Do you ever get an undeniable need to scratch down there? Girl, we get it. Getting itchy when your pubic hair starts to grow back is super common and super frustrating. The good news, we’ve got you covered. With this easy-peasy shaving routine, you’ll be feeling soft, comfy and itch-free.
Trim pubic hair
If your pubic hair has been growing for a while, we recommend giving it a little trim. Keep a separate grooming kit for this area and make sure you use sharp scissors – you aren’t going to get far with a blunt pair! Removing excess hair will help you achieve a smooth shave, and prevent your razor blade from getting clogged with hair too quickly.
Soak it up, hunny!
Next up, have a warm shower or bath. Give yourself some time to relax in the warm water before reaching for your razor. Your hair and skin will be softer and primed for shaving if you soak for 5 – 10 minutes before starting.
Exfoliate
Using a gentle scrub to exfoliate the area will remove any dead skin cells or sebum which may be clogging the hair follicle. Exfoliation also helps to prevent an ingrown hair from developing.
Grab some shaving cream
Apply shaving cream or a shave gel to the area to avoid razor burn. Using shaving cream creates an obvious distinction between where you’ve just shaved and where you haven’t, so you can avoid going over the area twice and causing irritation.
Shaving pubic hair. It’s time, baby!
When you start shaving, gently hold the skin taut with one hand. The hair is thinnest on the bikini line, so start here to make sure you’re getting the hang of it. The hair is always thicker and tougher at the centre and can be a bit more of a challenge to get to. If you’re unsure of where you’re shaving, bring a hand mirror into the shower and take a little look. Always shave slowly – if you’re too quick, you might accidentally cut yourself.
Rinse your razor blade
When shaving your pubic hair, you need to make sure you are rinsing your razor head between every couple of shaving motions. This will ensure you can unclog the hair in the blade. Using a hair-free blade will give you a smoother shave, and don’t we all want that?
Shaving pubic hair. It’s time, baby!
When you start shaving, gently hold the skin taut with one hand. The hair is thinnest on the bikini line, so start here to make sure you’re getting the hang of it. The hair is always thicker and tougher at the centre and can be a bit more of a challenge to get to. If you’re unsure of where you’re shaving, bring a hand mirror into the shower and take a little look. Always shave slowly – if you’re too quick, you might accidentally cut yourself.
Rinse your razor blade
When shaving your pubic hair, you need to make sure you are rinsing your razor head between every couple of shaving motions. This will ensure you can unclog the hair in the blade. Using a hair-free blade will give you a smoother shave, and don’t we all want that?
Prevent skin irritation with the right aftercare
Now, babes, the most important step in your routine is aftercare because this is what is going to stop the pesky itch from developing 2 – 3 days after your last shave.
Exfoliate, that’s right – again!
Using a gentle scrub around 3 x per week in the shower will remove dead skin cells and reveal a supple new layer of skin. Adding exfoliation into your aftercare routine will help to prevent ingrown hairs. Which objectively, are the worst.
Apply a pubic hair oil or moisturising lotion
Hunny, it is sooo important to protect your skin by keeping your pubic hair moisturised. Dry skin = itchy skin! If your skin and hair growth is softened it will ensure the hair grows back seamlessly and will stop the unbearable itch. Use a body lotion that won’t irritate freshly shaved skin. We recommend opting for fragrance-free.
Oh, and make sure you’re always using a sharp razor head to avoid getting razor bumps and irritation and to achieve a closer shave. We recommend putting on a new razor head every 10 shaves. Always forget to buy backup razor blades? Maybe you should try a razor subscription 😉
Other hair removal methods
While we might be partial to shaving, there’s more than one hair removal method to remove pubic hair.
Waxing
You might decide to wax at home or go to a salon to remove your pubic hair. Like shaving, waxing is not a permanent hair removal solution. When waxing, the hair is pulled completely out from the root, which gives a very smooth finish, however, it can sometimes be a bit harsh if you have sensitive skin. After a couple of weeks, your hair follicles will start growing new hair (hair regrowth will vary depending on how quickly your hair grows), and you may decide to wax the hair again.
If you do decide to go down this route, make sure you’re prepping properly for the best results possible.
How to prepare for waxing your pubic area | Buy the right type of wax
If you decide to do a DIY job to remove your pubic hair, make sure you look for a waxing product that specifically says Brazilian on the packet. Not all products are suitable for this sensitive skin area. If you’re waxing down there for the first time, it might be easiest to use hard wax, as strip waxes can be a little more challenging to use.
Make sure your pubic hair is the right length for a wax
If your pubic hair is quite long, you will want to give it a trim before you wax. If you’ve been shaving and decide to give waxing a go, make sure you don’t shave for at least 10 -14 days before your appointment (or your DIY wax). You want your hair to be about as long as a grain of rice at the time of waxing. If you’re going to a salon, and you’re in a bit of doubt, it’s always better for your hair to be too long, than too short. The wax specialist can easily trim before waxing if needed. If you come in with really short hair, you risk a cancelled appointment (bummer) or a very painful experience (with lacklustre results) because the wax can’t fully grip the hair to remove it.
