ExplainerBrazilian wax pros and cons: 5 reasons not to get rid of your pubic hair, and 5 dos and don’ts if you decide to get waxed
- Does removing pubic hair improve hygiene or not? Do you need to shave or exfoliate before waxing? What about the risks of infection?
- These questions and more are answered in our comprehensive guide to Brazilian waxing
The question “Should I wax my pubic hair?” often comes up in conversations between actively dating women. Mums also debate about this, considering the hygienic benefits of getting a Brazilian wax.
Maintaining vaginal hygiene is crucial for overall health. And most women think that shaving or waxing off their pubic hair makes it easy to keep their genitals clean and infection-free.
But here are a few important things that you need to know if you find yourself constantly wondering.
Experts suggest that getting rid of your pubic hair may have some risks. It might even deprive you of a few unexpected benefits. Here are some of the benefits of keeping your pubic hair that may answer your question of “should I wax my pubic hair?” once and for all.
1. Hygiene
Your pubic hair is actually a natural barrier. It keeps your genitals clean, reduces contact with viruses and bacteria and protects your tender genital skin from irritation.
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Experts have now found out that freshly waxed pubic areas are exposed to herpes infections. This may be happening as the microscopic wounds caused by waxing or shaving are exposed to viruses that can spread through the mouth or genitals.
2. Lubrication
The pubic hair also keeps a check on the moisture in your genital areas. The presence of the hair helps in absorbing the moisture, keeping it away from the skin.
But in the absence of pubic hair, the sweat is absorbed by clothes. In turn, the rubbing of such wet or sweaty clothes can lead to irritation or redness. The presence of pubic hair prevents these situations. It greatly reduces the occurrence of yeast infections and skin breakdown. It also protects you from irritation during intercourse.
3. Maintaining body temperature
Your pubic hair is also useful when it comes to regulating the temperature of your genitals. Hair follicles have a sebaceous gland. This gland releases oils on the hair and these oils go up to the skin’s surface. When the oil evaporates it naturally cools your skin, which has a lot of inherent heat.
4. Heightens sensation
Hair follicles have nerve endings at the bottom. Brushing the hair causes little sensations to move down to these nerve endings. The feeling is similar to that of a light touch. The skin below the hair is stimulated by a more firm touch.
So, with your pubic hair, you may be able to experience a wider range of sensations. That can make your lovemaking really interesting.
5. Protection against genital warts
Pubic hair on your genitals can offer better protection in case of warts in these areas. It cannot prevent them but helps avoid direct skin contact. Warts are bumps or growths that can be flat, raised, single, many, small or large. For females, they can be found in the areas like the vulva, vagina, cervix or anus.
A few things crucial to good genital hygiene
You should avoid irritants in your daily life. A simple rule you can keep in mind: Anything that lathers can remove healthy oil from your skin. And that can lead to irritation.
Some potential irritants are soaps, shower gels, bubble baths, cleansing wipes, panty liners, perfumed products, disinfectants and fabric softeners. To avoid damage, you can limit the use of these or avoid the ones that you can. You can also wash your genitals with such products once a day.
Keeping your skin dry is another crucial thing you should follow. Just as too much wetness can irritate, even if the skin becomes too dry it can lead to rashes and redness. So maintain a healthy balance.
Moisturise your skin if you find it extremely dry. Keep changing your undergarments and sanitary pads/tampons when on your period. Avoid rubbing or friction. After baths, ensure that you pat dry the skin. Never rub it with a towel. Don’t scratch using your nails. Be gentle with your genital skin. Wear loose clothes, especially at night time.
By following these simple tips, you can maintain the hygiene of your genital area and avoid infections or irritations.
How should I prepare for my pubic hair wax booking?
Before you book your first waxing session, you need to consider your body’s state. Additionally, the pain that comes with pubic hair wax can intimidate anyone.
You not only need to prepare mentally but also physically. Below are some of the things to take note of before you finalise your pubic hair waxing schedule.
1. Check your period calendar
This tip may seem obvious but it’s best to book your waxing session before or after your period. If you already booked an appointment, we urge you to reschedule it.
During menstruation, women’s skin becomes more sensitive, especially in the lower areas. Moreover, wearing a tampon does not help your case.
2. Should I shave my pubic hair before the appointment?
Some women believe that you need to shave before your first Brazilian wax session. Well, we’re here to tell you not to listen to them.
The wax used for hair removal cannot work on short hair. Because of this aestheticians discourage their clients from getting waxed with short hair. You need to let it grow out before you book your appointment.
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3. Always exfoliate before waxing
If you remove hair from other parts of your body, you have probably heard of the exfoliating step. Before waxing, it’s best to exfoliate the area at least a day before your scheduled session.
We encourage you to use body scrubs, especially mild ones for your genital area. By exfoliating, your waxing session will be less painful than anticipated.
4. Wear comfortable clothing
Wearing comfortable clothing for a waxing session especially applies to first-timers. Before the session, you need to strip off all clothing from the waist down.
Because of this, you need to anticipate wearing something comfy after the appointment. We suggest you wear a dress, skirt, or shorts for easier removal.
5. Prepare for the pain
If you already experienced waxing, you probably know about the pain that comes with it. Some women say that pubic hair waxing hurts more than other areas. We also discourage you from believing in painless pubic hair waxing; all types come with some pain.
To lessen the pain, we encourage you to practise basic yoga. The leg stretched involved in this exercise helps in preparing your lower area for hair removal.
Should I consider booking a pubic hair wax at all?
Before you give in to peer pressure, you need to know that you don’t have to wax your pubic hair. In truth, keeping your pubic hair intact helps protect your genitals from different infections.
Much like our eyelashes and nose hair, the hair between our legs prevents bacteria from entering our bodies.
However, getting waxed serves as relaxation for women as well. It may seem odd to relate pain to relaxation, but women consider it as a form of pampering. Because of this, some mums regularly book a Brazilian wax appointment.
Regardless of how you feel about waxing, we advise you to do it if you really want to.
