Hi, thanks for your question.

Some young people choose to shave their genital areas. This can be for looks, for hygiene purposes or some say for sexual pleasure. Others leave the hair there—it's a personal choice.

Shaving is one way to do remove pubic hair, however there are other ways too, such as waxing, depilatory creams and laser treatment.

Some young women choose to shave because it's cheap, quick and pain-free. After shaving, the hair will start to grow back within a few days. Waxing hurts a little but will last longer than shaving (up to 2–3 weeks). It really comes down to personal choice and what you feel comfortable with, as well as the reason why you want to remove your genital hair.

Beauty salons who do waxing will be able to wax your bikini line or do a Brazilian wax (remove all the hair) for you if you choose to go with waxing.

If you choose to shave, you can do this yourself at home. It's just like shaving any other part of your body, such as your legs. If you have really long or think pubic hair, you may like to trim it with some scissors before shaving (to make it easier). If shaving, use a shaving cream or a good lather of soap. The last thing you want is a shaving cut in this sensitive area!

If you shave your genitals be careful of your labia (vaginal lips / skin folds) and clitoris. You definitely don't want to cut these sensitive and delicate areas. Using a mirror may help you see better and make shaving your genitals easier.

It can be common to get a rash after shaving, so put on a moisturising cream after shaving. For more information, have a look at the fact sheet below.

All the best.