The natural bush is making a significant comeback in grooming trends, but this return to au naturel styles has brought with it an unexpected and painful side effect that's gaining attention on social media platforms. Women who have abandoned waxed, shaved, or trimmed styles in favour of growing out their pubic hair are reporting distinct discomfort when their hair reaches certain lengths, with TikTok users coining the term "whisker fatigue" to describe this peculiar phenomenon.
The Viral Discovery of Pubic Hair Discomfort
One TikTok user named Jules sparked widespread discussion when she asked fellow users: "Does anyone else's bush hurt when it gets too long? It feels like why you take down a ponytail after having it in all day but with spikes." Her video resonated with thousands, amassing 6.3 million views and prompting numerous comments describing the sensation as "diabolical but unfortunately accurate." Many women shared similar experiences, with some reporting that the discomfort makes them feel "bruised" in their intimate areas.
Why Can Pubic Hair Become Painful?
Dr Nikki Ramskill, founder of The Female Health Doctor Clinic, explains the physiological reasons behind this discomfort. "Very long pubic hair can become uncomfortable because the hairs are coarse and curly," she tells us. "They can then bend back on themselves, tug at the skin, or get caught in clothing and underwear. This constant pulling can feel like a sharp, irritating pain, a bit like when the hair on your head gets tugged."
Dr Ramskill further elaborates on the neurological aspect: "When hairs are pulled or bent, the tiny nerves around each follicle get stimulated, which is what causes pain or sensitivity." With recent surveys indicating that 32% of British adults prefer natural pubic hair, this discomfort may be more common than previously recognised.
Additional Problems with Long Pubic Hair
Beyond the immediate discomfort of whisker fatigue, growing pubic hair long increases the likelihood of several other issues:
- Ingrown hairs: "These can become sore, inflamed and possibly infected," Dr Ramskill explains. "It happens when long hairs curl back into the skin, causing red, painful bumps."
- Chafing and irritation: Long hairs rubbing against skin or fabric, particularly during exercise, can cause significant chafing.
- Sexual discomfort: "You may even experience tugging or pulling of the hairs during sex which can be painful if the pubic strands get caught," she adds.
- Hygiene concerns: "They can trap sweat, bacteria, and discharge, making the area feel less fresh," Dr Ramskill notes.
Managing and Preventing Ingrown Hairs
Coarse, curly pubic hair is particularly prone to becoming ingrown, especially after hair removal methods like waxing, plucking, or threading. The NHS provides clear guidance on preventing this common problem.
What You Should Avoid
- Do not shave too close – leaving some stubble can prevent bacteria from entering the skin
- Avoid using blunt razors that can cause irritation
- Try not to shave every day if possible to give your skin time to recover
- Never scratch, pick, or squeeze ingrown hairs as this can damage skin and lead to infection
Recommended Prevention Techniques
- Always wet your skin with warm water and use shaving gel before hair removal
- Shave in the direction the hairs naturally grow
- Use as few razor strokes as possible to minimise irritation
- Rinse the razor thoroughly after every stroke
- Apply a cool, wet cloth to your skin after shaving to reduce inflammation
- Use an exfoliating scrub regularly to help release trapped hairs
- Consider alternative hair removal methods like depilatory creams
- Explore long-term solutions such as laser treatment
Important medical note: You should consult a GP if an ingrown hair or surrounding area becomes very painful, hot, or swollen, or if you develop a high temperature or feel generally unwell alongside ingrown hairs.
Finding Your Comfort Zone with Pubic Hair
The simplest solution to whisker fatigue is maintaining your pubic hair at a length where you experience no discomfort. "That said, pubic hair itself isn't unhealthy," Dr Ramskill emphasises. "It actually plays a protective role, reducing friction and providing a barrier against bacteria."
Recent surveys reveal interesting preferences among British women: 46% prefer a trimmed style, making it the most popular pubic hairstyle among both women and men. Only 23% of women prefer to be completely shaved, indicating a significant shift away from completely hairless styles.
"Whether someone chooses to trim, remove or leave their pubic hair is a personal choice," Dr Ramskill concludes. "But if it starts to feel uncomfortable, trimming can help relieve the problem." The key takeaway is that whisker fatigue, while uncomfortable, is a normal physiological response, and women should feel empowered to style their pubic hair according to their personal comfort and preference.
