Why do we have vaginal hair you ask? Surprisingly, pubic hair can protect the vagina. Like eyelashes and nose hair, it can trap dirt and other potentially harmful substances, decreasing infections caused by bacteria that enter the vagina and thus reducing yeast and urinary tract infections and STIs. The sebum, or oil, from your hair follicles may even prevent bacteria from reproducing. (Pubic hair is not a substitute for condoms to prevent STIs though.) Your hair down there can also decrease friction from certain activities, like bike riding, and it keeps the vagina warm. Lastly, pubic hair is yet another way of your body to let you know that you are growing normally and that puberty has started.

So is shaving or waxing bad? Not necessarily, but you don’t have to do either to care for your vulva, and there are no health benefits. It’s all about personal preferences—yours only; no one else’s. If you choose to shave or wax, make sure to use good and clean tools because your vaginal area is very sensitive, and keep the following information and tips in mind.

Shaving:

Results last a few days. Your genital area may feel prickly or itchy when the hair is growing back.
It is not true that the hair will grow back thicker.

If you use disposable razors, remember they are for limited use only. Typically, they last 3-10 shaves. The blades become dull; this is how you can tell when it’s time to toss.

Non-disposable razors are equipped with a handle that you keep and a detachable blade that is replaced as needed. The blades last 5-10 shaves. Look out for dullness like with disposable razors. Using dull razors can increase your risk of ingrown hairs and infection to hair follicles.

Apply shaving cream
Use a new/sharp razor
Try a razor with moisturizing strip
Hold the skin tight with one hand and shave in the direction of hair growth
Use slow, steady strokes
Rinse area with warm water when done
Apply lotion with aloe vera or baby oil to skin (use non-scented products to avoid skin irritation)

Hair Removal Creams:

Like shaving, removal with hair creams lasts only a few days. You should test a small area first to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction (itching, swelling, pain or redness). Read the directions carefully before applying. Make sure the product is safe to use on the vulva. Remember, do not leave the cream on longer than directed; this may cause burning and irritation.

Waxing:

Hair regrowth is slower, about 4-6 weeks. This is because the hair is removed from the follicle/root, versus cutting the hair close to the skin’s surface. A thin layer of warm wax is applied to the pubic hair and removed with a paper strip, or the wax is pulled up directly by pulling the wax itself. This method is usually performed by a professional and can be costly and painful.

Never shave before waxing, and do not use wax that is too hot because it can burn your skin.

Laser Hair Removal:

A strong beam of light is used to penetrate the skin and damage the hair follicle, which stops the production of hair (until the follicles heal). This procedure should be completed by a certified professional. Results vary and may cause irritation, redness and swelling. It can take several sessions to see results and for some this method may not work.

Electrolysis:

This is a method for permanent hair removal. A needle shaped electrode is used to destroy the hair root. It may take weekly appointments with a professional for up to a year to complete the process. Sessions can last up to 60 minutes and be costly. Prior to your first treatment, schedule a consultation and get all your questions answered.

With any of the above professional hair removal choices, look for a clean salon with certified professionals.

If you experience irritation such as pain, blisters or pimples, seek help from a healthcare professional (ideally a dermatologist).

Deidra Pierre and Brooke Naranjo are family nurse practitioners here in New Orleans who found their passion in adolescent care and reproductive health education. They are former (Pierre) and current (Naranjo) members of the REAL team at the LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans. The mission of Reproductive Education + Advocacy Louisiana [REAL] is to improve adolescents’ access and utilization of comprehensive, accessible, and youth-friendly sexual and reproductive healthcare services by enhancing knowledge, expanding training, and growing advocacy capacity of current and future healthcare providers.

Teen-Friendly NOLA Clinics

Clinics that serve adolescents usually focus on the reproductive health needs of adolescents and young adults but may also provide primary care services. The ages served vary depending on the clinic, but they usually include preteens (11 or 12 years old), teens (12-17 years old), and young adults (18-24 years old).

Kids First Tiger Care
2633 Napoleon Ave., Suite 707
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 299-9980

Children’s Pediatrics Westbank
829 Barataria Blvd.
Marrero, LA 70072
(504) 368-7337

Children’s Hospital River Ridge Clinic
9605 Jefferson Hwy. E
River Ridge, LA 70123
(504) 738-1604

Tulane Adolescent and Young Adult Health
711 N. Broad St.
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 988-0000

Crescent Care
1631 Elysian Fields Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70117
(504) 207-2273
Note: This center only offers STD testing; it does not provide birth control.

Louisiana Department of Health

Jefferson Parish – Marrero
1855 Ames Blvd.
Marrero, LA 70072
(504) 349-8802 ext. 237

Jefferson Parish – Metairie
111 N. Causeway Blvd.
Metairie, LA 70001
(504) 838-5100 ext. 139

Orleans Parish Delgado Personal Health Clinic
517 N. Rampart St.
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 658-2540

Planned Parenthood
4636 S. Claiborne Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70125
(504) 897-9200

St. Thomas Community Health Center
1936 Magazine St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 529-5558

LSU/Crescent Care Sexual Health Center
3308 Tulane Ave., 5th floor
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 293-6899
Note: This center only offers STD testing; it does not provide birth control.

Access Health Louisiana
234 Loyola Ave., Suite 300B
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 226-2976

EXCELth

New Orleans East
9900 Lake Forest Blvd., Suite F
New Orleans, LA 70127
(504) 620-0500

Gentilly
2050 Caton St.
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 620-9868

Algiers
4422 General Meyer Ave., Suite 103
New Orleans, LA 70131
(504) 526-1179

School-Based Health Centers

SBHCs provide STD testing and birth control education. These facilities cannot prescribe birth control.

SBHCs that provide care to all adolescents in the community:

Sci High
5625 Loyola Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 613-5648

SBHCs that only provide care to students that attend their schools:

ORLEANS PARISH

Cohen College Prep
3520 Dryades St.
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 613-5648

Warren Easton
3036 Iberville St.
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 324-7880

ST. BERNARD PARISH

Chalmette High School
1100 E. Judge Perez Dr.
Chalmette, LA 70043
(504) 333-6988

JEFFERSON PARISH

Bonnabel High School
2801 Bruin Dr.
Kenner, LA 70065
(504) 303-6676

John Ehret High School
4300 Patriot St.
Marrero, LA 70072
(504) 371-1318

Riverdale High School
240 Riverdale Dr.
New Orleans, LA 70121
(504) 834-5026

West Jefferson High School
2200 8th St.
Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 367-4407

Have important questions ready (write them down) before going to your appointment, remember you are in control of your visit.

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