Let's Not Split Hairs
And other ways tame your mane... down there.
Pubes — Muff — Lady Garden — Man Bush
No matter what nickname you’ve coined for it—whether it’s the bush, hedge, or something more creative—the growth on the mons pubis is, quite simply, pubic hair. Over the years, societal expectations and myths have made us forget one essential truth: hair is completely natural.
We’re mammals, after all, and one of the perks of being in this exclusive club is growing hair. Hair serves various purposes across the animal kingdom, from insulation and camouflage to sensory perception. While pubic hair might not be camouflaging you in the wild, it still has its own set of important roles.
Your genes and hormones decide the amount of body hair you have, but what you choose to do with it is entirely your call. Shave it, wax it, braid it (no judgment)—it’s your choice. A fun fact to share at parties: we’re all born with about five million hair follicles scattered across our bodies, and an extra million concentrated on our heads.
Did you know these tiny hair factories aren’t just about aesthetics or keeping us warm? They also moonlight as healing agents for your skin after injuries.
Here’s how it works: the cells in your hair follicles are first responders when your skin is wounded. These cells rush to the injury site, teaming up with your immune system’s white blood cells to kick-start the healing process. So, not only does your hair have style potential, but it also doubles as a backup medic. Who knew your hair could be this heroic—or should we say, this full of hair-o-ism?
Our bodies are practically covered in hair follicles, each working tirelessly to produce one of two types of hair:
Vellus Hair - This fine, soft hair is your body’s version of peach fuzz. It covers most of your skin, helping with temperature regulation and sensory awareness. It’s short (less than 2 cm) and lightly pigmented—basically the low-key background player in the hair department.
Terminal Hair - This is the thick, pigmented hair that takes center stage in certain areas, like your scalp, pubic region, and armpits. It’s longer, darker, and makes more of a statement.
Now, zooming in on the hair in your pubic region—it’s nature way of signaling sexual maturation. During puberty, vellus hair in this area transforms into terminal hair, courtesy of androgens like testosterone. This process, called pubarche, usually kicks off around age twelve for girls and thirteen for boys. That said, some hit the pubarche party as early as nine or as late as fourteen. This timeline can vary based on factors like genetics, nutrition, and overall health.
Let’s talk pubic hair biology—because yes, it’s full of curiosities. Like all hair, what you see above the skin is actually dead protein, even though the follicle itself is very much alive. The follicle is a tiny but complex structure under the skin, responsible for hair growth and pigment production. And to bust a common myth, shaving doesn’t make your hair grow back thicker. The thickness of your hair is determined by the shape and size of the follicle itself—not by how you groom it.
Here’s why it feels that way: when you shave, you’re slicing the hair at its widest, bluntest point, so the regrowth feels coarser and more noticeable. But don’t be alarmed—it’s the same hair, just with a new haircut.
The drapes don’t match the carpet?
It’s all about the melanocytes. These little pigment-producing cells in your hair follicles churn out melanin, the pigment responsible for your hair color. The type and amount of melanin determine if your locks are brown, blonde, red, or black. The melanocytes in your pubic region produce a different amount of melanin compared to your scalp, which is why pubic hair can be a completely different color.
As you may be aware, the hair in your pubic region doesn’t stop there—it continues around the anus. While science hasn’t pinpointed its exact purpose, some researchers theorize it helps trap your scent—apparently a feature meant to attract potential partners. To which I say: who tested this theory?
Because I have questions. A lot of questions.
A Hairy History: From Ancient Times to Modern Trends
The removal of pubic hair has been around for centuries, proving it’s far from a modern trend. In Ancient Egypt, women used copper razors and flint stones to achieve a smooth look—a practice tied to hygiene and social status. Upper-class women in Ancient Rome and Greece elevated the art of grooming, using pumice stones and tweezers to remove hair, though the process was anything but painless. During the Middle Ages through the Civil War era, pubic hair was typically trimmed, not shaved, often to combat lice rather than for aesthetic reasons.
The real game-changer arrived in 1915, when Gillette introduced the Milady Décolleté, the first razor specifically marketed to women. Advertisements painted body hair as “unsightly” and “objectionable.” This coincided with the fashion of sleeveless dresses and sheer fabrics, where hairless underarms became a new marker of beauty. Over time, body hair—on the legs, underarms, and pubic area—became so stigmatized that removing it began to feel synonymous with self-care or even self-worth. Shaving quickly shifted from a practical choice to a societal expectation, a norm that still holds sway today.
By the 1970s, however, the feminist movement brought about a cultural shift. Many women chose to reject shaving altogether, embracing their natural hair as a statement of independence and defiance against societal beauty standards. The 1980s and 1990s ushered in trends of shaping and trimming, heavily influenced by lingerie ads, fashion models, and the growing accessibility of pornography. By the 2000s, full hair removal became increasingly popular, driven by revealing fashion trends. Yet, as hipster culture emerged (or re-emerged), natural grooming—including body hair and beards—saw a resurgence.
Cultural Perspectives on Pubic Hair
Cultural attitudes toward pubic hair have always reflected deeper societal values and norms. In South Asia and the Middle East, removing pubic hair has long been tied to hygiene and religious practices, often symbolizing personal purity and cleanliness. In some African cultures, hair grooming traditions carry social or symbolic significance, reflecting local customs and communal identity.
