Shaving helps achieve a clean and smooth look, however, suffering from itchy pubic hair is common during the growing back phase and it’s safe to say it’s not a pleasant experience at all. There can be many reasons contributing to your itchy pubic area. Hopefully, by identifying some of the reasons why, and learning how you can combat them, will help ease itching and make your post-shaving experience more enjoyable.
What causes itchy pubic hair?
When shaving, it is important to remember that you are not removing the entire hair. By using a razor, you are just cutting close to where the hair grows — your pubic hair continues to grow underneath the skin. Itching (and that prickly feeling after shaving) is the result of irritating hair follicles. Shaving without care and attention can cause the following reasons contributing to your itchy pubic hair:
Razor Burn
If you experience itching after shaving, with a red rash and tender small bumps, it’s likely that razor burn is the main culprit causing your pubic area to itch. Here are three reasons that may be causing you to suffer from razor burn:
- A dull or blunt razor
- Not using lubricants (such as a shaving gel or foam)
- Shaving too often
Ingrown hair
The pulling motion with a blunt or dull razor can have problematic effects, such as redirecting the hair follicle. This twisting of the hair can cause ingrown hairs. Pubic hair is thicker and more coarse than the hair on other parts of your body, making it noticeably itchier when it begins to grow back.
Folliculitis
Shaving with a clogged or unclean razor is a big no-no. Folliculitis is typically caused by bacteria. Folliculitis causes red and white pimples to grow around the hair follicle resulting in that prickly feeling after shaving. Rest assured, mild cases of folliculitis should clear on its own within a number of days.
How to stop your pubic hair itching
You’ll be pleased to know there are a few ways to stop pubic hair itching when it's growing back. When suffering from itchy pubic hair, scratching it will cause an increase in irritation and tenderness. It’s important to not scratch the area. We understand this can be a super challenging task for even the most strong-willed of people, so try these itching remedies instead:
Hydrocortisone cream
Hydrocortisone is a steroid-based cream that helps stop pubic hair itching when growing back. Apply as directed and make sure to avoid this solution to your itching if you have sores, bleeding or signs of infection.
Natural oils
Top tip: avoid products that contain alcohol when trying to stop pubic hair itching after shaving. Alcohol is known to cause further skin inflammation. Natural oils on the other hand, work a treat. Natural oils like coconut oil and almond oil, rehydrate sensitive areas and reduce sensations like itchiness and burning.
Cold Compress
A cool compress is a classic fast and effective home remedy that can be a super-effective way to stop pubic hair itching. Reduce your inflammation and itching fast by simply taking a washcloth (make sure it's clean), soaking it in cold water, removing any excess water and applying it to the affected area. A cool compress is a great way to soothe your pubic hair and can be reapplied as many times as it’s needed.
Loose clothing
Freshly shaven skin becomes extra sensitive. Wearing tight clothing causes rubbing and friction as your skin comes into direct contact with the fabric. Tight fabrics can also cause sweating and chafing. To give yourself the best chance to avoid itchiness after shaving, you should spend some time in the buff or wearing loose clothing, made by natural and breathable fabrics.
How to avoid getting itchy pubic hair
Prevention is the best way to stop pubic hair itching when it is growing back. Here are our top 5 shaving best practices that will help prevent pubic hair from becoming itchy:
Trim before you shave - Reducing the length of the hair with a trimmer first helps minimise the chances of any tugging of the hair. This is a great way to help prevent itchiness caused by ingrown hairs.Make sure your razor is sharp - Use a new razor when you can. Investing in a good quality razor with sharp blades will minimise friction and the chances of catching your skin. Sharp blades will always enhance your shaving experience.Hot water is your friend - By immersing yourself in a sensibly hot bath/ shower for around two minutes will provide your skin with a moisture boost. Your pores will open, making it easier to achieve a smooth finish.Use shaving cream/gel - Shaving creams and gels are a great way to soften your pubic hair. Stretching your skin taut and shaving in the direction your hair grows, will help you achieve longer-lasting results and reduce irritation and itchiness. Post-shave care - After you are finished shaving, use a cooling gel or lotion to help soothe your skin, this will cool off the area and help combat any irritation.
So there you have it, itch no more! By taking advantage of our easy to follow shaving best practices, itchy pubic hair will become a thing of the past. Who knew shaving could be such a pleasant experience after all?
FAQs
Try to moisturize (fragrance-free products are usually better for your skin) throughout the day. Without pubic hair, the skin tends to be more prone to dryness and infection. By moisturizing, you can prevent scratching, reduce or prevent itching, and add a thin layer of protection to your skin.
How to fix itchy pubes after shaving? ›
If you are experiencing razor burn in your pubic area, seek out hydrating products formulated to calm irritated skin. Moisturiser will help to soothe the skin and gradually treat razor burn. Applying a cool washcloth to the affected area can also help to provide some temporary relief.
How do I get my pubic area to stop itching? ›
The following are some home remedies that may help.
