Which Is Better: Pubic Waxing, Shaving or Plucking?

Removal of pubic hair is always a very sensitive subject. Since the pubic area is one, if not the most sensitive area of the body, removing hair from that region has to be thought out and executed carefully. Although the main three options for hair removal are shaving, waxing, or plucking with tweezers, each choice comes with its own benefits and liabilities.

Waxing is the quickest way to remove large amounts of pubic hair at one time. Wax (either warm or cold) is applied to the pubic hair. A cloth strip is applied on top to stick to the wax. The cloth is then ripped from the area, removing any hair at the root. The process is repeated until all hair is removed. A cooling agent is applied to the skin afterwards. Users of wax can opt to have their pubic hair waxed in a particular style. Styles include the American (also know as the traditional bikini wax, where hair is removed from the bikini line and underneath the navel), the French (hair is removed from the inner thighs and within the pubic area, leaving a thin strip of hair in the middle), or the Brazilian (all pubic hair in the genital region is removed). Some cons to this process include being burned by wax that's too hot or the potential for spread of disease due to the unsanitary practices of some salons. Most people seek the services of a licensed esthetician, but they may also opt to buy over the counter products at the local pharmacy and remove the hair themselves.

Shaving is an option for users who are allergic to parabens or other chemicals found in some wax products. You don't need to seek a professional for this method, as it can be done in the privacy of the bathroom or shower. The only supplies needed are shaving cream and razors, both of which are extremely affordable and easily accessible. Shaving cream is applied to the hair and the user glides the razor in the direction of the hair growth. It is recommended not to shave in the bottom region of the bikini area such as near the labia or perineum.

Although an affordable choice, many people experience severe skin irritation after shaving and may be prone to cuts and nicks. Shaving can also result in ingrown hairs, as it only removes hair on the skin's surface and not at the root.

Plucking is the cheapest hair removal option; all you need is a pair of tweezers. Those who choose to pluck simply grab the individual strand of hair with the tweezers and simply pull the hair out at the root. This can be a very painful and timely process, however, as the pubic area has several hundred strands of hair.

Two alternatives to waxing, shaving, and tweezing are trimming with scissors and using depilatories. Scissors can be used to trim stray or scraggly hairs away from the pubic area. Outside of these hairs, all other hair is untouched. Depilatories are chemical mixtures applied to the hair to break down the keratin component within it in order for it to be wiped, sprayed or scraped off the skin. Depilatories can cause major skin irritation if left on for too long.