Yara Zakharia, Esq.
Since centuries ago, pubic hair removal has been a ritual for men and women in ancient civilizations such as India and the Near East. Once a taboo subject of discussion, pubic hair removal has gained wider acceptance in the Western culture with the endorsement of Brazilian waxing, the growing popularity of mini bikinis and the increasing availability of hair removal products and services.
Furthermore, baldness of the privates is often required in professional arts such as dance and modeling, as well as recommended for athletic activities such as running and swimming as it offers a competitive edge. Among the most reported reasons why Americans are choosing the hair-free trend are the following:
- Aesthetics (i.e. sporting a bikini)
- Better hygiene (less germs, bacteria and sweat)
- Fresh and smooth appearance as well as an improved sense of 'sex appeal'
- Enhanced sensations in the intimacy department
- Cultural purposes (i.e. conforming to the societal norm)
- Religious reasons (i.e. Islamic tradition)
The elimination of unsightly pubic hair may be achieved without suffering the consequences of hair bumps, pimples, ingrown hairs, rashes, burns, nicks and cuts. Consumers should select the hair removal method that best corresponds to their needs, skin sensitivities, anatomical composition, and budget. For obtainment of satisfactory, long-lasting results, individuals need not spend an arm and a leg on body hair removal.
Hair Removal Procedures
Multiple options are available to the public, and each carries its own pros and cons. Some of the most popular methods of hair removal techniques include tweezing, shaving, trimming, waxing, mechanical epilation, laser treatment, and electrolysis. Each technique is discussed in sequence below:
One of the simplest and most judicious approaches to pubic hair removal involves trimming by way of an electric trimmer or a pair of scissors. The use of a trimmer is recommended since it ensures that the pubic hair is of uniform length. The utilization of scissors is a bit trickier as it requires greater manual dexterity. One of the advantages of trimming is the ease of maintenance. Individuals will be required to perform a periodic upkeep of their pubic hair- typically every two weeks.
The most commonly-utilized and easiest method of pubic hair removal is shaving. It offers men and women convenience and discretion, for it can be performed in the privacy of their homes. It is also inexpensive. Through the pain-free procedure of shaving, individuals can maintain a hygienic and clean look and exercise control over the area and extent of shaving preferred. Long hairs should first be trimmed, and for the bikini line, safety razors designed for that particular region should be used. Although electric razors are slightly more costly, they are safer and practically hassle-free.
Side effects from shaving include ingrown hairs and itching (caused by stubble growth), skin irritation, and bumps. These can be minimized by rubbing an ice cube over the shaved area, patting it dry, and moisturizing it. The results of razor shaving usually last an average of one to three days. Consumers should employ a new razor for each session; disposable razors are therefore highly-recommended.
Also referred to as the bikini wax, this is a relatively cheap and safe method of pubic hair removal. Hair does not grow back as quickly as it does with shaving. Male pubic hair removal via the time-tested procedure of waxing is gaining ground. The method, which consists of plucking out hairs from their shafts, can cause temporary discomfort. However, upon completion of the session, the hair displays no stubbles and is soft.
- Results - The results of waxing last an average of two to four weeks. With waxing, the likelihood of ingrown hairs is lessened, hair growth decreases over time, and the pain diminishes after each new treatment. Additionally, the texture of the re-grown hair is finer and less coarse than it was originally.
- Home Waxing - While home waxing saves consumers money and offers them privacy, professional waxing by aestheticians provides higher-quality equipment and delivers this service in a much faster and efficient manner. An increasing number of waxing salons cater exclusively to a male clientele, offering them discretion and expertise.
- Sugaring - An offshoot of waxing is a century-old technique known as sugaring, which involves the application of a honey-lemon paste to the skin. As the mixture solidifies, the pubic hairs are trapped, thus facilitating removal by a quick snap of the paste from the skin. Unlike chemical depilatories and shaving, no major skin irritation results from waxing or sugaring.
- Brazilian Wax - Ever since it made its debut in the '90s, Brazilian waxing has become one of the most well-known types of pubic hair removal for women. Defined as partial hair removal from the genitals, Brazilian waxing consists of clearing the Amazon from the bikini line, labia, and mons pubis by way of hot wax placed on a piece of cloth. When dry, the strip is rapidly pulled off, dragging along the pubic hairs. To prevent irritation, persons undergoing the Brazilian should moisturize the target area.
Mechanical devices known as epilators remove hair from its roots. The area targeted generally remains hair-free for up to a month. Electric epilation is effective on very short hairs, thus reducing the likelihood of ingrown hairs and stubbles. Also, new products in the market provide for a numbing of the skin while pubic hair removal is performed.
The two most permanent methods of pubic hair removal are electrolysis and laser hair removal. Both operate by deadening the root of the hair. Electrolysis is effective on pubic hair of all colors, which is not the case with laser hair removal. It also triggers less discomfort than waxing, but more than laser hair removal.
Pubic hair removal by laser involves the application of a high-energy beam to the pigment in the pubic hair follicles. This inhibits the hair's capacity to re-grow and thicken. Laser hair removal works best on women with dark hair and light skin because it targets the pigment. This form of hair removal is usually painless and causes significantly less discomfort than waxing or electrolysis.
Pubic hair removal by laser generally consumes two to three minutes, and one session typically runs anywhere from $200 to $600. The benefits of laser hair removal include elimination of the need to shave or wax and permanent riddance of razor bumps, pubic pimples, and pubic ingrown hairs. Learn more about laser hair removal.
[page updated December 2008]