While women like to have voluminous hair on the head, hair on other parts of the body may not always be appealing to them. Some wax their arms and legs, others shave them. Their love for a hairless body even extends to the genital area! Yes, pubic hair removal is a common practice, even though a 2017 study in the US National Library of Medicine suggests that it may be linked to a higher risk for sexually transmitted infections. Yet, some people shave or use hair removal creams down there. But it is Brazilian wax that is one of the popular methods to remove pubic hair. Let’s find out the side effects of waxing pubic hair before you book an appointment!

What is Brazilian wax?

It involves the complete removal of pubic hair, including hair from the front, back and everything that’s there in between. During a Brazilian wax session, warm wax is applied to the pubic area, a cloth strip is placed over the wax and then the strip is pulled off, removing the hair from the roots, says Dr Kuna Ramdas, Senior Dermatologist, Kamineni Hospitals, L.B Nagar, Hyderabad.

Once you are done with a Brazilian wax, shower your private area with some love.

• If you notice redness, apply a cool compress on the affected area.
• Stay away from deep exfoliation for 24 hours as it can make the pubic area more susceptible to sun damage.
• Don’t engage in sex for about 24 hours so that microtears get time to heal.
• Don’t soak in water for 24 hours as it might cause irritation.

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Side effects of waxing pubic hair

You can be hairless down there within minutes, but you can’t ignore the possible side effects of waxing pubic hair. Here are some:

1. Pain

Waxing can be painful, especially in sensitive areas like the pubic region. The process involves ripping hair out from the roots, which can cause temporary discomfort. Pain levels can vary depending on individual tolerance and the skill of the waxing professional.

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2. Skin irritation

After waxing, it is common to experience redness, inflammation and mild irritation in the treated area, the expert tells Health Shots. This is often a temporary side effect and typically resolves within a few hours to a day.

3. Ingrown hair

Ingrown hair occurs when hair regrowth becomes trapped beneath the skin’s surface. This can lead to small, painful bumps and redness. Regular exfoliation and proper post-waxing care can help to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs.

4. Redness

The skin in the pubic area is delicate, and waxing can leave it more sensitive, leading to redness. This usually subsides within a day or so, but it’s important to avoid further irritation. So, don’t wear tight clothes after waxing pubic hair.

5. Bruising or skin damage

Inexperienced or overly aggressive waxing can sometimes result in bruising or skin damage. This is why it’s crucial to get waxing done by a trained and experienced professional.

6. Allergic reactions

There is a risk of infection or allergic reactions when waxing, particularly if the wax or post-waxing products used are not suitable for your skin type. Ensure that you are not allergic to any ingredients and follow proper hygiene to minimise the risk of infection.

How to remove pubic hair without waxing?

While choosing a pubic hair removal method, it is essential to consider your skin type, pain tolerance and desired results. So, if Brazilian wax is too much for you, you can try the following!

• Shaving is a common and relatively quick option, but can lead to razor burn, ingrown hair and faster regrowth.
• Depilatory creams that can dissolve hair at the skin’s surface, but they may contain harsh chemicals and can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
• Laser hair removal that offers long-term reduction, but requires multiple sessions and can be costly.
• Electrolysis, which is a permanent method but can be time-consuming.
• Trimming with scissors or an electric trimmer, which is a less invasive option that keeps hair short, reducing the risk of ingrown hairs and irritation.

Regardless of the method you choose, proper hygiene and post-removal care are crucial for minimising side effects and maintaining healthy skin.