Ingrown pubic hair is the WOOOORST. We wouldn’t wish those itchy, painful, unsightly bumps on anyone.
(And combined with a tight bikini bottom? Ew. We’re shuddering just thinking about it.)
Good news, though: as inevitable as ingrown hairs may seem, it IS possible to get them to clear up faster… and prevent them from ever appearing down there in the first place.
In the free 8-page Ultimate Guide to Ingrown Pubic Hair, you’ll find everything you could ever possibly need to know about ingrown pubic hairs. (Also, plenty of things you wish you didn’t need to know. But knowledge is power!)
It covers:
- How to Treat Ingrown Pubic Hairs
- How to Prevent Ingrown Pubic Hairs
- Best Hair Removal Methods (RANKED) for Avoiding Ingrown Pubic Hairs
- Ingrown Pubes: FAQ
Download The Ultimate Guide to Ingrown Pubic Hair here!
Or, if you wanna make like Sabrina Carpenter and keep things short ‘n’ sweet, read on for a quick overview of how to treat and prevent ingrown pubic hair.
How to Treat Ingrown Pubic Hairs
So, what is the best way to treat an ingrown pubic hair at home?
First off: you don’t necessarily need to do anything. Ingrown pubic hairs often clear up on their own within 1-2 weeks as the hair grows longer and is released from the skin.
But these tips can help you relieve pain and clear ingrowns up faster:
- Apply a warm compress or gently exfoliate with a washcloth.
- Gently pull out the hair stuck beneath the surface.
- Exfoliate with a gentle physical exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and help the hair emerge.
- Try applying an OTC acne treatment to help ingrown hairs clear up faster.
- Try natural home remedies to provide relief, including tea tree oil, sugar, or baking soda.
Learn more about what to do and what not to do to treat ingrown pubic hairs: download The Ultimate Guide to Ingrown Pubic Hair here!
How to Prevent Ingrown Pubic Hairs
How can you prevent ingrown hairs after shaving or waxing? Here are our top tips:
- Exfoliate. Use a chemical or physical exfoliant 1-2x a week in the shower, ideally 24-48 hours before hair removal.
- Moisturize. When your skin is dry and flaky, hair can get trapped beneath that barrier of dead skin.
- Stay clean and dry. Bacteria thrive in moisture, and that can cause ingrowns to occur and get infected. Thoroughly dry your pubic area after showering or bathing.
- Avoid tight clothing. At least down there.
- Remove less hair. Stop shaving, waxing, or plucking altogether, or consider a different bikini line style.
- Shave better. Practice good razor hygiene:
- Use shaving cream
- Replace your razor blade frequently
- Use a single-blade razor or electric shaver
- Rinse the blade after every stroke
- Shave 5-15 minutes into a warm shower to allow your pores to open
- OR, choose a different bikini line hair removal method altogether. Ingrown hairs are often referred to as razor bumps or shave bumps for a reason: they’re a common side effect of shaving. Consider switching to a permanent bikini hair removal method, like Lumi or laser.
Learn more about the best pubic hair removal methods for preventing ingrowns: download The Ultimate Guide to Ingrown Pubic Hair here!
Ingrown Pubic Hair FAQs
Can I use an exfoliating brush to help with ingrown pubic hairs?
Yes. A gentle exfoliating brush or exfoliating glove can help with ingrown pubic hairs, when it comes to both prevention and treatment.
What skincare products should I use to prevent irritation after hair removal?
Using a physical or chemical exfoliant 24-48 hours before hair removal can help prevent ingrown hairs. Using shaving cream while shaving can also help. After hair removal, apply an aloe-based body lotion to the area to soothe the skin and provide moisture.
Is it possible to avoid ingrown hairs from shaving?
Ingrown hairs will always be a possible side effect of shaving, but they’re much less likely when you practice good shaving hygiene. Use a single-blade razor or electric shaver, replace your razor blade frequently, rinse the blade after every stroke, and wait a few minutes before shaving in the shower to allow your pores to open.
I’ve tried all of your shaving tips but am still experiencing ingrown hairs…what do I do?
It might be time to ditch the razor! Consider switching to a permanent hair removal method like IPL or laser hair removal, which allow for pubic hair removal without shaving and get rid of ingrown pubic hairs for good. If you’re dealing with an especially painful ingrown hair that hasn’t gone away in multiple weeks and seems infected, visit a medical professional.