Use either a hair trimmer or a pair of sharp scissors to trim your hair to the desired length.
Exfoliate and have a warm shower (or bath)
Soaking in warm water, whether it be in the shower or bath will soften your skin allowing for easy hair removal. Exfoliating the night before the wax will remove dead skin cells and build up around and in the hair follicles, aiding in easier and more thorough hair removal. If you’re using body wash or an exfoliating scrub in your pubic area, make sure it is fragrance-free and PH balanced to prevent skin irritation.
It’s time to wax, hunny!
Before waxing, make sure your skin is clean and dry. It’s not recommended to use body lotion on the pubic area before waxing. Avoid waxing on your period (it can be way more painful!) or if you’ve been drinking. We know a few cocktails might give you the urge, but trust us, don’t do it! You’re more likely to bleed, and that is just not fun.
Let’s get flexible
Now, the DIY waxing process can be like a fun game of Twister. Except you’re naked, and literally waxing your hair follicles out from their root. Honestly, the things we do. In all seriousness, don’t feel silly if you have to try out a few different positions to get it right. You might try standing while propping one leg up on the bathtub. Or, you might try laying down in front of a standing mirror while bending your knees and spreading your legs wide. Prop a pillow under your back for a bit of a lift. Remember, it’s okay to take your time and make sure you feel comfortable in the position before you get the wax on.
Where should you wax first?
Start on your bikini line and make your way towards the middle. Work in small sections so you don’t get too fearful about stripping it off. We don’t need a situation where you’re running around the house with a wax strip half attached. Girl, that just ain’t it.
How to apply the wax onto the skin
Apply the wax in a swirling motion, as this will ensure you catch all the body hair in the wax. You want the wax to be about the thickness of a five-cent piece when it’s on the skin. You want to make sure the end of the wax is in a spot where there is no hair, so you can get a good grip. When it feels tacky, but not sticky, it’s ready to be removed.
Which way do you pull the wax for the best result?
For best results, wax in the opposite direction of hair growth.
How do you clean up after a wax?
When you’ve finally finished (hoorah!) and the pubic hair you wanted to remove is all gone, it’s time to clean up. Coconut oil is great for removing any residual wax, and using witch hazel for a cool compression can help to calm the skin. You definitely want to stick to fragrance-free lotion in the days following the wax, as well as avoiding working out, saunas and steam rooms. You want to prevent the still-open hair follicle from getting clogged.
Looking after your pubic area after a wax
Like with shaving, waxing requires aftercare to keep your pubic area soft, supple and itch-free. You should exfoliate about 3 times per week to prevent ingrown hairs.
Want to try laser hair removal? Lucky you’ve read our guide on how to shave down there.
Laser treatment is the permanent hair removal sister to waxing and shaving. So if you want to remove pubic hair forevermore, laser could be your answer.
How to prepare for laser hair removal
When you’re planning on getting laser, whether on your bikini line, or for a full brazilian, you must not wax or pluck the hair in your pubic area for at least four weeks prior to the appointment. Instead, you will need to shave your pubic hair at least 12 – 24 hours before. The laser specialist must be able to see the pigment of the hair follicle for them to be able to effectively laser the hair off.
Avoid direct sun exposure on the pubic area and bikini line
Now unless you’re doing a Gwyneth and engaging in some Perineum Sunning (i.e. sunning the spot between your pubic bone and butt hole) it’s pretty unlikely you would have exposed your pubic area to the bright rays of the sun. However, your bikini line is far more likely to have been exposed, especially if it’s summer and you’re spending time at the beach. Just be careful for the two weeks before your appointment and always protect your skin with SPF. You must also make sure you have no residual fake tan on the area you’ll be getting lasered – if you do, you won’t be able to go ahead with your treatment on the day.
PS, we really really don’t recommend Gwyneth’s sunning regimen.
Be careful with your skincare routine
It’s always good to have a shower or a bath before your appointment, though make sure you avoid applying any moisturisers, serums or perfumes to the pubic area. If you do, you’ll likely block the laser’s ability to target the hair follicle.
Exfoliate down there
Three days before getting laser hair removal, you’ll want to exfoliate the pubic area for the best results.
Book your appointment with a reliable clinic
Laser hair removal is a great option, however, you want to make sure you’re going to a trusted clinic. By consulting with an experienced and reliable clinic, you prevent any issues or skin irritations, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Aftercare
The laser clinic will guide you through the best aftercare routine for you, though expect to be using a laser aid in the days following the appointment, to keep the skin cool and calm.
Now remember babes, whether you choose to shave or not, the most important thing is to make sure you feel comfy and happy. Removing pubic hair is always optional, and your body hair is damn fine the way it is <3
