Pubic hair removal has evolved dramatically over the past few decades. From shaving and waxing to long-term laser hair removal, many women now choose to be completely hair-free. While these practices are often framed as cosmetic or hygienic choices, far less attention is paid to how hair removal affects vulval skin health over time.

In clinical practice, gynaecologists are increasingly seeing women with ongoing vulval irritation, dryness and sensitivity following pubic hair removal, particularly after laser. Understanding why this happens, and how to care for hair-free vulval skin, is key to restoring daily comfort and protecting long-term intimate health.

Why Pubic Hair Matters More Than We Think

Although cultural preferences around pubic hair have changed, pubic hair has a biological function. It acts as a natural barrier, helping to:

• Protect delicate vulval skin from friction during movement and sex

• Retain moisture and natural skin oils

• Reduce direct contact with clothing, sweat and irritants

• Cushion sensitive structures such as the labia minora

When pubic hair is removed, particularly permanently, this protective layer is lost. The vulval skin is then exposed to ongoing mechanical friction, moisture imbalance and micro-irritation. Over time, this can compromise the vulval skin barrier, leading to redness, soreness, stinging and chronic discomfort.

Laser Hair Removal and Vulval Sensitivity

Laser hair removal became popular in the late 1990s, offering a long-term solution to ingrown hairs, shaving cuts and frequent waxing. While laser is generally considered safe, medical conversations often focus on short-term side effects such as swelling or redness.

What is less commonly discussed are the longer-term consequences of living without pubic hair.

Gynaecologists now report a noticeable increase in women presenting with vulval irritation, dryness and sensitivity in the post-laser era. Without hair to buffer the skin, the labia and surrounding vulval tissue are more vulnerable, particularly as skin becomes thinner and more fragile with age, hormonal change or menopause.

Vulval Skin Is Skin, Just More Delicate

The vulva is not designed to be dry or exposed. Like facial skin, it relies on an intact barrier to maintain hydration, elasticity and comfort. Unlike facial skin, it is subject to constant movement, heat, moisture and friction.

Daily care matters.

When the vulval skin barrier is disrupted, even everyday activities such as walking, exercising or wearing fitted clothing can cause discomfort. During intimacy, friction may feel irritating rather than pleasurable.

Daily Vulval Care After Hair Removal

Caring for hair-free vulval skin is not about over-cleansing or adding complexity. It is about restoring what has been removed.

Using a pH-balanced, doctor-designed intimate moisturiser daily can help:

• Replenish lost moisture

• Soothe irritation and redness

• Protect against friction

• Support a healthy vulval skin barrier

Ellechemy’s Protectility was specifically designed for this purpose. It functions as a daily vulval skin barrier protectant and is suitable for even the most sensitive skin. The formula is conception-friendly and absorbs beautifully into labial skin without residue.

Applied daily after showering, Protectility helps restore softness and comfort to vulval skin that may feel dry, tight or irritated following hair removal.

How to Apply Intimate Moisturiser Correctly

After showering, apply a pea-sized amount of Protectility to clean, dry hands. Gently massage into the skin of the vulva, focusing on the labia majora and labia minora. The product should absorb fully into the skin.

With consistent daily use, many women notice their vulval skin becomes smoother, more hydrated and significantly less reactive.

Intimacy and Comfort

Protectility also doubles as a luxurious lubricant. It can be used internally to enhance penetrative comfort or externally during clitoral stimulation. By supporting the vulval skin barrier daily, intimacy often feels more comfortable and pleasurable, rather than something to brace for.

For women who experience dryness or irritation after hair removal, combining daily vulval moisturising with a high-quality lubricant during intimacy can make a profound difference.

A Conservative First Step Before Surgical Intervention

Dr Raelia Lew, gynaecologist and fertility specialist, has observed a growing number of women seeking medical advice for chronic vulvo-vaginal discomfort after pubic hair removal.

She notes:

“When patients come to see me to discuss labiaplasty due to chronic vulvo-vaginal discomfort, my first recommendation is often conservative therapy. Daily application of Protectility as a restorative vulval skin treatment allows most women with normal spectrum anatomy to achieve comfort without surgery.”

This approach aligns with current gynaecological best practice, which emphasises skin barrier repair and symptom management before considering invasive interventions.

Supporting Vulval Health Long Term

Pubic hair removal is a personal choice. If you choose to remove it, ongoing vulval care becomes essential rather than optional.

Treating the vulva with the same respect as facial skin, through gentle cleansing and daily moisturisation, supports comfort, confidence and pleasure at every stage of life.

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References and Further Reading

These sources support the information above and may be included on your site for transparency and credibility:

• Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). Vulval care guidelines and patient information.

• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health. Vulval and vaginal health resources.

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Vulvar skin care and vulvodynia guidance.

• Edwards L. Vulvar dermatologic conditions. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America.

• Farage MA, Maibach HI. The vulvar epithelium differs from the skin: implications for dermatological care. Archives of Dermatological Research.