Bikini hair removal is far becoming the latest trend such that the majority don't even associate the hair with any usefulness. It's just a nuisance clogging the way of a fresh bikini area!
Really?
News flash!!! Pubic hair have a lot of function down there than you can imagine. Mother nature didn't just design the V area with a rose garden, it certainly has its purpose aside from beautifying the court. She assigned specific roles to the garden.
Let's be clear on one thing; I am not here to advocate keeping your bikini hair. It's a matter of choice. You may choose to or decide not to. I am here to clear your misconception about pubic hair and guide you to make informed decisions.
Yes, getting rid of the bush comes with a price, but I can assure its not a price too high for you to bail out your self care and body positivity.
This article will take you through the purpose of pubic hair, how to take care of it if you choose to and how to get rid of it if you want to.
What is pubic hair?
Obviously, pubic hair are hair that grow around your V area. They begin to show up the onset of puberty and the volume increase as you grown (while it wane as you age).
The volume of pubic hair varies from person to person (as for its scanty). As women we are less hairy compared to male, due to difference in our hormones.
However in some special circumstances some women have more hair than usual due to a condition called Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) . This is a hormonal imbalance in which a female body produces more of the male hormone, testosterone instead of more estrogen and progesteron.
This can cause hair to grow in usual place on the female body and in higher volume. PCOS carries with it several other health complications but its medically treatable.
That said, why do we get the bush in the first place
Functions of pubic hair
It protects the vagina
Pubic hair is like a garden stationed at the entrance of your vagina to trap harmful bacterial and pathogens. It covers the vaginal opening and prevents pathogens and dirt from entering the vagina.
The hair follicles also secrete a natural oil called sebum which prevents reproduction of bacteria.
As such, pubic hair serves as a defense against urinary tract infections caused by bacterial, Cellulitis (also caused by bacteria), vulvovaginitis (infection of the vulva or vagina), sexually transmitted infections vagintis, and yeast infection.
It prevents friction during sexual intercourse :
Sexual intercourse especially penetrative sex involves put of two skins together. This may cause friction due to the delicate nature of the pubic skin. As such, pubic hair at as a barrier to reduce this friction.
It beautify the V area
Yes, depending on your perspective and that of your partners. Some people find pubic hair sexy and beautiful.
A study claimed pubic hair aid the transmission of prohormones, a hormone that aid the secretion of a particular scent chemical which affects our partner's mood and makes us look more attractive during sex. (😂😂 really)
Is that all?
Aside from these functions, keeping the public hair also have some advantage over getting rid of the bush.
Advantages of pubic hair over hair removal
Pubic hair reduces the chance of genital injury associated with waxing, shaving, or laser hair removal:
A 2017 study published by Jama Dermatology revealed that pubic hair groomers are more prone to genital injuries. Injuries such as cuts, burns, irritation, and inflation are common risks of pubic hair grooming.
Where these injuries are not promptly attended to they may lead to bigger health complications.
Decreases the risk of infection and sexually transmitted diseases:
According to Doctor Gunta, a seasoned gynecologist, in recent times, some emerging studies are linking pubic hair removal with the risk of contracting some STI's such as human papillomavirus and genital herpes.
The conclusion is premised upon the fact that micro-traumas that may accompany hair removal may change the vaginal environment and facilitate entry of harmful microorganisms which may cause infections.
Another study performed in the US also found a correlation between pubic hair grooming self reported Sexually transmitted diseases.
Ingrown hairs and shave bumps are also high risk associated with pubic hair removal either by waxing or shaving.
Although these conditions are easily treatable and can even disappear over time. However, if ingrown hairs get infected it might lead to a greater infection known as folliculities.
Hair groomers who us sharp equipments such as razors are also prone to contraction infections such as HIV. Using a razor more than once without sterilizing it may also lead to bacterial and fungal infections.
Should you keep or groom your pubic hair?
That's totally a choice for you make. Despite several risks that may be associated with pubic hair grooming, people still choose to do it for several reasons.
Either to follow societal trend or as a form of self-care and cleanliness (although there is no tangible evidence linking keeping pubic hair to dirtiness). Some do it to please their partner, to look more attractive to the opposite sex or due to peer pressure.
What ever your reason may be, own your decision whether get rid of it or keep it.
