5 Ways to Remove Hair from Private Parts

Temporary and permanent solutions for all your hair removal needs

Co-authored by Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: March 21, 2023 References Approved

Shaving

|

Hair Removal Cream

|

At-Home Waxing

|

Professional Waxing

|

Laser Hair Removal

|

Expert Q&A

|

Warnings

For better or worse, pubic hair is always going to grow down there, but there are plenty of ways to get rid of it. From shaving and hair removal creams to waxing and laser treatments, you have lots of options to clear away your unwanted hair—and we’re here to walk you through them. Read on to learn all of the at-home and professional options at your disposal, so you can be hair-free as soon as possible.

Things You Should Know

Trim your pubic hair and apply shaving cream. Guide your razor in the direction of the hair growth to prevent ingrown hairs.
Apply hair removal cream to your bikini line for quick and easy hair removal. Always follow the product instructions to get the best results.
Use an at-home waxing kit to remove your pubic hair, or visit a salon to get a professional waxing.
Opt for laser hair removal if you’d like to remove your pubic hair permanently.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Shaving

1
Trim your hair beforehand so it’s ¹⁄₄ to ³⁄₄ in (0.64 to 1.91 cm) long.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} Don’t get too close to the skin, as you could accidentally cut yourself. Use a hand mirror to get a better field of vision, and stop cutting when you think you’re getting too close to the skin. Your goal is just to trim the hair down if it’s long, not to cut it all the way to the roots.
- Trimming your hair down may prevent your razor from getting clogged as easily.
2
Take a 3-minute warm shower or bath before shaving. Warm water can help soften your skin and make it feel smoother. This extra step can help you avoid unwanted irritation and pimples down the line—plus, you’ll have an easier time shaving.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Exfoliate gently before shaving. Use an exfoliant like a loofah to help clear away any dead skin cells. That way, your razor won’t get as clogged up.^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Never exfoliate or shave if you have open cuts, or if your skin is sunburned.
4
Apply shaving cream or gel. Be careful not to get any shaving cream into your vagina. Only apply cream to the outside of the labia, and reapply when necessary. Use a clear shaving gel or cream so you can see where the hairs are.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Do not use soap or shampoo as replacements for shaving cream.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
- In a pinch, you can also use conditioner, though you shouldn’t get in the habit of doing so because it lacks the moisturizing qualities of most shaving creams.
5
Use a sharp razor. Consider putting on a new razor head before shaving your vaginal hair. Choose a razor you’re comfortable using, and keep in mind that the larger the razor, the more unwieldy it might be.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- For added ease, consider using a razor with a built-in moisturizing strip. This can help make the shaving session easier and smoother.
6
Pull the skin taut with one hand. Make your skin as flat as possible by gently pulling it back with your non-dominant hand. Then, shave with your dominant hand.^{[7]
X
Research source}
7
Shave in the direction of hair growth. Shaving in the direction of hair growth instead of against it helps prevent ingrown hairs. Shave slowly and evenly, without rushing. Rinse your razor regularly to get rid of trapped hair and ensure a smoother shave.^{[8]
X
Research source}
8
Rinse your skin when you’re finished. Remove all shaving cream and hair from the area.^{[9]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} If you accidentally cut yourself while shaving, clean and bandage the scrape. Don’t worry, though—a little nick is okay. However, seek medical attention if you severely cut yourself.
9
Apply baby oil or aloe vera to help soothe your skin. Baby oil also helps keep the skin pimple-free, while aloe vera is better for sensitive skin. Apply until the area is coated in a thin layer. Reapply as needed.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- A simple, perfume-free moisturizing lotion without a lot of added ingredients (like sunscreen) can also work for this.
- Don’t use aftershave, as this can sting very badly!

