Pubes, vagina scruff, your bikini line, short and curlies, or simply hair down there — whatever you call pubic hair, there’s a good chance you wish you didn’t have any.
We’re not mindreaders or anything, but seeing as a recent survey revealed that almost 85% of respondents groom their neither regions, we’d say it’s a pretty good guess.
That said, what’s the deal with pubic hair anyway? Why do we have it, and are pubes unhygienic?
You have questions, and we have answers — read on to discover everything you need to know about your hair down there.
What Is the Purpose of Pubic Hair?
Pubic hair is hair that grows around your genitals.
A hallmark indicator of puberty for most, growing hair down under is typically a sign of sexual maturity. Although everyone is different, pubes tend to make their initial debut in five distinct stages (aka, the Tanner stages):
- Stage 1: No hair or vellus hair
- Stage 2: Sparse hairs — mostly along the labia
- Stage 3: Scant hair that is coarser and longer than it was before
- Stage 4: Terminal hair that fills the entire pubic region
- Stage 5: Terminal hair that extends beyond the pubic region and onto the thigh
So is the primary purpose of pubic hair nothing more than to signal sexual maturity? Well, not exactly. That said, there isn’t any hard scientific evidence to support the existence of pubic hair, but there are some theories — here are some of them:
Protection
Believe it or not, the hair in your nose and the hair on your pubic area serve a similar function; it traps dirt, debris, and potentially harmful microorganisms.
Yup, it’s true — your pubic hair serves to protect your vagina, helping to keep bacteria and fungal infections at bay while shielding it from foreign particles.
In addition, the pubic hair provides a cozy barrier between you and scratchy clothing, which can help minimize discomfort.
Cushioning
“I love chafing!” — said no one ever. If you’re anything like us, chafing is the bane of your existence, especially if it occurs near your vulva. Thankfully, pubic hair is there to help.
Another interesting purpose of pubic hair is to provide extra cushioning and padding during sex. All that skin-on-skin contact during the act can take a major toll on your delicate genital region, particularly when you’re in positions that require frontal contact.
From uncomfortable rubbing and painful chafing to even rashes, the hair in between your legs is there to ease friction. So if the sensitive skin around your genitals seems to get irritated frequently, you may want to reconsider your hair removal methods.
Cleanliness
You may have heard that shaved genitals are much cleaner than their hairy counterparts, but as with many rumors surrounding female genitalia, this is nothing more than a myth.
As mentioned earlier, pubic hair acts as a protective barrier that can help prevent germs, bacteria, debris, and dirt from invading sensitive areas. With that in mind, you’d think the ladies who strut their fluff may be more hygienic, but the truth is that having pubic hair (or not) does not affect how clean things are below the belt.
In fact, with more hair, it may be a little more of a challenge to keep the area dry and free of sweat — which could contribute to some not-so-wonderful odors. But it’s a catch-22 because when you remove the hair, you’re removing that protective barrier against potentially harmful pathogens.
So, what’s a gal to do?
Your grooming habits are totally up to you. To keep your genital area healthy, happy, and comfortable — with or without pubic hair — we suggest using our Intimate Health Kit.
From doctor-developed boric acid suppositories and female-friendly lubricant to our incredible pH Balancing cleanser and gentle vaginal wipes, this kit is all you need to support the health of your vagina.*
Pheromones
Another theory behind pubic hair is that it traps unpleasant genital odors and releases stimulating pheromones — scent-carrying chemical secretions that affect behavior and mood.
Secreted from apocrine sweat glands, these little chemicals are thought to entice partners sexually; however, experts are not exactly sure why.
That said, some people have a very strong scent while others have less-noticeable odors. This is likely due to pubic hair density.
You see, your pubes play a role in capturing and emitting pheromones: the more you have, the more powerful the scent. So if you’re on the prowl for a mate, leave your short-and-curlies alone — they just might help.
Is It Necessary To Cut Pubic Hair?
The short answer is no; it’s unnecessary to do anything to your pubic hair unless you want to be hair-free. Whether it serves a purpose or not, it’s completely up to you to decide if you want to keep the hair — in other words, body hair is a personal choice, whether it be on your underarms, genitals, or anywhere else.
With that in mind, some of the most common reasons why people may kick their pubic hair to the curb include:
- Social norm
- Peer pressure
- Partner expectations or preference
- Personal preference
- Preparation for sexual activity
In addition, some women remove their pubes for increased satisfaction. According to a recent study, researchers discovered a direct correlation between pubic hair removal practices and relationship satisfaction. They also found that those who banished vaginal fuzz had enhanced feelings of femininity. We know, *mind blown*.
Before you go running for your handy-dandy razor, you should know that there are a few risks to removing pubic hair. Some side effects include:
- Itchiness
- Rashes
- Ingrown hairs
- Redness
- Infections
- Skin irritation
- Small cuts (shaving)
- Wax burns (waxing)
If you must remove your pubic hair, do so with the utmost care to prevent any of these unpleasant side effects.
Want to Go Au Natural? Here Are a Few Tips
To keep your bush clean, healthy, and happy, you should:
- Wash with luke-warm water (especially if your skin is extra sensitive)
- Steer clear of scented products to prevent a pH imbalance
- Do not douche
- Always wipe after using the toilet from front to back
- Use our Mini Do-It-All Wipes to clean your genital region between showers
- Dry your pubic hair after cleaning
- Opt for breathable cotton undies
Summary
So, why do we have pubic hair growth, you ask?
The answer: No one really knows; however, there are a few theories, with some experts saying it provides protection and cushioning while others believe the primary purpose of pubic hair is to attract a mate.
Whether you’re a fan of the au natural look or prefer to keep things bare, what you do down there is up for you to decide. Don’t let social norms peer pressure you into thinking that body hair is the enemy, because, at the end of the day — it’s not.
Here at Love Wellness, we’re on a mission to deliver natural solutions for natural problems to the masses. From the best vaginal health support products on the market to our powerful gut-lovin’ probiotics and supplements, you can always count on us to have just what you need to feel your best — inside and out.
Check us out today and discover clean products that fit your body’s needs.
Sources:
Tanner Stages - StatPearls | NCBI Bookshelf
Review Article Pheromones in sex and reproduction: Do they have a role in humans? | Science Direct
Ingrown Hair Overview Symptoms and Causes Diagnosis and Treatment | Mayo Clinic