【Well+Good】What Happens if You Never Shave Your Pubic Hair? Experts Weigh In

Yes, it is safe to shave your pubic hair, but according to experts, it is a trickier area to shave than other parts of the body. According to Dr. Sarkar, visibility can be challenging, and there are many more nooks, crannies, and curves to consider. Dr. Ordeberg agrees, and shares that using products specifically made for intimate shaving is also essential to avoid irritation, razor burn, ingrown, and folliculitis. This means opting for shaving products designed for the pubic area, like the Billie V Smooth Shave Gel + Cleanser ($13) or the Fur Shave Cream ($32), both of which have been tested for areas down there.

There are benefits to not shaving pubic hair altogether — you can avoid razor bumps, cuts, or nicks — when you don’t shave, you won’t get irritated. The experts note that if you are going to preserve your pubic hair, it’s important to keep them as clean as you would any other part of your body. “Use an intimate wash on a daily basis,” says Dr. Ordeberg. “It’s crucial that the wash is formulated with pH 5 and without irritants such as essential oils, perfumes, etc.” Opt for a genital-safe wash like the Love Wellness pH Balancing Cleanser ($16), which is fragrance-free and non-irritating.

If you do want to remove pubic hair, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you’re using a clean, sharp razor. “If you use a blade that is dull, damaged, or unclean, you’re more at risk for razor burn, cuts, or infections,” says Dr. Sarkar. It’s also crucial to avoid storing your razors in the shower, as dead skin cells and humidity are the perfect buffet for bacteria and fungus. “Clean it and leave it in a cool, dry place. This is one area where I’m all for a new razor every single shave,” she says.

Another tip is to always shave in the direction the hair grows. “When you shave against the hair, that’s when you’ll have more of a tendency to get ingrowns,” says Dr. Bottiglione. If you do have ingrowns, make sure you’re applying an exfoliating product to the bikini line, like the Billie Ultimate Skin Solution ($14) or the Topicals High Roller Ingrown Hair Tonic ($26), to help minimize inflammation.