Pubic hair: the low down... or the hair down low

Pubic hair is not random. It can help protect sensitive skin and reduce rubbing from clothing, sport, movement or sex.

It is also just one of the signs that puberty is happening.

And just to be really clear: pubic hair is not dirty. Having pubic hair does not mean you are unhygienic. Removing pubic hair does not make someone cleaner.

A simple wash with water on the outside only, is usually enough. Your genitals do not need perfume, deodorant, sprays or fancy “freshening” products. Those things can irritate the skin and upset the natural balance of the area.

Nope.

You can leave pubic hair alone, trim it, remove some of it, or remove most of it. It is your body and your choice.

Some people remove pubic hair because they like how it looks or feels. Some do it because of sport, clothing, comfort, curiosity, social media, porn, partners, or pressure from other people.

But here is the important bit: you do not owe anyone a particular version of your body.

A partner does not get to decide what your pubic hair should look like. If someone is making you feel embarrassed, pressured or “gross” about normal body hair, that is about them - not you!

If you want to tidy things up, trimming is usually the safest place to start.

Use clean scissors with rounded ends or an electric trimmer with a guard. Take your time. Use a mirror if that helps. Do not rush it. Pubic skin is sensitive and does not enjoy chaotic decision-making.

Also, avoid sharing razors or trimmers. Sharing can spread bacteria, viruses or skin infections.

Shaving is common, but the pubic area can get irritated easily. Razor rash, itchy bumps, tiny cuts and ingrown hairs are all pretty common.

To make shaving safer:

• Trim longer hair first so the razor does not pull.
• Use warm water to soften the hair.
• Use shaving gel or cream, ideally fragrance-free, and only on the top - avoid the outer or inner labia
• Use a clean, sharp razor.
• Shave gently in the direction the hair grows.
• Do not keep going over the same patch again and again.
• Rinse the razor often.
• Do not shave over rashes, cuts, sores or bumps.
• Do not share razors.
• Stop if it hurts, burns or stings.

And no, just to make it clear - shaving does not make hair grow back thicker, darker or faster. It can feel rough or stubbly because the hair has been cut bluntly, but shaving does not magically upgrade your hair follicles.

Waxing pulls hair out from the root, so it can last longer than shaving. But it can also hurt, irritate the skin, and cause ingrown hairs.

If you want to wax, it is safest to go somewhere clean and professional. Avoid waxing over broken, irritated, sunburnt or infected skin.

And please do not do a last-minute DIY wax five minutes before going out. Your skin deserves better planning than that.

Hair removal creams use chemicals to dissolve hair. They can work, but they can also burn or irritate sensitive skin if used incorrectly.

Only use products that clearly say they are suitable for the bikini line or external pubic area. Always follow the instructions, and do a patch test first.

Do not put hair removal cream:

• Inside the vagina
• Inside the vulva  (avoid the outer and inner lips (labia).
• On the head of the penis
• On the scrotum
• Around the anus
• On broken, sore or irritated skin.

If it burns, hurts or feels wrong, rinse it off straight away.

An ingrown hair happens when a hair curls back into the skin instead of growing out. It can look like a red, itchy or sore bump. Sometimes it can look like a pimple.

They are common after shaving, waxing or plucking.

If you get bumps, try not to pick or squeeze them. It is tempting, but it can make things worse and may lead to infection or scarring.

Give the skin a break from hair removal until it settles.

Talk to a nurse, doctor, pharmacist or sexual health clinic if you have:

• Painful, spreading or worsening redness
• Pus, swelling or warmth in the skin
• A fever or feeling unwell
• A burn from hair removal cream
• Blisters, ulcers or open sores
• Lumps that do not settle
• Very itchy pubic hair or skin
• A rash that keeps coming back
• Pain when passing urine
• Unusual discharge from the penis, vagina or anus
• Any concern about an STI.

You do not need to feel embarrassed. Health workers talk about bodies, skin and genitals all the time.