Electrolysis can be slightly uncomfortable. Many people report feeling a pinch or a warm sensation as the electrical current zaps their hair follicle. Usually, you’ll need more than 1 appointment for best results. Your dermatologist will assess your pubic hair and see how many appointments you need and how far apart they should be.
If you are using antibiotics or retinoids, stop using them at least 2 weeks before laser hair removal to protect your skin. Depending on how thick your pubic hair is, you may need multiple sessions of laser hair removal. If you have any sort of redness or inflammation after laser hair removal, ask your doctor for a hydrocortisone cream.
Since the cream doesn’t remove hair, you’ll have to shave or wax your pubic hair before putting it on. The cream works well, but it only works for as long as you use it. If you stop using the cream, your hair will grow back like normal.
IPL is similar to laser therapy, but it releases many wavelengths instead of just one. It penetrates down to the second layer of skin without harming the top layer, which can lead to less irritation. Keep in mind that IPL devices cannot be used on your genitals—they are only safe for use on your bikini area, or the hair that might poke out of a bathing suit. IPL devices are most effective on people with light skin and dark hair, because the laser targets the pigment within the hair follicle. If you have darker skin, there is a higher risk that an IPL device could cause burns.
If you are taking isotretinoin, using an antibiotic, or applying tretinoin cream to your skin, talk to your doctor before waxing. These medications can thin your skin, which can cause it to tear when waxed. If you don’t want to see a professional, you can wax yourself at home. Just be sure to buy high-quality wax, and follow the directions carefully.
If you’ve never used depilatory creams before, do a patch test on your arm before applying it to your pubic area. Depilatory creams are convenient, but many have a strong odor that can be unpleasant.
Shaving can lead to ingrown hairs or irritation. If you find that your skin is red, bumpy, or itchy after you shave, consider trying a different method.
Tweezing can be uncomfortable or even painful, especially in a sensitive area. If tweezing is too uncomfortable for you, try a different method. If you’re prone to ingrown hairs, tweezing might not be for you. Tweezing or plucking your hair can lead to ingrown hairs and skin irritation.
Trimming your hair won’t remove it completely, but it can help tame your pubic hair in a pinch.
