair. It also provides a protective barrier between the skin and razor blade.
Step 4
Shave with a special bump fighting razor, also called a PFB, or a single blade razor in the direction your pubic hair grows. Shaving against the grain of the hair increases your risk of ingrown hairs. For example, when shaving the mons pubis, or area above the genitals, you should shave from the top to bottom. As you shave, don't pull the skin as this will make the hair come out of the follicle a little, which may lead to deep ingrown hairs.
Step 5
Rinse the pubic area well after you finish shaving to remove any traces of shaving gel or hairs. Use cool water to reduce inflammation in the area.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't shave pubic hair as soon as you wake up. The Palo Alto Medical Foundation recommends waiting 20 to 30 minutes for swelling that naturally occurs overnight to abate.
Things You'll Need
- Non-comedogenic moisturizer
- Towel
- Toothbrush
- Barber clippers
- Scissors
- Conditioner
- Shaving gel
- Razor
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