Pubic hair isn’t just a cosmetic detail, it’s a deeply personal, and deeply connected to how we feel about our bodies. It’s part of our body’s defence system, our sensuality and our identity. Some people remove it completely, others shape it, and many embrace it as it is. Whether you’re exploring waxing vs. shaving, trying creams, or just letting it grow naturally, the important thing is to understand your why, equipped with the science behind your decision. Because beneath the surface of grooming lies a complex mix of skin health, microbiome balance, body image, and cultural conditioning.
With #NoShaveNovember inviting everyone to rethink grooming, let’s have a deeper, more honest conversation about our pubic hair.
Why Do We Even Have Pubic Hair?
Pubic hair is not random, it’s there for protection. It cushions friction during movement and intimacy, helps regulate moisture, and acts as a biological barrier against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It also traps pheromones, the subtle chemical signals that play a role in attraction.
When we remove it, we’re not just changing how we look, we’re altering how our skin and that natural defence system functions. Every hair removal choice, from waxing to shaving, influences hair removal skin health tips and the body’s ability to maintain balance. Grooming it can cause microtrauma, tiny tears in the mucocutaneous barrier (where mucous membranes meet skin), creating openings for pathogens to enter. Studies confirm that this microtrauma can increase the likelihood of infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs), vaginitis, and even sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
So, Why Do We Remove Our Pubic Hair?
According to research, around 84% of women groom their pubic hair, and nearly 50% remove all or most of it. The reasons include from aesthetics and hygiene, but some women ( 65% of the ones that do) also do it because they believe it’s what their partner or potential partner might find attractive. Ironically, 50% of men say they have no preference at all when it comes to pubic or bum hair. 17% actually prefer a full bush, 18% prefer none, and most men just like a “clean-up.” In fact, 71% of men report they’ve never been turned off by a partner’s pubic or anal hair. Many even find it attractive.
So maybe the question isn’t what should I do with my pubic hair but why do we feel like we have to do anything at all?
Hair removal is not always about sex. Hygiene myths play a big part, the belief that removing pubic hair makes you cleaner or less prone to odour. In truth, pubic hair isn’t unhygienic, it actually helps trap bacteria and debris away from the body. Good hygiene is about cleanliness, not hairlessness.
Cultural influences also shape our choices. Media and advertising have long equated smooth skin with beauty, youth, and desirability. Films, pornography, and fashion perpetuated the idea that being hairless is a mark of femininity. However, some cultures celebrate body hair as a symbol of maturity, fertility, and natural beauty.
Then there’s the political layer. For decades, female body hair has been politicized. Some feminist movements have long argued that removing pubic hair is a form of liberation from shame, yet others have countered that refusing to remove it became its own act of resistance.
Social trends, peer expectations, and even the wellness industry have blurred the lines between self-care and social conformity. For some, grooming feels empowering, a ritual of care and control. For others, it’s an inherited expectation.There’s also the simple aesthetic factor. Grooming can be about feeling polished or confident when wearing a swimsuit, lingerie, or just wanting a tidy look for yourself. Understanding where these influences come from can help you make choices rooted in personal comfort rather than societal conditioning.
At the end of the day, it’s about agency. What makes you feel good, sexy, confident, or authentic is what’s right for your body. Your pubic hair doesn’t define your cleanliness or femininity, your autonomy does.
So, let’s breakdown your hair removal options:
Shaving: Fast, Familiar, and Friction-Prone
Shaving is the most common form of pubic hair grooming. According to this study, 69% of women who groom use non-electric razors. It’s popular because it’s affordable, private, and offers immediate results. People often choose it for convenience. But with that accessibility come unique risks.
However, when comparing waxing vs. shaving for sensitive skin, shaving often irritates more easily because it cuts hair at the skin’s surface, scraping away layers of the epidermis along with it. This makes your skin more vulnerable to irritation, bacteria, and inflammation. Shaving pros and cons are worth noting. While it’s easy and cheap, it can lead to razor burn, ingrown hairs, and microtears. Also, many women report that the hair grows back thicker, which can feel prickly and itchy.
Tips:
- Always use a clean, sharp razor and shave with the grain.
- Use a hydrating shaving foam or gel, avoid fragrance.
- Rinse with cool water and pat dry (never rub).
- Apply aloe vera or a soothing barrier balm to restore moisture.
- Avoid tight underwear, workouts, or sex for at least 12 hours.
The Risks:
- Razor burnfrom friction and dry shaving.
- Ingrown hairs, especially in curly or coarse hair types.
- Microtearsand cuts that act as entry points for pathogens.
- UTI riskdue to bacterial migration from the perineum to the urethra.
Shaving is fine for quick results, but if you have reactive skin, it’s important to do a hair removal methods comparison and consider alternatives like waxing or trimming for better barrier protection.
