Hair Down There or Bare? | The Pros and Cons of Having Pubes
We’ve come a long way from the au naturel look of the sixties and seventies. These days, many people choose to shave, wax or even permanently remove their pubic hair, preferring the fully nude look over a full bush. While pubic hair isn’t anything to be ashamed of—it means you’re an adult!—it’s a totally personal choice whether to let it grow or let it go.
While some people assume that rocking a bush is unhygienic, it’s actually the opposite. Pubic hair acts as a natural barrier to dirt and debris. In fact, pubic hair can also help to protect against STI infection—some doctors have found that people who shave or wax are more likely to contract herpes, HPV and other infections, because removal, especially shaving, can leave tiny little nicks on the skin. Pubic hair also provides a cushion, so that your skin is less sore and irritated after sex.
However, with proper care, bare skin can be perfectly hygienic, and aside from any question of attractiveness, it can even be more pleasurable for some. Skin-to-skin contact feels really good, and it follows that the more skin you have exposed, the better it might feel.
No matter your preference, read on for the pros and cons of removing your pubic hair...
Pro: It can look pretty slick.
There’s no denying that a freshly shaved or waxed pubic area looks, for lack of a better word, neat. Many people choose to remove hair because they like the look, from a triangle to a landing strip to totally bare. In addition, removing pubic hair can give your partner a real eyeful—they’ll be able to see pretty much everything, which can be a big turn-on.
Pro: It can boost sensation.
Lots of people report that the sensation in their pubic area is more intense without hair. Like anything else, this is very personal and not a universal truth—just as many people say they prefer the sensation with pubes, but exposed skin + sexy stuff = good feelings.
Pro: Grooming can be a turn-on.
While you should never feel pressured to shave or wax for a partner, intimate grooming can be sexy and increase anticipation for sex for both parties.
Pro: You're ready for anything.
If you feel anxiety about having or displaying body hair, then you might make excuses not to hit the beach or even have sex. To that, we say no way! If shaving or waxing makes you feel better, then go for it!
Pro: Waxing lasts a long time.
Just like we mentioned above, grooming makes some people feel more confident. Because a wax can last for weeks—up to a whole month!—you can sit back, relax and not think about your pubes for a good long while.
Con: It costs money.
While shaving is pretty low cost, pubic grooming can add up. A monthly wax can add up over time too, to the tune of $500 or more per year. Not even gonna start with laser hair removal costs!
Con: Razor burn sucks.
Anyone who shaves regularly knows that razor burn is a real (and real annoying) thing. In addition to being less than cute, razor burn can take a while to go away because your underwear or swimsuit will chafe the area. If you do shave, always use a shaving cream or lotion, and avoid using a dull razor—use a fresh blade whenever possible. (A little Momotaro Salve won’t hurt, either.)
Con: Waxing hurts!
Depending on your pain threshold, waxing may or may not be a big deal. In general, waxing causes less irritation (aside from initial soreness) and lasts longer, but the pain involved is not for everyone (if you've never been waxed, imagine being slapped while you have a really bad sunburn). Pro tip: Don't schedule waxing appointments leading up to or during the first few days of your period. The increased blood flow in the area will make things way more sensitive and uncomfortable than normal.
Con: Ingrown hairs.
Shaving, waxing or using depilatory creams can result in ingrown hairs, a situation in which a hair becomes trapped inside the follicle and results in a painful red bump. The coarser the hair, the more likely it is to become ingrown, which—surprise, surprise—is bad news for your pubes. Be careful to gently exfoliate the area and apply some tea tree oil if it becomes irritated. If it feels almost like a rash, try using Momotaro's tonic- either applied directly or diluted in the bath. Momotaro's blend of tea tree oil, cedar and Oregon grape is a miracle mix to soothe irritation.
Con: Stubble.
If you shave, you know that it can be a daily commitment to keep the stubble at bay. While a good wax lasts weeks, you still need to let the hair grow out to ¼” or so before you can get it removed again, meaning there will always be some stubble in the mix. If you opt for waxing, the longer you do it, the weaker the follicles get, which means that eventually, the hairs will come out completely rather than breaking off and creating stubble.
Con: It’s not "natural".
We’re not gonna front like everything we do is au natural—we all use technology (like vibrators!) and apply skincare products, which even if made from all-natural ingredients are not necessarily things we humans are intended to encounter in nature. However, many people feel that their pubic hair is a natural part of their bodies, a sign of maturity and something that makes them feel more, not less, sexual. And depending on whether you naturally have more or less body hair, it can be liberating to just let your body do its thing!
No matter what you choose, know that you don’t have to remove your pubic hair to please a partner or society in general. It's your body and body image, and you get to decide how you like to look and feel, not someone else! It’s all about what you want for yourself!