Are you sometimes itchy after shaving? If you embrace manscaping, you may find that you are left feeling sore, sensitive and uncomfortable post-shave. This can be down to a whole host of reasons so learning how to stop itching after shaving pubic hair, in particular, can be beneficial.
Razor burn, irritation and chafing can be common among men who groom this intimate area. Consequently it's fairly common to ask, “Why are my pubes itchy?” Read on to find out why itchy balls after shaving might be more of an issue for you than it ought to be and how to relieve itchy pubic hair with some essential grooming tips.
What Causes an Itchy Pubic Area?
There are numerous answers to the question why is my pubic hair itchy, including:
- Allergic reaction
- Infections
- Shaving irritation
- Skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis
While shaving irritation can easily be relieved, other causes of an itchy pubic area may require the guidance of a medical professional. Contact your doctor if you have a persistent itch that is accompanied by non-shaving-related symptoms.
What Is Shaving Irritation?
Understanding how to stop itching after shaving means getting to grips with irritation. This is best described as a temporary discomfort to your skin as a result of a poor grooming experience. It can be classified into three main categories:
Razor burn – Burning, redness, stinging and itching after shaving are all common signs of razor burn. Intimate areas can be particularly susceptible because the skin is often more sensitive. Razor bumps – Razor bumps are ingrown hairs that occur after shaving and often look like small pimples. They can occur anywhere hair is shaved but are common in intimate areas where hairs are more likely to curl back into the skin. Chafing – Like razor burn and razor bumps, chafing can appear as a red rash with raised bumps. However, chafing is caused by friction, often when freshly shaved or trimmed skin rubs against clothing or other areas of skin.
Now that you know which kind of irritation from shaving you’re experiencing, read on for the solutions.
Why Is My Pubic Hair Itchy After Shaving?
For lots of guys, shaving your pubic hair is part of an essential grooming routine but issues with your technique and tools can quickly cause itchy side effects. It’s worth knowing that an itchy pubic area after shaving is more likely when you shave without prepping the area properly or without the right tools you can irritate the skin around the hair follicle, causing that itchy pubic hair sensation.
For example, shaving can increase the discomfort of an itchy pubic area. If you haven’t changed your razor blades in a while, they can become dull – this means you’ll struggle to get a close shave and may feel more pulling on the hair. This can lead to increased irritation post-shave, so be sure to look after your razor and change your blades as soon as you notice dullness.
How to Prevent Razor Burn on Your Pubic Area
Razor burn is a skin irritation that can be caused by dry shaving, shaving too aggressively, or shaving with dull blades. Typically, it starts to appear a few minutes after shaving, and often takes the form of a rash or burning patches on the skin although it can also manifest as a burning sensation on the skin and no rash. To help prevent razor burns on your pubic area, always apply shaving cream.
A shaving cream like the Gillette Labs 2-in-1 Shave Cream and Cleanser hydrates and protects sensitive areas during intimate grooming, reducing the risk of razor burn. It also helps clean your area while you shave – a win-win in our books.
Another top tip for avoiding razor burn is to practice good shaving techniques (if you’re new to manscaping, check out our article on pubic hair shaving - there's an equally useful guide on how to shave or trim pubic hair for her, too).
How to Deal With Razor Burn on Your Pubic Area
If you are experiencing razor burn in your pubic area, seek out hydrating products formulated to calm irritated skin. A suitable moisturiser will help to hydrate the skin and gradually help calm the sensation of razor burn.
Applying a cool washcloth to the affected area can also help to provide some temporary relief.
How to Help Prevent Razor Bumps on Your Pubic Area
When it comes to razor bumps in your pubic area there are some key things that you can do to help avoid them:
- Prep hair and skin with warm water. Showering or bathing for three to five minutes in warm water before shaving can help to soften your skin and hair. This reduces the force needed to cut through your hair and makes for a more comfortable intimate grooming experience.
- Exfoliate regularly. Gently scrub the pubic area and use a mild cleanser before shaving. This will help to ensure your skin's surface is free of dead skin cells, which can sometimes trap hair as it grows back and cause bumps.
Use a sharp razor designed for intimate shaving. A dull razor isn’t going to cut it, literally. A sharp razor will help you avoid nicks and cuts because the blades will not get caught and cause extra tugging on your pubic hair. The Gillette Labs Intimate Razor for men with a magnetic shower hanger features a Triple Defence System to help protect sensitive areas. It is designed not to cut hair below skin level, helping to reduce the risk of trapped hairs and razor bumps. - Shave with the grain. Shaving against the grain might result in a closer shave, but if you have sensitive skin, shaving with the grain can help to avoid razor bumps
How to Treat Razor Bumps on Your Pubic Area
Razor bumps are caused when hairs are trapped under the skin and unfortunately, there isn’t an instant fix. The most effective way is by giving them time to heal and not shaving over them.
If you find that your skin is prone to razor bumps, consider just gently trimming your pubic area as opposed to being clean-shaven. Equipped with three combs to suit every preference, the Gillette INTIMATE™ i5 Trimmer keeps pubic hair tidy while avoiding further irritation to aggravated skin – perfect for staying on top of your manscaping in between shaves.
How to Prevent Chafing on Your Pubic Area
Another common shaving mistake is neglecting aftercare products. Applying a dye and alcohol-free moisturiser will nourish and defend your skin’s barrier, helping to soften hair, thereby allowing it grow back more comfortably.
This essential product will also help to reduce friction in the affected area and minimising chafing to freshly shaven areas, as well as any area where your skin rubs, like your thighs.
Using daily after showering or before exercising forms a protective layer and helps keep chafing and irritation after shaving at bay.
How to Treat Chafing on Your Pubic Area
If you have chafed skin, it’s important not to ignore it. One of the best ways to treat chafing is by applying petroleum jelly to the affected area. Thick and moisturising, it provides much-needed hydration to irritated skin.
Pubic shaving irritation can happen to anyone, but with the right products and techniques irritation can hopefully be avoided. Designed with your comfort in mind, our male intimate grooming products will ensure your pubic area receives a smooth shave each and every time.
Home Remedies for an Itching Pubic Area After Shaving: Fact and Fiction
If you feel itchy after shaving or constantly have a pubic hair itchy sensation even after trimming, then there are some steps you can take. Of course, knowing how to prevent itching after shaving your pubes is better than taking countermeasures – prevention is always better than cure, after all. That said, it is still worth understanding more about home remedies for an itching pubic area after shaving including which ones won't work.
- As mentioned, moisturising is one of the best ways to treat an itchy pubic area after shaving.
- If you have itchy balls after shaving don't be tempted to shave them again – it is an urban myth that this will help to make them less uncomfortable.
- Avoid scratching any pubic hair itchy sensation you might feel since this typically makes matters worse, not better.
- If you suffer from itchy pubes after shaving, wear loose clothing until the sensation goes away naturally.
- Applying cool water with a clean cloth can be a good way of how to prevent itching after shaving your pubes.
- Steer clear of aftershaves for intimate areas – if you are asking why are my pubes itchy right now, then they could be feeling much worse if you choose to apply an aftershave on them.
For more expert shaving advice check out our ultimate guide to manscaping.