Waxing: Longer-Lasting but Tough on Skin
Waxing is a top choice for those seeking long-lasting smoothness, a major waxing benefit for skin. Studies suggest around 25–30% of women who groom opt for waxing, whether at home or professionally. For many, it’s a ritual, a short pain for weeks of silky skin. But that satisfaction comes with significant stress on your skin. Waxing removes hair from the root, pulling hair directly out of the follicle. This can irritate nerves, cause inflammation, and compromise the skin’s barrier.
If you’re wondering how to care for skin after waxing, focus on moisture, antibacterial care, and avoiding tight clothing. You can also follow,
Tips:
- Avoid heat, sweat, and friction (especially sex or intimacy) for 24–48 hours.
- Wear breathable cotton underwear.
- Exfoliate gently after two days to prevent ingrowth.
- Apply anti-inflammatory oils like tea tree or witch hazel — these are key hair removal skin health tips.
The Risks:
- Folliculitis, a bacterial infection of the follicles.
- Hyperpigmentationand post-inflammatory dark spots, especially for darker skin tones.
- Small tearsin the skin, which can heighten risk for STIs and UTIs.
- Pain and swelling, particularly during menstruation when sensitivity is higher.
When comparing waxing vs. shaving, waxing wins in longevity and smoother regrowth, but it demands gentler aftercare, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Hair Removal Creams: Quick Chemistry
Hair removal creams rank lower in popularity, around 11% of women use them occasionally. They’re chosen for their pain-free promise and ease, especially for people who dislike shaving nicks or waxing pain. But the convenience hides some chemical realities.
Depilatory creams dissolve hair proteins using chemicals like calcium thioglycolate. The process is efficient but can also compromise your skin barrier if left on too long. Plus, using such chemicals so close to your vagina can disrupt it’s microbiome and increase the risk of infections.
If you value natural body hair care, this may not be the best option for long-term use.
Tips:
- Patch-test on your thigh or arm before applying.
- Never use near mucosal tissue or inside labia.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and apply a pH-balanced intimate wash (like this one from Nua).
The Risks:
- Chemical burnsand allergic reactions.
- Disruption of vaginal pH, which can lead to yeast or bacterial infections.
- Inflammationof mucous membranes if applied too close to the vulva or anus.
When exploring hair removal methods comparison, creams sit between shaving and waxing, fast, but chemically harsh. Creams are convenient but not risk-free, always treat them like active skincare, not a casual fix.
Trimming and Shaping: A Gentle Middle Ground
You don’t need to go full bare or full bush. Many people opt for shaping or trimming, whether it’s a landing strip, triangle, or just neatening the edges. It’s common for those who want control without complete removal. It’s often about comfort, sweat management, or aesthetics (think: clean lines under bikinis). It can also reduce sweat and odour while avoiding most risks associated with full removal.
Trimming aligns with natural body hair care and doesn’t disturb follicles or skin integrity. It maintains protection while improving comfort.
It’s an ideal choice for those seeking waxing vs. shaving for sensitive skin balance — no pain, minimal risk, and easy maintenance.
Tips:
- Use sanitized scissors or a trimmer with a guard.
- Avoid trimming completely dry; clean and post-shower skin works best.
- Lightly moisturize afterward.
Letting It Grow: The Natural Reset
Choosing to let your pubic hair grow out is not neglect, it’s biology doing its job. It supports natural body hair care and helps maintain a healthy microbiome and pH balance. It also maintains a moisture barrier that protects against irritation.
The benefits:
- Reduced risk of microtraumaand bacterial invasion.
- Fewer UTIsand STIs, according to studies showing lower infection rates in people who don’t groom frequently.
- Strengthened barrier function and healthier pH balance.
Tips:
- Wash gently with water or a mild, pH-balanced intimate wash.
- Dry thoroughly after showers and workouts.
- Trim occasionally for comfort.
Whether you go natural or alternate between waxing vs. shaving, the healthiest approach comes down to knowing your skin and respecting its limits. In essence, every form of hair removal, even gentle trimming, involves some level of risk. Awareness, hygiene, and aftercare make the difference between empowerment and injury.
The Bare Truth
There’s no right or wrong way to wear your pubic hair. The real question is: are you doing it for yourself?
Every grooming choice, whether you shave, wax, trim, or skip it entirely, carries some level of microtrauma and maintenance. But the real care comes from listening to your own body. Understanding what makes your skin happiest and what makes you feel most like yourself.
So, this No Shave November, let’s ditch the idea that “clean” equals “bare.” Maybe your version of sexy is soft and natural, maybe it’s smooth and sleek. Maybe it changes every month. What matters is that it’s a choice made from self-knowledge, not expectation.
Because confidence isn’t about being hairless, it’s about owning your decision. Know your body is yours to style, grow, or leave wild, exactly how you like it.
