The Hair Down There
Pubic Hair
Pubic hair is the hair that grows in front of and above the genital area, the crotch, and sometimes at the top of the inside of the legs. Although fine vellus hair is present in childhood, the term pubic hair generally applies to the coarse hair that develops with puberty. In response to the increasing levels of androgens as puberty begins, the skin of the genital area begins to produce thicker, often curlier hair, that has a fast growth rate.
The total area of skin which grows pubic hair gradually increases over the next years. Generally in most girls the pubic hair first appears along the edges of the labia majora, and spreads forwards to the mons over the next 2 years. By 3 years into puberty (which is around the time of the first menstrual cycle), the pubic triangle is densely filled with hair. Within another 2 years the pubic hair grows near the thighs. Sometimes a small amount of hair forms a line up to the belly button (a.k.a. "happy trail").
In boys, the first pubic hairs generally appear on the scrotum or at the upper base of the penis. Within a year the hairs that surround the base of the penis are quite dense . Within 3 to 4 years the hair fills the pubic area. By year five the hair extends to the thighs and extends upwards toward the abdomen.
Variations of Pubic Hair
The pattern of pubic hair differs among people. On some people the hair is thick and course, while on other individuals it may be sparse and/or very fine. The color of pubic hair also varies. The pubic hair and armpit hair can differ from the hair of the scalp. In most individuals it is darker, but in some cases this is not true. On most women, the pubic hair patch is triangular, with the top zone lying over the mons. On most men the pubic patch may taper upward to a line of hair pointing upward toward the navel.
Women's pubic region
What is the Purpose of Pubic Hair?
There is no definite answer as to why people have pubic hair, but there are theories about this. The prevailing theory relates to pheromones, which are the odors that the body produces that can be sexually stimulating to others. In this theory, the hair that grows in both the genital area and under the armpits wicks erotic scents off the genitals so they can evaporate into the air and be smelled by others.
Another theory is that the pubic hair keeps the genitals warm or that in females the pubic hair prevents foreign particles from entering the vagina.
Cultural Views on Pubic Hair
Attitudes toward pubic hair are similar to those regarding underarm hair, in that cultural and personal norms are reflected in reactions ranging form disgust to acceptance. As with any matter, there are views that both sexes have toward the culturally related issues pertaining to presence or lack of body hair.
Slang words for pubic hair include: bush, muff, curlies, and pubes.
Modification of the pubic hair
Trimming or removing the pubic hair has become common in some cultures. The preference for no pubic hair is popular in some subcultures. Removing the hair above the skin is referred to as depilation, whereas removing the entire hair is epilation. The removal/trimming of body hair on a man is sometimes referred to as manscaping.
The reasoning for the modification/ removal of hair includes:
- hygiene, especially during menstruation
- aesthetic
- tradition
- religious
- sexual practice
Removal Methods
Pubic hair is usually removed or reduced by shaving; but for longer term removal, waxing or laser hair removal can be used.
Shaving
A razor (straight razor, safety razor, or electric razor) is used to cut the hair at the level of the skin or relatively close to it.
Epilators
Mechanical epilators pull out the hair. These should not be used on sensitive skin areas such as face, genitals, or armpits because the method tends to be painful. In addition, the hair must be about a quarter inch long or longer to work, and the epilator could still miss some hair. Mechanical epilators cost anywhere from $50 to $100. Results last about a week.
Laser Hair Removal and Intense Pulsed Light
Laser hair removal is FDA approved. Working with small areas of the skin, the laser beam destroys hair follicles and impairs hair regrowth. Laser removal is less painful than epilation and it is less time-consuming than electrolysis, but there can be redness or pigmentation changes of the skin. Laser treatment works best on people with light-skin and dark hair. In addition, laser treatment will not work on deeply embedded hair follicles. A licensed professional should perform laser hair removal. Laser is very expensive and multiple treatments are necessary. The estimated cost for completed treatment is $500 to $1,000 for facial hair removal and $2,000 to $3,000 for legs. Results are long lasting, but some hair may grow back. If hair grows back, it is sparse and finer.
Waxing
Waxing pulls sections of hair out from its root. This method can be very painful and pain-reducing gel is often recommended before applying the wax. Some skin irritation can occur from pulling off the wax as well as inflammation of the hair follicles. Wax should not be put on skin that is chapped, sunburned, or on the face if a person using a facial product such as Retin-A or Differin (since these weaken the skin and the skin tearing could result when the wax is pulled off). If a professional performs the waxing, treatment cost is about $25 to $50 for legs. Do-it-yourself waxing products can be purchased. Hair needs to be at least 1/8 inch long for waxing to be effective. Results from waxing last 3-8 weeks.
Hair removal creams and lotions
Special creams and lotions contain chemicals that dissolve the protein structure of the hair and cause it to separate from the skin. Some depilatories can increase acne and cause skin irritation or chemical burns if the formula is too strong or the cream is left on too long. Depilatories cost $5 to $10. Results last about a week.
Electrology
Electrolysis is a very laborious method since each hair must be treated individually. With electrolysis, a needle is inserted under the skin and an electric current is passed through the hair follicle to damage it. A qualified professional should perform needle electrolysis, and it can be very expensive since it is time consuming and multiple treatments are needed. Electrolysis can be painful and there is a risk of scarring and infection. Estimated cost for completed treatment is $1,000 to $3,000 for legs. Results are long lasting, but some hair may grow back.
Tweezers
Tweezing pulls hair out from its root, but is a very laborious method since each hair must be removed individually. There can be some pain, skin irritation, and inflammation of the hair follicle. Tweezers cost anywhere from $3 to $30. Results last about 3 to 8 weeks.
Please note that hair removal may cause irritation of the skin, along with razor burn or ingrown hairs.
Ingrown hairs can happen when hairs are growing back after shaving, waxing, electrolysis, or other hair removal method. Ingrown hairs form when hairs fail to grow out of the skin. The hairs can curl over inside the follicles under the skin (just like the "razor bump" hairs curl above the skin). By curling, the hair creates a "foreign body" reaction in the hair follicle, which can be painful (as indicated by the squiggly lines in the "before" pictures below). The inflammation in the follicle then creates an unsightly "bump." Products such as Tend Skin may reduce the ingrown hairs and/or razor burn.
How to Style Your Hair Down There
Bikini Waxing
To perform a bikini wax, a female technician applies warm wax to a woman's pubic area; places cloth strips atop the wax, and then removes them when the wax hardens by pulling the material off the skin. Often a small thatch of hair is left above the vagina, sometimes in the shape of a heart or triangle.
Brazilian Waxing
This removes all the pubic hair, or less commonly removes all except a small line, patch, or triangle over the clitoris or penis.
Leaving a Strip
Removing the hair from both sides of the labia majora leaves a strip (females), also known as a "landing strip."
Dyeing
Hair can be colored to match the hair on the head, or to give it a unique look (for example red in the shape of a heart, or a square the color of a Tiffany's Box). Dying the hair over the sensitive pubic area is not recommended. Men and women who want to take the risk should avoid the genital area and only the hair that covers the pubic bone (the mons). The dye can cause irritation if applied to the lips of the vulva or the mucous membrane. It is also important to avoid the penile shaft and the scrotum in males because they both tend to be sensitive. Many people experience irritation or allergic reactions, including burning of the vaginal area, itching, blisters, redness or loss of the hair completely. It is important to test for sensitivity first by doing a skin patch test 48 hours before attempting to tint hair. Most products include patch test instructions. This procedure needs to be done each and every time before coloring.