- Wear clean underwear. Moisture and bacteria can cause irritation and infections. ...
- Don't scratch. ...
- Avoid irritants. ...
- Practice proper shaving. ...
- Keep the area dry. ...
- Hydrocortisone cream. ...
- OTC lice treatment. ...
- Antihistamines.
Summary. Itchy pubic hair is common and is often easily treatable. Common causes include rash burn, contact dermatitis, jock itch, pubic lice, scabies, yeast infection, psoriasis, eczema, and folliculitis. See a healthcare provider if the itching is severe, painful, persistent, or worsening.
How long does it take for itching to go away after shaving? ›
Razor burn usually clears up within 2 or 3 days. Razor bumps, on the other hand, can take 2 weeks or more to go away and may come back each time you shave. If your symptoms don't resolve within a few weeks, talk with a healthcare professional to rule out other causes of your symptoms or explore prescription treatment.
How to shave a private area without itching? ›
Apply a generous layer of Shaving Gel
If you're not sure how to apply shaving gel, work up a lather in your hand before generously applying to any areas you'll be targeting. Using shaving cream also prevents accidentally re-shaving over the same spots, which can lead to skin irritation around your pubic area.
Can I put vaseline on my private area after shaving? ›
Rubbing on petroleum jelly, found in products like Vaseline or Aquaphor, can help with vagin*l itching. Using conditioners and moisturizers (topical beta glucans may especially help with razor burns)3.
Why won't my private area stop itching? ›
Genital Itching. Itchy genitals that interfere with your quality of life should be addressed by your healthcare provider. You could have a skin condition like psoriasis or eczema, an infection such as a yeast infection or maybe a sexually transmitted infection such as trichom*oniasis.
Does vaseline stop itching down there? ›
For those whose dryness and itching comes from an external source or lifestyle factors, your doctor may recommend you stop douching or, if possible, change medications. Dabbing a little bit of vaseline petroleum jelly, coconut oil or even Crisco vegetable shortening on the dry skin area can also help heal itching.
Why does my girl private part itch so much? ›
There are several common causes of vagin*l itching, burning, and irritation, including infections, irritants, menopause, skin disorders, shaving and or waxing, as well as sexually transmitted diseases.
Baking soda soaks may help relieve vulvar itching, which includes around the vagin*l opening. Soak one to three times a day in warm water with 4-5 tablespoons of baking soda. You can use a sitz bath instead, adding 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda to the water.
Which ointment is best for itching in private parts female? ›
Clotrimazole reduces vagin*l burning, itching, and discharge that may occur with this condition. This medication is an azole antifungal. It works by stopping the growth of yeast (fungus) that causes the infection. The vagin*l product comes in 2 forms (a vagin*l cream or tablet).
How do I stop my private area from itching at night? ›
Some home remedies that may help ease itching at night include:
- taking an oatmeal bath before bed.
- using appropriate topical anti-itch creams on the vulva.
- placing towel-wrapped ice packs on the vulva.
- using an appropriate topical antihistamine.
- trying over-the-counter antifungal treatments for yeast infections.
A cool compress is a classic fast and effective home remedy that can be a super-effective way to stop pubic hair itching. Reduce your inflammation and itching fast by simply taking a washcloth (make sure it's clean), soaking it in cold water, removing any excess water and applying it to the affected area.
What to use after shaving your private parts? ›
When you're done shaving, wash the area generously with lots of warm water. Apply soft baby oil to keep skin smooth and free of pimples. (Some people find baby oil perfume irritating. Ideally, you want a moisturizing cream or lotion free from perfume, antiaging ingredients, sunscreens or other additives.
What does pubic hair protect you from? ›
It keeps the skin of your vulva warm and moisturized. It protects the delicate skin from friction during sexual activity. It keeps dust, dirt, and germs away from the vagin* to prevent infection. Researchers even suspect pubic hair may play a role in sexual attraction and sexual pleasure.
How to remove itching from private parts male? ›
Home remedies
- Place a cool compress on the affected areas: This can help ease the irritation.
- Refrain from sexual activity to avoid further irritation: This can also help prevent STIs.
- Apply coconut oil to the area: This may improve the symptoms of skin conditions and relieve some of the itch.
itching, which is usually worse at night. small red or blue spots on your skin (lice bites) white/yellow dots attached to your hair (lice eggs) dark red or brown spots in your underwear (lice poo)
Why does hair itch when it grows back? ›
When hair grows back into the skin, the body responds to the hair as if it were a foreign object👽 Then all the symptoms begin, including pain, itching, redness, or swelling. So the answer is yes, ingrown hair can be painful and itchy.
How to stop itching when hair grows back after waxing? ›
You can use calamine lotion for itching. Also you can use aloe vera ,te soothing and cooling properties of aloe vera make it a good natural moisturiser and helps to calm the irritated skin. Make sure you don't wear tight fitting clothes post waxing rather wear loose cotton wear which would help your skin to breathe.
