Is Shaving Pubic Hair Harmful For Women?

To shave or not to – this dilemma is a forever companion of many women, when it comes to their pubic hair. Not only is the process of shaving tedious, and sometimes painful, it also has multiple side effects. Many women complain of itchiness or red bumps on their genitals after shaving. However, not everyone faces the same. But one question still remains – is shaving pubic hair safe or not? Today, we will answer this for you.

To get an expert view on this topic, the editorial team of Only My Health reached out to Dr Chetna Jain, Director Dept of Obstetrics & gynecology Cloudnine Group of hospitals, Sector 14, Gurgaon. Read on.

Is It Safe For Women To Shave Their Pubic Hair?

Women generally have a lot of questions when it comes to taking care of their intimate area. One such query is related to the shaving of their pubic hair. Is this practice safe? Our expert answers.

“It is usually safe if done correctly and hygienically, but it’s not completely risk-free. The pubic area has sensitive skin that’s prone to irritation, cuts, and ingrown hairs. Using a clean razor, shaving in the direction of hair growth, and applying a gentle, fragrance-free shaving gel can help reduce risks. However, frequent shaving can lead to skin dryness, itching, razor burns, and even minor infections, especially if the skin barrier is compromised. Therefore, while it’s safe when done carefully, it’s not medically necessary,” explains Dr Jain.

What Are The Risks Associated With Pubic Hair Removal?

Now that we know that shaving pubic hair comes with its own set of cons, let us take a look at the risks in depth. “Pubic hair removal— whether through shaving, waxing, or laser — can cause several side effects if proper care isn’t taken,” shares Dr Jain. The expert lists down the risks for us:

• Skin irritation and razor burns: Shaving or waxing can irritate the delicate skin, leading to redness and discomfort.
• Cuts and infections: Even small nicks can expose the skin to bacteria and increase the risk of infections such as folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles).
• Ingrown hairs: Hair that grows back into the skin can cause painful bumps, itching, and dark spots.
• Allergic reactions: Creams or waxes with harsh chemicals can trigger rashes or allergic responses.
• Vaginal infections: Removing all pubic hair eliminates a natural barrier that helps keep bacteria away from the genital area, potentially increasing susceptibility to infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.

“While many women choose to remove pubic hair for aesthetic or their own comfort, it’s crucial to understand and minimise these risks through proper hygiene and aftercare,” answers the expert.

Also Read: Know Why You Have Itchy Pubic Hair And 7 Tips To Get Rid Of It

Purpose And Benefits Of Pubic Hair

Pubic hair plays several biological and protective roles. “It acts as a cushion that reduces friction during movement and sexual activity, preventing skin irritation. It also helps maintain a stable temperature and humidity level around the genitals, which supports a healthy microbiome. Another important function is protection against bacteria and pathogens — pubic hair acts as a barrier, reducing the direct transfer of microbes to the skin and vaginal opening. Additionally, pubic hair traps pheromones, which play a subtle role in sexual attraction. In essence, pubic hair is not just a cosmetic concern — it’s part of the body’s natural defense system and serves a useful purpose,” explains Dr Jain.

Is there a notion among people that pubic hair is unhygienic? But is this a myth or reality? Our expert answers this for you as well.

“No, pubic hair itself is not unhygienic. Like scalp hair, it’s clean as long as you maintain good hygiene. The misconception that pubic hair is dirty often comes from cultural or aesthetic norms rather than medical facts. Poor hygiene, not the presence of hair, causes odor or infection. Regular cleansing with mild, unscented soap and water keeps the area clean and healthy without the need for complete removal,” shares the expert.

Tips To Keep Pubic Hair Clean Without Shaving

If you prefer not to shave, you can still maintain excellent hygiene with these expert-backed tips:

• Trim regularly: Use clean scissors or an electric trimmer to keep hair short and tidy.
• Wash daily: Gently clean the pubic area with mild soap and warm water; avoid harsh cleansers or perfumes.
• Wear breathable cotton underwear: This prevents sweat and moisture buildup.
• Change underwear daily: Keeping the area dry reduces bacterial growth.
• Exfoliate gently: Occasional mild exfoliation can help prevent ingrown hairs and dead skin buildup.
• Maintaining pubic hair and keeping it in its natural state is perfectly healthy — as long as cleanliness and comfort are prioritised.

Also Read: Is Keeping Pubic Hair Healthy? Know Reasons, Benefits And Answers To Your Queries Here

The Final Word

The pubic area is a sensitive area and is prone to irritation, cuts, and ingrown hairs. If you follow certain safety measures – like using a clean razor, shaving in the direction of hair growth, and applying a gentle, fragrance-free shaving gel – then it can help reduce risks. But frequent shaving can lead to skin dryness, itching, razor burns, and even minor infections. Therefore, while it’s safe when done carefully, it’s not medically necessary.