In the Western world, hair removal has largely been shaped by media and evolving beauty standards, which have historically prioritized hairlessness as a marker of femininity. However, these norms are beginning to shift as more people embrace body autonomy and redefine beauty to include diverse expressions of self-care and individuality.
Practical Application
Whether you’re grooming for comfort, aesthetics, or self-care, following proper techniques can help prevent irritation and keep your skin happy. Here’s how to get started:
Start Fresh: Always use a new or sharp razor. Dull blades can tug at the skin, causing nicks and irritation instead of a clean shave.
Soften the Area: Warm water is your best friend. Hop in the shower or soak the area to open up your pores and soften the hair, making it easier to shave.
Lather Up: Use a shaving cream or gel designed for sensitive areas to reduce friction and protect your skin.
Follow the Grain: Shave in the direction of hair growth. It’s tempting to go against the grain for a closer shave, but this can dig into the hair follicles and lead to ingrown hairs.
Keep It Gentle: Avoid pulling the skin taut. It might seem like a good way to get a smoother result, but it increases the risk of irritation and cuts.
Cool Down: After shaving, rinse the area with cool water to close the pores and reduce redness.
Moisturize: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or aftershave balm to soothe and hydrate your skin.
Hey Fellas:
These tips aren’t just for below the belt!
If you’re shaving or trimming your beard, the same rules apply. Soften your beard with warm water, use a quality shaving cream, and always finish with a moisturizer or beard oil to keep your skin and hair looking and feeling great.
Exploring Hair Removal Creams
If razors aren’t your style, hair removal creams can be a gentler alternative. These creams work by dissolving the hair above the skin’s surface, breaking down its protein structure. Since they don’t affect the follicle, they typically lead to fewer issues with ingrown hairs. Always follow the product’s instructions carefully, and do a patch test first to ensure your skin doesn’t react.
And remember: these creams are designed for specific areas, so double-check the label before using them.
Razor Bumps
Razor bumps (also known as pseudofolliculitis) are a common annoyance caused by inflammation and irritation after shaving. They occur when hair curls back into the skin, leading to red, itchy bumps—and potentially, ingrown hairs.
Minimizing Razor Bumps:
Use topical creams or ointments containing corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
Products with retinoids can help exfoliate the skin and prevent hair from becoming trapped.
If you prefer a natural option, apple cider vinegar is a popular choice. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can soothe the skin and help prevent infection. Apply it with a cotton ball, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse off.
A Little Note for Sun-Bathers
If you’re planning to hit the beach or pool after grooming, be mindful of the products you use. Ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide—commonly found in exfoliating products—can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, increasing the risk of irritation or burns.
To keep your skin happy, avoid using these products immediately after shaving or waxing. Instead, stick to soothing moisturizers and always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect freshly shaved skin.
Waxing and Laser Removal
For those seeking longer-lasting results, waxing and laser hair removal are a few popular options.
Waxing: This method involves applying warm or cold wax to the skin, which adheres to the hair. When the wax is pulled off, it removes the hair from the root. Results can last several weeks, but be prepared—it’s not the most pain-free method, and skin irritation can occur. Regular waxing can reduce regrowth over time.
Laser Hair Removal: This technique uses concentrated light to target and destroy hair follicles, significantly reducing hair growth over multiple sessions. It’s more of a long-term commitment and is best suited for people with lighter skin and darker hair, as the laser targets pigment in the follicle. While effective, it can be pricey and requires professional treatment for safety and results.
At-Home Laser Hair Removal: These devices, often using Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology, target hair follicles to reduce regrowth. They’re designed for use on multiple areas, including the pubic region, underarms, legs, and face. Results require consistent use over several sessions and may not be as strong as professional treatments.
Popular Grooming Styles
When it comes to trimming the hedges, there’s no shortage of creative options. Some of the most popular styles include:
Brazilian: Complete hair removal, front to back.
Bikini: Hair is removed beyond the bikini line for a neat appearance.
Landing Strip: A thin rectangle of hair left on the pubic mound.
Mohawk: A more defined, narrow vertical strip.
Natural: A trimmed approach.
Whether you stick with shaving, try hair removal creams, or explore other methods, it’s all about finding what works best for your skin—and treating it with care. And, if you decide not to groom at all—remember that it’s all about what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
At the root of it all…
Before you decide what to do with your pubic hair, it’s worth knowing that it’s not just decorative—it has some pretty impressive perks. It acts as a sensory guide, enhancing arousal and focusing attention on the genital area. It also helps regulate temperature, reduces friction during sex, and traps pheromones—those fascinating little chemical signals that might play a role in attraction.
Plus, pubic hair heightens sexual sensitivity. When touched, the sensation travels from the hair follicles straight to your nervous system. Of course, it only works its magic if the mindset is right—sexual touch has to be welcomed and desired to feel truly arousing.
Throughout history, the ‘bikini garden’ has mirrored shifts in personal expression, cultural expectations, and even acts of defiance. What you do with your pubic hair—or any body hair—is entirely up to you. Shave it, wax it, trim it, laser it, or let it grow wild.
Confidence doesn’t come from following a trend; it comes from embracing what feels right for you and celebrating your body.
Leave a comment if you have any questions or would like to share your story.
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