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Hair Removal Cream

1
Test a small bit of hair removal cream on your bikini line before using. Before using any unknown substances or creams, it’s always a good idea to apply the cream to a small area first. Use this patch test to see if the cream causes excessive redness, pain, or some other negative reaction. Don’t use it at all if that happens!^{[11]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Wait 24 hours after the test before applying the cream to your pubic area.
2
Don’t apply the cream to your genitals. If the cream didn’t cause a negative reaction, it’s probably safe to use on your pubic hair. However, take precautions to make sure the cream does not get into your vagina. Use the cream to remove hairs from your bikini line, and stay well away from your labia.^{[12]
X
Research source}
3
Apply a thin layer of cream to your bikini line with the package applicator. Apply the cream smoothly and evenly, taking care to avoid any buildup areas. Follow all package instructions, and wash your hands after use.^{[13]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} Remember to never apply the cream to sensitive areas! Stick to the bikini line for optimal effects.
- If any cream gets inside your labia, rinse immediately.
4
Wait the recommended amount of time. There are different waiting times depending on what hair removal cream you’ve used. Set an alarm and prepare to remove the hair removal cream once the appropriate amount of time has passed.^{[14]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Nair recommends you remove the hair removal cream after 3-10 minutes.^{[15]
  X
  Research source}
- Veet recommends leaving the hair removal cream on for 5-10 minutes.
5
Rinse in the shower. Turn on the shower and gently rinse all of the hair removal cream away. Use a towel or washcloth to remove the cream. After hopping out of the shower, towel-dry your hair-free skin.^{[16]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

At-Home Waxing

1
Trim your hairs so that they are ¹⁄₄ to ³⁄₄ inch (0.64 to 1.91 cm) long. If your hair is too long, you might have a hard time pulling it off, or you might feel pain from pulling hairs in different directions. If your hair is too short, your waxing strips won’t have much to grip onto, and you might not be able to wax successfully.^{[17]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Only trim the hair you want to wax.
2
Wash your skin before you apply any wax. Carefully wash around your bikini line to clear away any dirt and dead skin cells. Then, blot the area dry with a towel—this makes it easier for the wax to stick and be more effective.^{[18]
X
Research source}
3
Warm the cold wax strips between your hands before applying. Check the package instructions to see how your wax needs to be heated up, and follow them.^{[19]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} This might involve gently rubbing your hands over the cold wax strips to heat them up slightly with your body heat so they stick better to your hair.
4
Apply the waxing strip in the direction of hair growth and press down. Make sure the waxing strip is firmly pressed onto your skin. Rub it in slightly to ensure all edges are in place.^{[20]
X
Research source}
5
Pull the skin taut. This is especially important for wax since you’ll be pulling against the skin. Use your nondominant hand to stretch the skin as taut as possible. You should feel a slight discomfort, but no serious pain. Ease up if it feels extremely painful.^{[21]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
6
Pull quickly to help minimize the pain. Don’t be afraid of pain -- waxing does hurt, but pulling the strip off slowly will only lead to an inefficient waxing experience, and you’ll have to try again. Worse, pulling slowly can make waxing more painful. Imagine you’re ripping off a bandaid, and pull all at once.^{[22]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
7
Soothe your skin with baby oil or aloe vera. If you have sensitive skin, aloe vera can be very soothing after a cold wax session. Apply a thin layer and reapply as needed. Never use aftershave or regular moisturizer, as this can be extremely painful and dry out your skin.^{[23]
X
Research source}

