Hair growth on the private parts is a normal bodily function. In recent years, however, more people have been exploring having hair removed from their private parts. Some might argue that today’s youth are not as conservative as their elders in terms of pubic hair removal. But it is not quite as simple as that. Their reasons for doing so are not limited to pure vanity. We take a closer look at the practice of private part hair removal.
Private Part Hair Removal as a Discipline
Although it was not commonly accepted in western cultures until recently, there are several reasons given for going through private part hair removal. One reason theorizes that it is a disciplinary practice and is characterized by the removal or alteration of aspects of a woman’s body. That theory considers pubic hair as unattractive but otherwise “natural,” thus the need for private part hair removal.
One study from 2016 saw 11 sexually and ethnically diverse young women in New Zealand as the subject. The consistent theme was that pubic hair is undesirable and that there was a preference for its removal.
Private Part Hair Removal for a Younger Image
Since pubic hair usually does not appear until puberty or adolescence, not having hair on private parts has an association with youth. A study in the U.S. from 2014 saw 2,451 women aged 18 to 68 as the subjects of an internet survey on this subject matter.
Women reported a diverse range of pubic hair-grooming practices. Women’s total removal of their pubic hair was associated with younger age, sexual orientation, sexual relationship status, having received cunnilingus in the past four weeks, and higher scores on the Female Genital Self-Image Scale and Female Sexual Function Index.
That study’s findings suggest that pubic hairstyles are diverse and that it is more common than not for women to have at least some pubic hair on their genitals.
Women still outnumber men as far as opting for pubic hair removal. Those same young women have migrated from partial to full removal of hair from the bikini area.
In an Australian survey of 235 female undergraduates, women cited femininity and sexual attractiveness as reasons for hair removal. According to a Cosmopolitan survey of 1,000 young men, 95% fully groom their private parts. As previously mentioned, the reasons given for both sexes were the perception of cleanliness and sexual attractiveness.
Are There Any Benefits?
Aside from the aesthetics and the perception of cleanliness, the question that remains is, are there benefits to private part hair removal?
Dr. Mary Marnach posted on Mayo Clinic that, “There’s no medical or hygienic reason for removing some or all of your pubic hair.” In fact, the removal process can be painful and cause many side effects, including:
- Genital itching, sometimes severe
- Genital burns from waxing
- Abrasions or cuts during shaving or waxing
- Stubble, rash, bumps, and ingrown hairs
- Bacterial infections
- Increased risk of contracting or transmitting viral infections, such as herpes simplex or HPV, due to cuts or skin irritation that make the skin more susceptible
- Contact dermatitis from shaving products
Marnach adds, “If you’re considering removing your pubic hair, ask your doctor for guidance to help minimize the side effects.”
Besides shaving, other private part hair removal methods can also traumatize skin in the genital region. This potentially increases opportunities for sexually transmitted infections. A study recommended that individuals abstain from sex for a certain period after waxing pubic hair. This was in order to limit the possibility of transmission of sexually transmitted infections.
Key Takeaways
Though often only discussed behind closed doors, private part hair removal has become more fashionable for both men and women. Women choose to do this to project youthfulness and cleanliness. Still, there has been no proven medical or hygienic reason for pubic hair removal and there are side effects that people might want to be aware of before they go down this road.
Learn more about Skincare and Cleansing here.
