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How do I Prevent Ingrown Pubic Hair?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Avoiding shaving or waxing is one reliable way to prevent ingrown pubic hair. If you must shave this area, however, you can reduce the risk of ingrown pubic hair by trimming the hair first and using a sharp safety razor. Soaking in a hot bath before shaving and using shaving cream may help as well. In most cases, a mild, non-perfumed shaving cream is best for this job.

One of the easiest ways to prevent ingrown pubic hair is to avoid removing the hair from your pubic area. Ingrown hairs are more likely to develop when you remove the hair from this delicate skin. If the hair in this area grows too long, you may consider trimming it rather than removing it altogether. To remove it with as little irritation as possible, however, you might consider waxing instead of shaving. Unfortunately, this isn’t always a reliable method for preventing ingrown hair, but it may be better than shaving.

Using a sharp razor can help prevent ingrown pubic hair.
Using a sharp razor can help prevent ingrown pubic hair.

If you do decide to shave your pubic hair, you still have options for preventing ingrown hairs. You may do well to shave in the direction of hair growth, for example. You may also start the shaving process by trimming the hair so it isn’t very long. This may help prevent tugging of the pubic hair that can lead to irritation and ingrown hairs. You may also benefit from pulling the skin taught in the area as you proceed with shaving.

One of the easiest ways to prevent ingrown pubic hair is soaking in a hot bath before shaving.
One of the easiest ways to prevent ingrown pubic hair is soaking in a hot bath before shaving.

In most cases, you can prevent ingrown pubic hairs by using a sharp razor for this job. Though you may feel less nervous about using a dull blade, using one may actually not only increase your risk of developing ingrown hair but also of suffering razor nicks and irritation. Some people recommend against using disposable razors for this job as well. Instead, you may do well to choose a safety razor to remove hair from the pubic area.

Shaving the genitals with a razor won't remove hair from below the skin's surface.
Shaving the genitals with a razor won't remove hair from below the skin's surface.

Preventing skin irritation may also help prevent ingrown pubic hair. You may do this by taking a hot bath before you shave. Doing so may help make the hair follicles and skin in the area temporarily softer, which should make shaving easier. Applying a mild type of shaving cream to the area before you shave may also help prevent irritation and ingrown hair. You may find that shaving creams intended for females work best for this purpose.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

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    • Using a sharp razor can help prevent ingrown pubic hair.
      By: April Cat
      Using a sharp razor can help prevent ingrown pubic hair.
    • One of the easiest ways to prevent ingrown pubic hair is soaking in a hot bath before shaving.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      One of the easiest ways to prevent ingrown pubic hair is soaking in a hot bath before shaving.
    • Shaving the genitals with a razor won't remove hair from below the skin's surface.
      By: photoCD
      Shaving the genitals with a razor won't remove hair from below the skin's surface.
    • Ingrown hairs are more likely to develop in the pubic area when hair is removed.
      By: Nobilior
      Ingrown hairs are more likely to develop in the pubic area when hair is removed.
    • Removing hair from the genital area during pregnancy may be more painful for some women.
      By: Natalia Chircova
      Removing hair from the genital area during pregnancy may be more painful for some women.
    • Ingrown pubic hair occurs when the hair has been shaved too closely.
      By: isyste
      Ingrown pubic hair occurs when the hair has been shaved too closely.