Dear _Blondie_,

It's perfectly normal for both girls and guys to have hair in their "butt-crack" — the area around the anus and between the cheeks of the buttocks. In fact, most people have hair in this area. When girls go through puberty pubic hair grows around their genitals — over the pubic bone and around the vulva and anus.

Whether a woman chooses to shave, trim, or remove pubic hair is ultimately a personal choice. In no way do women have to shave (or remove) their pubic hair. Shaving in such sensitive areas can lead to razor burn and ingrown hairs. Trimming pubic hair with a scissors or using an electric razor will reduce the risk of painful itching and bleeding that may result from shaving.

However, some women choose to shave or use other methods (such as waxing) to remove pubic hair for cosmetic reasons. If a woman chooses to shave (or remove) her pubic hair, the amount that is removed is up to her.

Whether or not hair is a turnoff for a guy — or a girl — is strictly a matter of personal preference. Some people are turned on by body hair. Some are turned off by it. But for most people, body hair is not the deciding factor in what is and what is not sexy.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.