Between every person’s legs is a bush—not one made of leaves and branches, but of hair. Put on our bodies to protect our most private parts, it catches dirt and debris and acts as a friction-reducing barrier during more intimate moments. In short, pubic hair is a powerful tool.
READ: Hair removal: Your guide to a zero-waste grooming routine
Unfortunately, despite its positives, it’s not exactly coveted among society. Rather, many seek to primp and preen the area by going at it with the nearest pair of shears or shavers. There’s just one issue—one wrong move and you’ll be dealing with the dreaded grow-out itch, sore ingrown bumps and, possibly, infection!
To save you the trouble, we’ve put together a little guide to help you navigate the world of pubic grooming. From the dos and don’ts of trimming and shaving to the crucial aftercare that follows, find everything you need to know about grooming your pubes below:
Step 1: Take a shower
This should be a no-brainer, but in case it isn’t, bathing before you groom your pubes is always a good idea. In addition to washing away dirt and debris to prevent infection, a warm shower softens your hairs to make the shaving and trimming process easier.
Step 2: Get grooming!
Trim, don’t shave
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Look, the way you groom your pubic hair is very much a personal aesthetic choice, but—in our humble opinion—the most comfortable grooming solution for your nethers is definitely a simple trim. You see, trimming your bush keeps the area neat without the itchiness and discomfort of the prickly post-shave growout (depending, of course, on how short you’re trimming it).
All you really need are a pair of hair scissors and a fine-toothed comb (or your fingers), plus a little patience. Alternatively, you can invest in a pair of trimmers for the most uniform trim.
SHOP: Philips Bodygroom Series 1000 BG1024/16
Either way, depending on how long you’ve let your below-the-belt pelt grow out, you’ll probably need to do some trimming before you can break out the razor.
If you must shave…
READ: 5 Eco-friendly razors for a sustainable shaving routine
TIP 1: Clean your tools wellThe cardinal rule of groin grooming is to use clean tools—especially when it comes to your razor. The last thing you’ll want to do is nick your skin and introduce a whole host of nasties into the area (can you imagine the pain? Ouch!). Really, you’ll want to soak any razors or tweezers you plan to use in disinfectant before introducing them to your crotch.
TIP 2: Keep your razor as sharp as humanly possibleA sharp razor is the key to avoiding irritation. The sharper the razor, the less passes you’ll have to do and the happier your skin will be. Just be careful not to hurt yourself!
TIP 3: ExfoliateWhether you’re using a gentle scrub or a loofah, it’s always a good idea to get rid of any dead skin cells before grooming—especially if you’re shaving. This way, your razor will have the smoothest surface to glide onto which means less tugging and happier skin.
TIP 4: Lather up the shaving creamOr, better yet, use a gel so you can better see what you’re doing. Using the proper lubrication while shaving is crucial to minimising friction burns and tugging. Our nifty tip? Just shave in the shower to keep your skin moist and your station mess-free.
TIP 5: Always go with the grain, never against. Shaving against the grain forces the razor to lift your hair up at the follicle before it is cut. This isn’t ideal as it can leave you vulnerable to skin irritation or razor burn. Further, having the razor pull on the strand before cutting can leave the freshly cut end under the skin instead of flush with its surface, which can then lead to an ingrown hair—something you’ll definitely want to avoid in your nethers. Instead, go with the grain and take your time. Plus, don’t forget to rinse your razor after every pass.
Step 3: Be diligent with your aftercare
Whether you’ve trimmed or shaved, there’s always a risk of irritation when it comes to the more delicate areas of your body. So, once you’re all tidied up, you’ve got to stay on top of your aftercare if you’re hoping to avoid shaving bumps or itchy nethers.
1. Stick to cotton undiesThe biggest mistake you could possibly make with your freshly primped downtown area is to suffocate it. Rather than reaching for stuffy synthetics, treat yourself to some soft and breathable cotton underwear.
2. Soothe the skinPost-shave, you’re bound to notice some signs of irritation—after all, you’ve just taken a razor to one of the most sensitive areas of your body. Fortunately, the solution is simple. Using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser to soothe and hydrate the area will keep your skin itch- and rash-free. PS: In the case that you do see a few ingrown hairs pop up here and there, you can try applying a salicylic acid treatment over the area to cure it.
3. Exfoliate regularlyThe best way to keep ingrowns at bay is to keep on top of your exfoliation routine. Remember, when it comes to post-shave aftercare, your worst nightmare is clogged pores—something that is pretty common in the sweaty pubic region. Fortunately, gentle scrubs or salicylic acid treatments are here to save the day!
Step 4: Head to the waxing parlour instead
Look, not everyone’s a pro—if you find that your pubic haircuts just aren’t up to par, or that your career as a pube-specialised barber is no longer viable, your best bet is to just leave the hard work up to the waxing salon. Truly, some things are just best left to the professionals.
Better yet, you’ll probably be able to experiment with your look down there more. Whether you’re just after a little shaping via bikini wax or you’re looking to become as smooth as a porpoise by way of a Brazilian, you’ll be in good hands.
And there you have it—your guide to your pubes. Whatever you choose to do… good luck!
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