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The Hair Down There
by Tamekia Reece, 10.26.04
Pubic hair isn't just for looks — it's there to help your love life. |
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When you were around 12, you probably started sprouting strings of hair down below. You may have been excited because your new pubic hair meant you were growing up. Chances are, you'll have that pubic hair for the rest of your life. Here's how you can deal with it, whether you decide to trim it, remove it, or let it grow.
Decorative Rug?
Ever wondered why there's hair down there? John, 15, is convinced he knows the answer: "So it doesn't look so bare." But contrary to what John believes, pubic hair isn't just for looks. It's there to help your love life.
Your body produces scents, called pheremones, that are designed to make you sexually attractive to others. Hair in the pubic area, as well as underarm hair, captures and spreads those erotic scents.
There are also other theories about the purpose of pubic hair. Some people think it's just there for looks — to increase sexual attractiveness — while others believe it helps protect against infection. Dr. Stephen Juan, author of The Odd Body, has another theory: "Pubic hair reduces friction during body movement and makes it less likely to get skin irritation."
Keep or Toss?
Check out your pubic hair. How does it look? How much do you have? Is there any on the shaft of your penis? On the lips of your vulva? Around your anus? Pubic hair varies by amount, color, texture, and coarseness. So however your hair looks and feels, and wherever it grows, it's normal!
Just as pubic hair itself varies, so does what people do to it. Most people just leave it alone. Some choose to remove or trim their hair. It seems that lately, there is a trend toward trimming or removing various areas of pubic hair. This was also the trend in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Dr. Juan explains, "We are going through a period where less hair is fashionable to both sexes." But remember, just because something is fashionable doesn't mean it's the only way to go — do what you are most comfortable doing.
Rachel, 17, says her decision was easy — the hair had to go: "I shave so my bikini line will look good." For her, hair removal is for comfort and to please her partner.
Some guys also trim or remove their pubic hair. Many do it for the comfort factor, while others do it to boost their perceived sex appeal or ego. Carlos, 16, says, "I heard that if you take off the hair around the penis, it looks bigger." So Carlos gave it a try and is now stuck on trimming.
Most people like their pubic hair as is, and prefer it on their partners. "I think it looks weird when people shave their pubic hair," says Miska, 16. "I've got it, I like it, and I don't see the point in getting rid of it." Whether it's a preference for "the natural look," lack of time or money, or religious or cultural views, many people buck the trend and leave their hair as-is. Either way, it's strictly a matter of personal preference.
Hair Removal 101
For people who decide to go with the natural look, all you have to do is let it grow. If you're into "removing," here are some of your options:
1. Trimming. Manicure scissors are used to cut down the hair. This is a quick, easy, and inexpensive method. But be careful: A slip of the scissors can lead to a painful snip. Small scissors with rounded tips that are used to trim beards, moustaches, and nose hair are a lot safer than regular scissors.
2. Shaving. A razor grazes the area the blade comes in contact with while removing the hair. Shaving is inexpensive and easy, but hair grows back and forms a scratchy stubble. There's another possible downside — ingrown hairs and itchiness as the hair grows back. Some people also have allergic reactions to shaving gels. And of course, it's important to be very careful if using a razor on delicate areas.
3. Depilatories. Depilatory creams melt away hair so it washes off. For people with sensitive skin, these creams can be irritating. Not all depilatories are made to be used on the pubic area, so read the label before using or you can experience a very uncomfortable burn. Depilatories start at about $3.
4. Waxing. A wax is spread over the area and a cloth strip is applied and quickly ripped off, removing the hair. Waxing is quick, but stings a lot and can cause ingrown hairs. It can be done cheaply at home or at a salon.
5. Permanent removal. There are two methods to remove hair permanently. Electrolysis, a procedure where the hair root is shocked by an electric current, costs $25 to $100 per hour, and takes several hours because each hair must be zapped individually. It can cause irritation and lead to scarring. Laser hair removal, in which a beam of light passes through the skin to disable the hair follicle, is much quicker, but costs about $500 per session, with three or four sessions being the norm.
Remember, electrolysis and laser hair removal are permanent, so they're probably not the best options for people are just following a trend.
However it's done, keep in mind that hair removal can put people at risk for skin infections, so be careful.
Whether you leave it, trim it, or take it off, remember: what you do with the hair down below — just like the hair on your head — is up to you! |
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