Is it healthy to shave the genital area?

Is Shaving the Genital Area Healthy?

Routine shaving of the genital area is not medically necessary and increases the risk of skin complications including folliculitis, skin irritation, and micro-abrasions, though it does not increase surgical site infection risk when performed carefully with proper technique. 1

Key Evidence on Genital Hair Removal

Infection Risk

• Removing pubic hair does not decrease infection rates in surgical settings, contrary to historical beliefs that hair harbors bacteria 1
• A Cochrane review and subsequent studies found no evidence supporting routine hair removal for infection prevention 1
• Small comparative studies showed no difference in infection rates between perineal shaving and no hair removal 1

Common Complications from Shaving

Folliculitis is particularly common with the increased popularity of shaving pubic hair, presenting as papules and pustules primarily in the pubic hair region 1

Skin trauma and irritation occur frequently with shaving:

• Shaving with razors causes more skin injury compared to clipping (moderate-certainty evidence) 2
• Razor use increases surgical site infections by 64-82% compared to clipping or no removal 1, 2
• Micro-abrasions from shaving can create entry points for infection 3

Safer Hair Removal Methods (If Desired)

If hair removal is preferred, clipping should be used over shaving with the following approach 1:

• Clipping results in significantly fewer complications than razor shaving 1, 2
• Depilatory creams may cause less skin injury than razors, though individual skin sensitivity varies 2
• Timing: Hair removal on the day of any procedure (rather than the day before) may slightly reduce infection risk 2

Proper Shaving Technique (If Shaving Is Chosen)

For those who choose to shave despite the risks, careful technique with adequate lubrication minimizes trauma 1:

• Use adequate lubrication during shaving to reduce friction and skin damage 1
• Shave carefully and gently to avoid micro-cuts 1
• Use clean, sharp razors to minimize repeated strokes 4, 5
• Avoid shaving over irritated or broken skin 1

Post-Shaving Care

Proper hygiene and moisturization reduce complications 1:

• Use gentle, pH-neutral cleansers rather than harsh soaps 1
• Pat skin dry rather than rubbing 1
• Apply hypoallergenic moisturizers to prevent dryness 1
• Wear breathable cotton clothing instead of synthetic materials 1

Clinical Context and Nuances

The evidence base comes primarily from surgical preparation studies rather than cosmetic grooming research. The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society guidelines provide the highest quality evidence, concluding with high-certainty that if hair must be removed for surgical visualization, clipping is superior to shaving 1.

Important distinction: The increased infection risk from shaving applies specifically to razor use versus clipping or no removal—not to the presence of pubic hair itself 1, 2. This contradicts the outdated belief that hair harbors bacteria requiring removal 1.

Research on facial shaving demonstrates similar principles: shaving-related skin problems (irritation, dryness, razor burn, pseudofolliculitis) result from both individual skin conditions and shaving techniques 4, 5. These findings likely translate to genital shaving, where skin is more sensitive and prone to irritation 1.

Bottom Line Recommendation

From a medical perspective, routine genital hair removal is unnecessary and increases complication risk. If aesthetic preferences drive the decision to remove hair, clipping is medically preferable to shaving with a razor. For those who insist on shaving, meticulous technique with proper lubrication, sharp clean razors, and post-shave moisturization is essential to minimize harm 1, 2.