To Go Bare Down There? (Published 2019) (2024)

Smarter Living|To Go Bare Down There?

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/03/smarter-living/to-go-bare-down-there.html

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To Go Bare Down There? (Published 2019) (1)

By Jen Gunter

I’ve heard a number of conflicting things on this topic; is removing or waxing all pubic hair entirely from the vagin* healthy, unhealthy, or something in between?

— Marie

Short take

Removing pubic hair is a cosmetic choice that may have health consequences for some women.

Tell me more

Before we get started we need to get one fact straight — pubic hair is on your vulva (the outside, where your clothes touch your skin) not your vagin*, which is internal or at the vagin*l opening (think of the places you touch when reaching inside for a rogue tampon).

Pubic hair serves several biological purposes. It is a physical barrier protecting the skin; it traps discharge, dirt and debris; it also traps moisture, helping the vulvar skin maintain a higher moisture content relative to skin elsewhere on your body. As each pubic hair is attached to a nerve, tugging during sex may also increase sexual stimulation. Pubic hair may also have a role in dispersal of normal odors.

Pubic hair removal is common — approximately 80 percent of women ages 18 to 65 report they remove some or all of their pubic hair.

Pubic hair removal is associated with medical risks — in one study, 27 percent of women who reported removing their pubic hair had sustained an injury at some point and 2.5 percent reported needing surgical intervention (think draining an abscess or stitches). Infections related to pubic hair removal can be very serious.

There is also emerging data that links pubic hair removal with an increased risk of some sexually transmitted infections (S.T.I.s), such as herpes and the human papillomavirus (HPV). The microtrauma of hair removal may facilitate transmission or change the environment of the area in other ways that facilitate infection.

[Have a question about women’s health? Ask Dr. Gunter yourself.]

What should I do?

Trends regarding pubic hair removal wax and wane (sorry about the pun), much like eyebrow shape. Removing pubic hair is not right or wrong, it is a cosmetic choice that has medical risks. Adults make decisions about their bodies every day; ideally those decisions are informed and reached after you have balanced your personal risk-benefit ratio.

Whatever you decide is right for your body, please do not remove your pubic hair for a visit to the gynecologist. It is not necessary and we would not want you to incur any risk of injury or infection on our behalf.

Dr. Jen Gunter, Twitter’s resident gynecologist, is teaming up with our editors to answer your questions about all things women's health. From what's normal for your anatomy, to healthy sex, to clearing up the truth behind strange wellness claims, Dr. Gunter, who also writes a column called, The Cycle, promises to handle your questions with respect, forthrightness and honesty.

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To Go Bare Down There? (Published 2019) (2024)

FAQs

Do most females shave pubic hair? ›

Pubic hair grooming, described as partial or complete removal of pubic hair, is considered a prevalent practice in both men and women [1]. Notably, The prevalence of this practice is reportedly high in groomers with more than 80% of women actively engaging in it, as evidenced by multiple studies [1,2,3,4,5].

Should a 13 year old shave pubic hair? ›

Many tweens and teens want to shave, and there are no health reasons for them to wait. It's reasonable to allow them to shave when they think they're ready to do so. On the other hand, some tweens and teens will not be interested in shaving at all, and that is fine.

When should a girl start shaving her private area? ›

There's no right time or age to start learning to shave. So, how do you know when should your daughter start shaving? Learn answers to common shaving questions. Puberty can hit earlier in life or later, and with it comes thicker hair on the legs, as well as new hair growth under the arms and around the pubic area.

What cultures don't shave pubic hair? ›

Japan: Women in Japan have preferred to shave only their legs and underarms, leaving the bikini and pubic area untouched. It is also quite common to remove facial hair and peach fuzz for a smooth, glass-like appearance.

What happens if you never shave your pubic hair as a female? ›

“While protecting against diseases and skin problems, pubic hair also prevents foreign particles like dust and pathogenic bacteria from entering the body and helps to control the moisture of the area which lowers the chances of yeast infections.”

What is the most popular women's pubic hairstyle? ›

Popular Pubic Hair Styles for Women
  • The Bush.
  • The Brazilian.
  • The Bermuda Triangle.
  • The Thin Strip.
  • The Martini Glass.
  • The Silver Fox.
  • The Vajazzle. In this article.

What happens if you never shave your pubic hair? ›

The benefits of not shaving pubic hair are avoiding irritation, cuts, and ingrowns—when you don't shave, you won't get irritated. If you don't shave your pubic hair, nothing happens, but it's important to keep it clean with a daily genital-friendly wash and exfoliant to keep odor at bay.

Do swimmers shave their private area? ›

Swimmers maintain their bikini line and underarms on a weekly basis as they are practically living in a swimsuit 12 months a year. Shaving down is saved for the competitions where athletes are expected to perform their best. Such as the Olympic Games or World Championships. Generally this occurs only 1-2 times a year.

How often should a 14-year-old shave a girl? ›

You will probably find that unless you have very thick hair growth, you won't have to shave every day when you first start shaving. Some girls with fairer complexions only shave every few days or once a week. As you get older, your hair will start to come in faster, and you may have to shave more frequently.

When did pubic hair go out of fashion? ›

The 80s into the 90s, revolted from the extreme natural body-hair movement of the 70s. Many believe this has to do with the rise of the fashion industry, and the improved cameras putting more scrutiny on people's bodies. Skin follicles that used to be hidden by low resolutions were now on full display.

Why is shaving pubic hair so popular? ›

There's something to be said for increased confidence while naked, a factor that could make sex a little hotter. If grooming or nixing pubic hair helps with that, go for it. One study associates total pubic hair removal with a more positive genital self-image in females.

How often do girls shave down there? ›

To keep the pubic area smooth and hairless, you'll need to shave regularly, even daily. Consider if this is worth the trouble; it may become tedious after four or five weeks.

How do celebrities have no pubic hair? ›

Celebrities may have more time and money to devote to their appearance, but ultimately the hair removal treatments available are the same. Traditional techniques like threading, shaving, and waxing are still used; however, innovative techniques like electrolysis and laser hair removal promise more permanent results.

What do Japanese brides shave? ›

In Japan, it is not unusual for women to get a shave. Women get face, neck and back shaves primarily to exfoliate and to clean up neck and back if it will be exposed. While Japanese women aren't necessarily hairy, they do get peach fuzz and other small fine hairs that grown on the face, neck and back.

What is the latest style for pubic hair? ›

The Full Moon is a newer style that's been growing in popularity over the past year or two. The look entails removing the hair from the sides, top, and back while grooming and waxing the hair at the front of the pubic mound into a circle using a stencil and high-precision waxing techniques.

How much pubic hair should a woman shave off? ›

To reduce the likelihood of razor burn or irritation we've seen 4mm as the recommended length to trim pubic hair with a bikini trimmer. If you want smooth skin we recommend waxing or sugaring. Exfoliate your bikini line and apply a soothing pubic oil to prevent itch during regrowth.

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