DIY Shaving and Shaping Pubic Hair

Why People Choose to Groom Pubic Hair

People groom their pubic hair for all sorts of reasons. Some find shorter hair more comfortable, especially during exercise or in hot weather. Others do it before a beach holiday, because a partner prefers it, or simply because they like the way it looks. Cultural backgrounds and personal aesthetics play a role too, and attitudes have shifted noticeably over the past few decades as trends in media and conversations about body autonomy have evolved.

Whatever your reasons, knowing the different methods and styles available can help you decide what works for you. This guide covers the main options for shaping and removing pubic hair at home or in a salon, along with practical tips to reduce irritation and get better results.

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Popular Pubic Hair Styles

If you are planning to shape your pubic hair rather than remove it entirely, it helps to know what the common styles look like. These terms are commonly used in many salons across the UK, though variations exist:

• Regular bikini: Only the hair that would show outside a swimsuit or underwear is removed. The rest is left natural or lightly trimmed. This suits people who prefer a minimal approach.
• Brazilian: Most of the hair is removed from the front and back, leaving a narrow vertical strip at the front. This style became popular in the 1990s and remains a common salon request.
• French: Similar to a Brazilian but with a slightly wider strip left at the front, and hair is often left on the labia and perianal area. The exact shape varies depending on preference.
• Hollywood: Complete removal of all pubic hair, front and back. Regrowth tends to be more noticeable with this style since there is no remaining hair to blend with.
• Triangle: The hair is shaped into a neat triangle at the front, with the sides and bikini line tidied up.
• Landing strip: A thin, rectangular patch of hair left centrally, with everything else removed. This has remained consistently popular since the early 2000s.

These names can vary between salons, so if you are booking a professional treatment, it is worth confirming exactly what is included before you start.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Methods for Removing or Shaping Pubic Hair

There are several ways to manage pubic hair at home or with professional help. Each method has its own advantages and drawbacks.

Trimming with scissors or an electric trimmer: This is the gentlest option. Trimming shortens the hair without removing it from the root, so there is less risk of irritation, ingrown hairs, or cuts. Battery powered body trimmers designed for sensitive areas are widely available and often come with guard attachments to control the length. Trimming works well if you are new to pubic grooming or prefer something low maintenance.

Shaving: A razor removes hair at skin level. Results are smooth but short lived, with regrowth typically appearing within a few days. Shaving can cause razor burn, ingrown hairs, and small cuts if not done carefully. Using a fresh blade, shaving in the direction of hair growth, and applying a fragrance free shaving gel can reduce these problems. Using a separate razor for your pubic area helps avoid transferring bacteria from other parts of your body, which can increase the risk of infection on freshly shaved skin.

Waxing: Wax pulls hair out from the root, so results last longer than shaving, usually between two and six weeks depending on your hair growth cycle. Hot wax or strip wax can be used. Professional waxing is often preferred for hard to reach areas, but home waxing kits are available. The process can be uncomfortable, particularly the first time. Letting the hair grow to around 5mm before waxing will usually give better results.

Hair removal creams: Depilatory creams dissolve the hair at the skin's surface. They are painless but can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people. Always do a patch test on a small area of skin before applying to the pubic region. Choose a product specifically designed for sensitive areas.

Reducing Irritation and Staying Safe

The skin in the pubic area is sensitive. A few precautions can help you avoid discomfort and infections.

Wash the area gently before and after grooming. Use lukewarm water and a mild, unscented cleanser. Avoid applying heavily fragranced lotions or body sprays immediately after hair removal, as these can sting and irritate freshly exposed skin.

Exfoliating lightly between sessions may help prevent ingrown hairs. A soft washcloth or a gentle body scrub used a day or two after waxing or shaving can keep the skin clear. Do not exfoliate on the same day as hair removal.

If you visit a salon, check that the premises look clean and that fresh, disposable applicators are used. A reputable salon will be happy to answer questions about their hygiene practices. Many salons in the UK are registered with their local council, and checking for professional accreditation or public liability insurance can offer additional reassurance about standards.

If you notice signs of infection, such as spreading redness, swelling, or pus, speak to a pharmacist or your GP for advice.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Hair Removal Method Finder lets you find the hair removal method that suits you best, from shaving and waxing to IPL, laser and electrolysis, matched to your skin, the area and how long you want it to last. Try it now →