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Gynecologist reveals what you should never do when shaving ‘down there’
A gynecologist has revealed one thing women should never do when they shave their genitalia, and it may come as a surprise to many.
Despite there being no right or wrong way to maintain one’s sensitive areas, there is often some upkeep required to cut back on any overgrowth.
Gynecologist advises safest technique when trimming pubic hair
While the age of the bush has very much fallen out of favour in recent times, with many women opting for a completely hairless look, gynecologist Dr. Holly W. Cummings has offered her advice on one thing never to do when trimming down there.
In an article written for Every Stage Health, Dr. Cummings said: “Still, some people choose to groom their pubic hair out of comfort or personal preference. If you wish to groom your pubic hair, it’s important to learn safe ways to go about it.”
In her role as a vagina specialist, Dr. Cummings has seen all manner of vaginal conditions, as well as issues relating to pubic hair, and revealed the safest way to remove hair.
“Trimming is the safest option because it shortens your pubic hair without cutting close to the skin, which can lead to injury or infection,” she claimed.
“You can use scissors or a trimming tool marketed for use on pubic hair, or even tools made for trimming beards. Because of the low risk of infection, trimming is the way to go if you have a weakened immune system due to diabetes, chemotherapy, or another medical reason.
With her personal suggestion being trimming, the gynecologist advised caution when using other methods such as shaving and waxing.
“Shaving cuts the hair close to the skin. I’m not a big fan of shaving your pubic hair because it can hurt sensitive skin, leading to rashes, ingrown hairs, and infection,” she added.
“If you choose to shave, use a new, clean razor every time, as used razors can carry bacteria. It’s best to shave in the direction of hair growth if you can, but that can be hard to tell. It’s common for pubic hair to grow in multiple directions.
“This hair removal method involves pulling all the hair out at the root with hot wax or a sugary paste. The results may last for several weeks, but the process can be painful. There is a risk of burns and general irritation, plus small cuts and other skin damage you can’t see.
“If you choose waxing or sugaring, go to a licensed professional with lots of experience. Watch that they follow hygiene practices (no double-dipping with the applicator, for example).
‘If you’re worried about the pain, it’s OK to take an over-the-counter pain reliever before you go. But don’t apply numbing cream to your skin beforehand—if you get burned, you want to be able to feel it.”
Dr. Cummings also supports the use of laser hair removal, but caveats that it should be carried out by a “licensed professional.”
“Laser hair removal is generally safe when done by a licensed professional. There may be swelling or redness for a few days after it’s done,” Dr. Cummings claimed.
Expert reveals one thing women should never do when shaving
However, the one technique Dr. Cummings recommends is that women avoid the use of hair removal products that contain chemicals that can irritate the skin and damage the skin lining.
“I do not recommend these hair removal products, which dissolve hair at the skin line. The chemicals in these creams can be very irritating to the genital area.”
Dr. Cummings concluded: “As an ob-gyn, I want you to know that pubic hair is normal. Whether to groom or let it grow is your choice—no one else’s. And there is no reason to apologize about your pubic hair, to your ob-gyn or anyone else.”