To make it easier to keep their pubic hair trimmed, some women shave it with a razor, use hot wax or electric shavers, among other methods, to remove their hair. However, the skin in the pubic area is sensitive and these methods can irritate or inflame the skin. In addition, some hairs may curl back into the skin or grow at an angle causing vaginal ingrown hairs.

Identifying Vaginal Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hairs occur when a hair curls back into the skin as it grows back instead of growing straight out. When bumps develop where you have shaved or waxed your hair, they can be a sign of ingrown hairs. There two types of bumps that develop if the hairs are ingrown, either small, round bumps can papules or small, pus-filled bumps called pustules.

Anytime you remove hair from your body, you risk getting ingrown hairs. However, some people are more prone to ingrown hairs than others. If your hair is thick and curly, you will be more likely to get ingrown hairs than other people with thin, fine hair, especially in the pubic region. As pubic hair begins to grow back, it often itches and, if hairs become ingrown, they can be painful as well.

How to Remove Vaginal Ingrown Hairs

Instructions

If you develop vaginal ingrown hairs, you can remove them if you are careful. However, they often develop in areas that are difficult to see and reach. Using a hand mirror or sitting in front of a full-length mirror can make locating ingrown hairs easier and you may be able to carefully remove the ones that have partially grown above the surface of the skin with sterilized tweezers.

Apply Warm Cloth When Necessary

If hairs are located in an area that is too sensitive to exfoliate, then you can also bring them to the surface by placing a moist, warm washcloth on the affected area. Gently hold the cloth in place for about 10 to 15 minutes to allow it to soften the skin and hair. This will help make it easier to remove any ingrown hairs using sterilized tweezers.

Precautions and Warning:

When removing ingrown hairs, do not dig at the ones that are still underneath the surface of the skin. Since the skin in the pubic area is sensitive, you could inadvertently damage the skin and cause infection and scarring in the area.

Sometimes an infected ingrown hair needs to be treated by a doctor. They will usually prescribe an antibiotic cream to treat the infected area, but if the infection is severe, he or she may prescribe an oral antibiotic.  

Tips

Usually, vaginal ingrown hairs do not require treatment as they can clear up on their own. However, treatment is sometimes necessary and you can use these tips to treat vaginal ingrown hairs.

• Apply oil or petroleum jelly to the affected area to help soothe the irritation and reduce itching.
• To prevent vaginal ingrown hairs from becoming infected, use an over-the-counter ant-itch cream to reduce itching. Scratching and digging at an ingrown hair can introduce bacteria into the area and cause an infection.
• Apply antimicrobial tea tree oil to an infected ingrown hair to help keepinfection or spreading the infection.

Dos and Don’ts for Dealing with Vaginal Ingrown Hairs

• If you have an ingrown hair, avoid shaving, waxing or exfoliating hairs in the immediate area as it can irritate the skin even more. Do not pick or scratch at the ingrown hair as you can damage the skin, infect the area or cause it to scar.
• Make sure your underwear is always clean and dry. Also, avoid wearing tight clothing when you have ingrown hairs as the friction can further irritate the area.
• Wipe after urination and if your undergarments become wet, change into dry ones immediately to avoid bacterial infections.

Preventing Vaginal Ingrown Hairs

Vaginal ingrown hairs can be painful and itchy, but they will usually resolve on their own. However, you can successfully treat them if you get ingrown hairs. To help prevent ingrown hairs altogether, using these prevention tips will help make it easier to remove hairs around your vaginal area.

• Don't Dry Shave

When shaving your pubic hairs, use a shaving cream with a moisturizer to help soften the hairs and prevent skin irritations. This will make shaving the hairs easier to do and more comfortable for you.

• Apply Moisture

To make it easier to shave your pubic area, soften the hairs by applying a warm, wet washcloth to the area for about five minutes.

• Cleanse the Area

 Before shaving around your vagina, thoroughly cleanse the area with antibacterial soap and water. This will help reduce the amount of bacteria in the area, which can irritate the skin when you shave and cause ingrown hairs.

• Avoid Tight Clothing

 Wearing tight clothing, such as tight underwear, can further irritate freshly shaven skin because of the friction created when the fabric rubs against the shave area. Wear looser undergarments after shaving to help prevent getting ingrown hairs.

• Use a New Razor

As your pubic area is susceptible to accumulations of dirt, sweat and bacteria, you need to use a new razor each time you shave around your vagina. The sharp blade will help you shave closer and avoid irritating the skin, which can prevent ingrown hairs.

• Avoid Nix Waxing

If you've had ingrown hairs before after waxing your pubic area, forego this hair removal method. When hair is waxed, it removes the hair at the root, which can disrupt its normal growing pattern and lead to ingrown hairs.

• Apply Acne Cream

After shaving around your vagina, apply acne cream to the area to reduce the chances of inflammation that can lead to vaginal ingrown hairs.

• Remove Them Permanently

To avoid vaginal ingrown hairs altogether, you can use laser treatments to permanently remove your pubic hair. Many people have had good results with this treatment and their laser treatments have often lasted four years or more.