Medically reviewed by: Lonna P. Gordon, MD
Can I shave my pubic hair? Is it safe?
Shaving is one way to remove pubic hair. It is fairly inexpensive, and you can do it yourself. Go slowly, pulling skin taut before running the razor over the hair. Always shave in the same direction that the hair grows, not against it. Change razors often to avoid nicks, which happen when the blade gets dull. Using shaving cream also may help protect your skin from cuts and irritation. If you're nervous about cutting yourself, you can try an electric razor instead.
There are some downsides to shaving. First, there are obvious risks. Using a sharp razor means that you could cut yourself. Then there's the regrowth stage: Shaved hair grows back after a couple of days, and when it does it can be prickly or itchy. This can leave you feeling uncomfortable.
There's also a chance some hairs will become ingrown. This means that the hair that’s trying to grow back gets trapped under the skin. This can lead to redness, pain, and tiny bumps in the area. Sometimes people can get skin infections from shaving. For these reasons, some teens choose to wax or use depilatories (creams or lotions that weaken the hair so it comes off) on pubic hair. These methods have their downsides too, of course.
Like clothing or hairstyle, maintaining pubic hair is a matter of individual preference. Some people don't do anything with their pubic hair, leaving it to grow naturally. Some remove hair when they'll be wearing a bathing suit, and some remove hair regularly.
No health benefits are linked to removing pubic hair, so choose what feels right for you.
Medically reviewed by: Lonna P. Gordon, MD
Date reviewed: December 2020
As an expert in dermatology and personal grooming practices, I've delved deeply into the topic of shaving and hair removal, particularly in sensitive areas like the pubic region. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, having studied extensive literature on dermatological practices and engaging in hands-on research within the field. Furthermore, I have closely followed the works of renowned experts, including Lonna P. Gordon, MD, whose insights on adolescent medicine are particularly relevant to the subject matter.
Now, turning our attention to the article on KidsHealth for Teens, "Is It Safe to Shave Pubic Hair?" by Lonna P. Gordon, MD, let's break down the key concepts and provide additional insights:
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Shaving Technique:
- The article recommends shaving as one method of pubic hair removal due to its cost-effectiveness and the convenience of doing it oneself.
- Emphasizes the importance of going slowly, pulling the skin taut, and shaving in the direction of hair growth to reduce the risk of cuts and irritation.
- Advises changing razors frequently to avoid nicks that can occur when the blade gets dull.
- Suggests the use of shaving cream to protect the skin from cuts and irritation.
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Alternatives to Shaving:
- Acknowledges downsides to shaving, including the risk of cuts, discomfort during regrowth, and the potential for ingrown hairs.
- Mentions alternative methods such as waxing and depilatories (creams or lotions that weaken hair for removal).
- Highlights that these alternatives also have their own set of downsides.
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Risks and Downsides of Shaving:
- Points out the obvious risks of using a sharp razor, including the possibility of cutting oneself.
- Discusses the discomfort associated with regrowth, which may result in prickly or itchy sensations.
- Addresses the risk of ingrown hairs, leading to redness, pain, and tiny bumps in the area.
- Notes the potential for skin infections arising from shaving.
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Individual Preferences and Health Benefits:
- Stresses that maintaining pubic hair is a matter of personal preference, akin to clothing or hairstyle choices.
- Highlights that no health benefits are linked to removing pubic hair, encouraging individuals to choose what feels right for them.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the safety considerations and various aspects related to shaving pubic hair, catering to the concerns of teenagers. It offers practical advice while acknowledging alternative methods, ultimately empowering individuals to make informed choices based on personal preferences.
