OVERVIEW

Let's talk about not-so-public hair (that's what I like to call pubic hair). Yes, seriously. It's something nearly everyone has, yet it's rarely discussed openly. But the reality is that pubic hair varies dramatically from person to person, and those differences significantly impact which hair removal methods work best. 

As someone who's spent years in product development for hygiene products, I've gathered countless insights from real people's experiences. It's fascinating how much misinformation exists about this topic, simply because we're too embarrassed to discuss it openly! 

NOT-SO-PUBLIC HAIR TYPES

Okay, here's what no one tells you – pubic hair is as unique as the hair on your head! There are so many different textures, densities, and growth patterns out there. And knowing your specific type is a TOTAL game-changer for finding a hair removal method that won't leave you with irritation. 

COARSE AND CURLY

This is the most common type – think wire texture, densely packed, and tightly curled hair. If this sounds like you, you're way more likely to get ingrown hairs because the tight curls love to grow back into the skin instead of outward (sneaky little things!). 

Best removal options 

FINE AND STRAIGHT

Some women have pubic hair that's on the finer side and grows relatively straight. Good news – you're less likely to deal with ingrowns! Bad news? This type can sometimes be trickier to remove completely since fine hairs can break instead of being pulled out entirely during waxing. 

Best removal options 

THICK AND COARSE BUT STRAIGHT

This combo can be tricky. The hair is strong enough to fight back against removal (it puts up a good fight!), but it doesn't curl as much. The thickness means you absolutely need to pay attention to before and after care. 

Best removal options 

THE PREPARATION MOST PEOPLE SKIP

Here's where almost everyone goes wrong – they skip the prep work! And then they wonder why they're dealing with bumps, irritation, and ingrowns! 

The skin in your not-so-public region is even more sensitive than the skin on your face and can get irritated so easily. Before you even THINK about hair removal, gently disinfecting and exfoliating the skin is a must. It sweeps away bacteria and dead skin cells – setting you up for a much cleaner removal process.  

DISINFECTION

When it comes to disinfecting, tea tree oil is my absolute favorite (just make sure it's diluted or at a low percentage like 1%).  I can't tell you how many people jump straight to hair removal without this crucial prep step. Tea tree oil is so much smarter than alcohol or witch hazel because it doesn’t just fight bacteria, it ALSO prevents inflammation. This step is important because it helps prevent skin infections, which is part of the reason why your ingrowns are so red and inflamed.  

EXFOLIATION 

As for exfoliation, finding a gentle product that both chemically and physically exfoliates will seriously change your hair removal game. For chemical exfoliation, look for BHAs like salicylic acid, and ingredients like volcanic ash for physical exfoliation. Those amazing ingredients gently lift away dead skin cells, clearing the way for hair to grow straight OUT instead of getting trapped under the skin. 

I make a treatment bar with these ingredients to both disinfect and exfoliate at the same time – turns out combining these three ingredients in one easy step is way less of a hassle. But you don't need to use my product; just look for something gentle with similar ingredients. 

Pro tips

• Disinfect and exfoliate the skin in a warm shower before hair removal. The warm water softens both your skin and hair which means less pulling, tugging, and irritation during the actual hair removal process.
• I always reach for shaving oil over creams or foams – it sinks into the hair follicle and makes the whole removal process smoother. 

POST-HAIR REMOVAL: THE RECOVERY PHASE

After hair removal, your skin enters what I call the "vulnerable phase" – it's like your skin's defenses are down, and it needs extra care! For post-hair removal recovery, my rule of thumb is to look for products that soothe irritation and fight those dark spots that can easily develop (especially if you have a darker skin tone!). 

In all my research and product testing, azelaic acid has become my absolute favorite ingredient for post-hair removal care. It calms irritation while also tackling those dark spots that can show up after hair removal sessions. The reason I like this is it's gentle enough for very sensitive skin, so it's not too aggressive on the bikini line (Dermatologists often recommend it for rosacea-prone skin types). 

I formulated a product for the bikini line with 10% azelaic acid to target this very issue, but there are plenty of other good options out there with similar ingredients if you look for them! 

EVERYONE'S DIFFERENT, AND THAT'S NORMAL

Let me end with this important reminder – not-so-public hair varies enormously from person to person! What works beautifully for your friend might be a complete disaster for you. And that's totally normal.