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Professional Waxing

1
Trim your hair so it’s ¹⁄₄ to ³⁄₄ in (0.64 to 1.91 cm) long. If you regularly shave, and are transitioning into professional waxing, don’t shave for three weeks so your hair can grow out. If you have never removed your vaginal hair, consider trimming it. The ideal length of hair for waxing is about ¹⁄₄ to ³⁄₄ in (0.64 to 1.91 cm).^{[24]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
2
Find a salon you trust. Look for nail and spa salons in your area. One easy way to find places that wax is to call all of the nail salons in your area and ask if any of them do waxing. Ask about their practice, how they ensure that everything is sterile and clean, and how much the wax will cost. Make sure that the esthetician doesn’t “double-dip,” or reuse the same wooden stick during waxing sessions.^{[25]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
3
Wear comfortable underwear and a skirt or loose-flowing pants. You’re going to be tender and your skin will be sensitive after your waxing session. Prepare for that tenderness by wearing comfortable cotton underwear and a skirt or other comfortable pants.^{[26]
X
Research source}
- Avoid wearing tight pants or underwear for at least a day after waxing.
4
Take a painkiller or anti-inflammatory drug 30 minutes before your session. Waxing is not a pain-free process, though it is a manageable one. Take one regular dose of your preferred painkiller to prepare for your session. If you have a low pain tolerance, bring another painkiller for after the session. Do not take more than one standard dose before your wax.^{[27]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
5
Exhale as the waxing strip is pulled. Waxing can be a painful experience, but try not to clench your teeth or muscles against it. That’ll only make the experience worse. Instead, focus on breathing deeply and exhale right as the strip is being pulled.^{[28]
X
Research source}
- Getting waxed right after your period is said to help with the pain!
6
Exfoliate a week after your session. To keep your vaginal area smooth and prevent irritation or ingrown hair, exfoliate gently one week after your session with a loofah.^{[29]
X
Research source}

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Laser Hair Removal

1
Plan to spend around $250-$250 for each treatment. The average price for a laser hair removal depends on whether you want a bikini or Brazilian laser hair removal. Since the Brazilian procedure removes more hair, it tends to be more expensive.^{[30]
X
Research source}
- A Brazilian procedure removes all of your pubic hair, while a bikini procedure leaves a little bit of pubic hair behind.
2
Avoid waxing at least 4 weeks before your laser hair removal.^{[31]
X
Expert Source

Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist
Expert Interview. 8 October 2020.} Laser hair removal requires that hair follicles be intact and inside your skin, and waxing removes hair follicles. Make your laser hair removal most successful by refraining from waxing for at least one month prior to your removal.^{[32]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
3
Shave (don’t use cream) before your treatment. In order to get the most out of your laser hair removal experience, you need to shave all of your vaginal hair the night before.^{[33]
X
Expert Source

Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist
Expert Interview. 8 October 2020.} Avoid using hair removal creams to remove hair before laser hair removal, as the chemicals from these products can interact and cause irritation or pain.^{[34]
X
Research source}
4
Expect the treated hair to fall out over the next few weeks. Laser hair removal isn’t immediately visible. It takes about 2 weeks before the removal starts showing effects, and until that point, your hair will be growing normally. After 2-3 weeks, your hair will start falling out. At this point, it’s ok to shave.^{[35]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
5
Prepare for multiple treatments. Laser hair removal can require anywhere from 6-8 treatments to fully and permanently remove hair. Most sessions are spaced by 6-8 weeks to help remove the hair more effectively.^{[36]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Do not wax or pluck your hair in-between sessions. Shaving is okay.^{[37]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD
  Board Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist
  Expert Interview. 8 October 2020.}

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get premium answers for this article? Unlock premium answers by supporting wikiHow

Question

How do I prepare for vaginal hair removal?

Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist
Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil is a board certified Dermatologist, Dermatopathologist, and the Owner of Mudgil Dermatology, a state-of-the-art dermatology practice based in New York, New York. As one of the few dermatologists in the area to achieve board certification in both dermatology and dermatopathology, Dr. Mudgil specializes in all aspects of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. He received his Bachelor's degree with Phi Beta Kappa honors from Emory University and earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) with Alpha Omega Alpha honors from the Stony Brook University School of Medicine. In medical school, Dr. Mudgil was among a handful of students nationwide to receive a coveted Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellowship and Scholarship. He then completed his residency in dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan, where he served as chief resident. Additionally, Dr. Mudgil went on to complete a fellowship at the prestigious Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the American Society of Dermatopathology. Dr. Mudgil is also a member of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine teaching faculty.

Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

I suggest you talk to your provider before the procedure. They'll likely ask you to shave where you'd like the hair removed.

Warnings

Always use clean materials to avoid getting a disease. Don’t use any metal that is old or rusted as this could injure you.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0