First thing first, personal grooming is not necessary, but if you like to be your own stylist, we support that! So to the 84% of women who say they groom their pubes regularly – we understand that whether you wax, shave, or laser; pubic hair removal can result in discomfort.
No matter the method you chose, removing your pubic hair often irritates the skin. The external skin around your vulva is delicate and requires special care after a trip to the salon (a.k.a your bathroom). Let’s weigh the pros and cons of pubic hair removal.
Shaving
Shaving is by far the most popular method to remove pubic hair. Even though it is cost-effective and convenient, it will not give you long-lasting results, and chances of developing a rash and ingrown hairs increase if you have sensitive skin. Be gentle and take your time when you decide to shave your bikini area.
So, what is the best way to prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs after shaving? To start, you want to make sure you are using a new and clean blade (this will help minimize infection). When you shave, the razor causes friction against the skin; this friction irritates the skin and causes a rash to form. To help minimize friction, hydrate the hairs before you shave because your pubic hair is much coarser and thicker than the hair on other parts of your body. Then, make sure you lather up the external area with soap or your favorite shaving cream and trim the hair; so your razor does not have to work overtime. Gently exfoliating your skin before you have begun to shave is a good idea because you remove any oil buildup and dead skin cells. Your razor can push any of this into your pores and make you susceptible to getting ingrown hairs.
Unfortunately, there is no easy way to avoid ingrown hairs. The best you can do is take the preventive tips we shared and hope for the best. Ingrown hairs occur when the hair grows into the skin rather than outwards to the surface. When ingrown hairs develop, you may notice small, round bumps that look like pimples called papules because your body is treating the hair as a foreign object it should fight off. When they are puss-filled bumps, they are called pustules. These bumps form due to an infection caused by the ingrown hair. In most cases, they will go away on their own.
Moisturizing the area is the best thing you can do for your skin. The Mia Vita Gel is a clear gel moisturizer that you apply to the vulva and skin around the vagina and to your bikini area to give your skin sweet relief after you’ve shaved.
Waxing
Waxing is another popular method that gives you longer and smoother results because it removes the hair at the root. Make sure your hair is the correct length for waxing. If it is too short, the wax will have nothing to hold onto; if your hair is too long, the wax will break off the hair, rather than grabbing it at the root. If you decide to try out waxing, go to a professional– it is easy to burn yourself, damage your skin, or worse – get things caught in the wax that shouldn’t be there.
A professional waxing will last about a month which is longer than a shave, but there are disadvantages when it comes to waxing your pubic hair. If you have sensitive skin, waxing can be very aggressive and painful. Waxing freshly exfoliates your skin, and you can be left red, inflamed, and irritated down there. Applying a moisturizer before and after your waxing will help to alleviate any unpleasant symptoms.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal has been trending for quite some time now. It involves exposure to pulses of laser light that destroy your hair follicle. Out of all the ways to remove your hair, this method is the costliest but can yield more permanent results. The procedure is usually done once every 4 to 6 weeks; the number of treatments will vary depending on what area you are treating.
The most common side effects from laser hair removal include redness, swelling, and discomfort at the treated area. If you are interested in laser hair removal, find a certified professional. This form of hair removal can have dangerous side effects like burns and skin abrasions if not done correctly. Many people who have gone through laser hair removal describe the sensation as warm pinpricks. After the procedure, it is best to apply a cool compress or a moisturizer to the treated area to minimize discomfort. Keep in mind – you will not see immediate results.
What you should NEVER do down there
- NEVER apply bleach or hair dye to your pubic hair.
- NEVER use an old razor to shave.
- NEVER pop an ingrown hair.
Whatever your reason is to remove the hair down there, remember to follow these steps: clean and gently exfoliate, lather the external area with soap, and use a clean razor if shaving is your thing, and moisturize afterward. Our skin is delicate down there, so handle with care!