How to take care of your vagina if you choose to keep your pubic hair
- Clean hair regularly when you bath with mild soap and water.
- Avoid using high fragrance product or products with harsh chemicals. This may affect your vaginal pH and kill useful bacteria thereby exposing you to infections.
- Wipe from front to back after using the toilet. Wiping from back to front may transmit bacteria in the anus to the vaginal
- Moisturise the hair with natural oil to sooth your skin and calm your nerves. In place of ordinary oil you can also go for moisturisers with natural ingredients which are safe for the bikini area.
- Be careful when moisturising your bikini area. Do not let the oil slip inside your vagina.Dont leave bathing water to dry off your V area. Gently dry it off with a clean towel.
- You should also avoid sharing such towel with other people, to prevent transmission of infection.
- Avoid sythetic panties because they trap vaginal moisture and can facilitate bacterial and yeast infection. Go for cotton panties instead.
- Let your vagina breath and prevent excess sweat by ditching panties altogether some time. Don't wear panties to bed and if you are indoor you can just put on a loose short gown. The last thing your vagina needs is a tight confinement.
- Always shower after you get out of the gym or perform a tedious task leading to excessive sweating. In fact, try to bathe twice a day to get rid of the smell and the chances of odor.
How to safely remove your pubic hair to minimize the side effects of pubic hair grooming
There are several methods of bikini hair removal such as; shaving, trimming, waxing, and laser hair removal.
Shaving:
This involves removing pubic hair by trimming with razor. Shaving gives you the chance to take things into your hands at home. However trimming is on the high maintenance side. Shaving does not leave you totally bare as such, it should be done frequently. Shaving also exposes you to the risk of ingrown hair, shave bumps, and shaving burns. As such, you have to learn how to shave safely to avoid complications.
The following are tips for shaving;
✅ Trim down your hair with scissors before you start shaving with a razor. The razor can only do a good job when the hair is low.
✅ Apply shaving cream or gel act as a barrier between your skin and razor.
✅ Pick a sharp razor to reduce the risk of leaving out some hairs which may curl back into the skin to cause ingrown hair.
✅ Shave in the direction of your hair growth.
✅ Don't share your razor with anyone to avoid transmission of infection. If you are reusing your razor ensure it's sterilized.
✅ Moisturize your pubic skin after shaving to reduce dryness and soothe the shaved skin.
When choosing shaving cream or moisturizer, go for products with natural ingredients. Harsh product may disrupt your vaginal pH balance and expose you the risks of infections.
Waxing :
Waxing is a hair removal procedure which involves pulling unwanted hair out of its root with melted wax.
Unlike shaving, waxing totally uproots the hair from its base and leaves your pubes fresh. However, it's a more complicated process and has more potential complications such as pain in the C areas inflammation, redness, ingrown hairs, and infections.
The following are useful tips for a safe waxing
✅ Choose a professional salon or spa. Getting it done by amateurs my lead to complications. You can also get it done safely at home if you can master the procedure. If you are not sure of your skills book an appointment with a professional wafer to avoid burning yourself.
✅ Trim down your hair to at least 1/4 before your get waxed. Longer hair will contribute to your painful waxing experience
✅ Exfoliate a day before your waxing appointment to get rid of dead skin cells.
✅ Ensure you choose a trusted exfoliating product
✅ On the D- day, take a pain numbing pill few hours to the waxing procedure.
✅ Conduct a patch test before waxing to your skin compatibility with the wax ingredient.
✅ Moisturize the waxed area after to soothe the skin. This should be done by your waxer at the salon. But you might want to repeat it when you get home.
✅ At least 24hrs after your waxing appointment, avoid, going to the gym, sauna, or having sex. Also, avoid direct sunlight on the waxed area at least 48hrs after waxing.
✅ Avoid tight underwear and synthetic pants.
To allay the fear of ingrown hairs, shave bumps, and irritation, make Oyo skincare kit your pubic skincare regime. Our 3 step pubic skin care system gives you the courage to remove your pubic skincare without fear of pesky ingrown hairs, shave bumps, and rashes. The complete kit contains a moisturizer, a cleanser that doubles as a shaving cream, as well as an exfoliator; all, made with natural ingredients.
