If you embrace manscaping, you may find that you are left feeling sore, sensitive and uncomfortable post-shave. This can be down to a whole host of reasons so we’re here to tackle your most common questions and concerns around intimate shaving.
Razor burn, irritation and chafing can be common among men who groom this intimate area. So it’s time to find out why itching happens and how to relieve itchy pubic hair with some essential grooming tips.
What Causes an Itchy Pubic Area?
There are numerous reasons why your pubic area could be feeling itchy, including:
- Allergic reaction
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Shaving irritation
- Skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis
While shaving irritation can easily be relieved, other causes of an itchy pubic area may require the guidance of a medical professional. Contact your doctor if you have a persistent itch that is accompanied by non-shaving-related symptoms.
What is Shaving Irritation?
Shaving irritation is a temporary discomfort to your skin as a result of a poor grooming experience. It can be classified into three main categories:
- Razor burn – Burning, redness, stinging, itching – sound familiar? If you’ve ever experienced these symptoms after shaving, you’ve had razor burn.
- Razor bumps – Razor bumps are ingrown hairs that occur after shaving. They look like small pimples.
- Chafing – Like razor burn and razor bumps, chafing can look like a red rash with raised bumps. The difference is that chafing is caused by friction, which can happen when your just-shaved (or trimmed) areas rub against each other or your clothing.
Now that you know which kind of irritation from shaving you’re experiencing, read on for the solutions.
Why Does It Feel Itchy after I Shave My Pubic Area?
For lots of guys, shaving your pubic hair is part of an essential grooming routine but issues with your technique and tools can quickly cause itchy side effects. It’s worth knowing that when you shave without prepping the area properly or without the right tools you can irritate the hair follicle, causing that itchy pubic hair sensation.
For example, shaving can increase the discomfort of an itchy pubic area. If you haven’t changed your razor blades in a while, they can become dull – this means you’ll struggle to get a close shave and may feel more pulling on the hair. If you don’t regularly change your blades, they can collect bacteria so be sure to look after your razor and change your blades as soon as you notice dullness.
How to Prevent Razor Burn on Your Pubic Area
Razor burn is a skin irritation that can be caused by dry shaving, shaving too aggressively, or shaving with dull blades. Typically, it starts to appear a few minutes after shaving, and often takes the form of a rash or burning patches on the skin although it can also manifest as a burning sensation on the skin and no rash. To help prevent razor burns on your pubic area, always apply shaving cream.
A shaving cream like our Gillette Intimate Pubic Shave Cream + Cleanser hydrates and protects sensitive areas during intimate grooming, reducing the risk of razor burn. It also helps clean your area while you shave – a win-win in our books.
Another top tip for avoiding razor burn is to practice good shaving techniques (if you’re new to manscaping, check out our article on how to shave your pubic hair).
How to Treat Razor Burn on Your Pubic Area
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 to Prevent Razor Bumps on Your Pubic Area
When it comes to razor bumps in your pubic area there are some key things that you can do to avoid them:
- Prep hair and skin with warm water. Showering or bathing for 3-5 minutes in warm water before shaving can help to soften your skin and hair. This reduces the force needed to cut through your hair and makes for a more comfortable intimate grooming experience.
- Exfoliate regularly. Gently scrub the pubic area and use a mild cleanser before shaving. This will help to ensure your skin's surface is free of dead skin cells, which can sometimes trap hair as it grows back and cause bumps.
- Use a sharp razor designed for intimate shaving. A dull razor isn’t going to cut it (literally). A sharp razor will help you avoid nicks and cuts because the blades will not get caught and cause extra tugging on your pubic hair. The Gillette Intimate Pubic Hair Razor features Flexball technology that makes it easy to shave all those hard-to-reach areas.
- Shave with the grain. Shaving against the grain might result in a closer shave, but if you have sensitive skin, shaving with the grain can help to avoid razor bumps.
How to Treat Razor Bumps on Your Pubic Area
Razor bumps are caused when hairs are trapped under the skin and unfortunately, there isn’t an instant fix. The most effective way is by giving them time to heal and not shaving over them.
If you find that your skin is prone to razor bumps, consider just gently trimming your pubic area as opposed to being clean-shaven. Equipped with three combs to suit every preference, the Gillette Intimate Pubic Hair Trimmer keeps pubic hair tidy while avoiding further irritation to aggravated skin – perfect for staying on top of your manscaping in between shaves.
Tempted to trim? Discover the best way to trim your pubic hair with our expert guide:
How to Prevent Chafing on Your Pubic Area
Another common shaving mistake is neglecting aftercare products. Applying a dye and alcohol-free moisturiser will nourish and defend your skin’s barrier, helping hair to grow back comfortably.
This essential product will also help to reduce friction in the affected area and minimising chafing to freshly shaven areas, as well as any area where your skin rubs, like your thighs.
Using daily after showering or before exercising forms a protective layer and keep chafing and irritation after shaving at bay.
How to Treat Chafing on Your Pubic Area
If you have chafed skin, it’s important not to ignore it. One of the best ways to treat chafing is by applying petroleum jelly to the affected area. Thick and moisturising, it provides much-needed hydration to irritated skin.
Pubic shaving irritation can happen to anyone, but with the right products and techniques irritation can hopefully be avoided. Design with your comfort in mind, our male intimate grooming products will ensure your pubic area receives a smooth shave each and every time.
For more expert shaving advice check out our ultimate guide to manscaping.
