A doctor has warned against the dangers of pulling out ingrown hairs down there - and it might make you think twice before reaching for the tweezers.
In the countdown to summer, some blokes are tackling unwanted fuzz below the belt.
Whether you use an electric shaver or borrow your girlfriend's razor for the job, everyone has their own preference, but it can come at a cost.
£119.99
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With the risk of nicks, bumps, and ingrown hairs, shaving close to your nether regions isn't always straightforward.
"Ingrown hairs occur when a hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin, triggering a local inflammatory response," Dr Tony Banerjee of HarleyDoc explains.
"When people attempt to pull them out, particularly if the hair is still embedded beneath the surface, they often create microtrauma to the surrounding skin. This disrupts the natural skin barrier and can introduce bacteria, most commonly staphylococcus aureus, into the follicle.
"The result is often worsening inflammation: redness, swelling, tenderness, and in some cases progression to folliculitis, pustules, or even small abscesses. Repeated manipulation can also increase the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring, particularly in individuals with darker skin tones."
£119.99
In a bid to stop ingrown hairs from cropping up in the first place, many lads are turning to the new GilletteLabs i7 Body and Intimate Hair Trimmer, which boasts an anti‑ingrown hair bar.
The bar lifts hairs before cutting to prevent them from curling back into skin. As a result, you should get a nice close shave without nicks, cuts, or ingrown hairs.
Find out more below.
How to prevent ingrown hairs with the GilletteLabs trimmer
As touched on above, the new GilletteLabs i7 Body and Intimate Hair Trimmer is designed to tackle intimate areas with care and precision.
Complete with a built-in LED light, it's easier to see hard-to-reach areas in the shower, whilst the AquaGrip handle will make sure you're in control.
The grooming kit includes everything you could possibly need too: three body combs (3mm, 5mm, and sensitive), one shower hanger, one storage pouch, one small cleaning brush, and a charging stand.
Although new to the market, the razor has already garnered hundreds of rave reviews online.
"My boyfriend tried the trimmer, and so far we’re both impressed," one review reads. "It's designed for men's sensitive areas, and it really feels gentle on the skin compared to using a regular razor.
"The trimmer is precise and easy to control, which is perfect for intimate areas. It's also fully waterproof and the battery lasts a long time, which makes it convenient for use in the shower."
Another customer raved, "I've had quite a few trimmers over the years - so I've known blades getting rusty, and have had nicks, batteries that never lasted.
"The i7 had none of those problems and bonus - it has a light so I can see where I'm trimming."
Shop our top picks:
GilletteLabs Body and Intimate i7 Hair Trimmer
£119.99
GilletteLabs Body and Intimate Razor Blades (6 Pack)
£19.99
GilletteLabs Body i5 Premium Shaving Set
£132.97
Common shaving mistakes you're probably making
Dr Banerjee warns that simple shaving mistakes can lead to irritation, ingrown hairs, and infections if you're not careful.
"One of the most common mistakes is attempting removal too early, before the hair has emerged close enough to the surface," he explains. "Digging into the skin with tweezers or needles at this stage tends to do more harm than good.
"Another frequent mistake is using non-sterile tools or fingers, which significantly increases infection risk. People also often apply excessive force, pulling the hair out from the root rather than gently releasing it from the skin, which further irritates the follicle."
Exfoliating the area apparently won't help either if it's already inflamed, as harsh scrubs and gloves will aggravate the skin even more.
When to see a GP about ingrown hairs
Ingrown hairs often look like raised, itchy bumps on the skin.
They can appear anywhere on the body, but are most likely found on the pubic area, underarms, chest, and face.
According to the NHS, you should see a GP if you experience the below symptoms:
- If an ingrown hair or the area surrounding it is extremely painful, swollen or hot
- If you have an ingrown hair and a high temperature, or feel hot, or unwell
If necessary, a GP will remove the hair with a sterile scalpel or give you steroid cream to treat the irritation. If it's a more serious infection, you may be given antibiotics.
Topics: Health
Danielle Fowler