It’s kind of wild how much mental energy—and actual physical pain—has been poured into the pursuit of total hairlessness over the last few decades. For a long time, the "default" look for nude female pubic hair was basically none at all. If you grew up in the 2000s or 2010s, you probably remember the cultural pressure. Anything less than a smooth, "Barbie-doll" finish felt like a rebel act.
Things are shifting. Fast.
The pendulum is swinging back toward a more natural aesthetic, but it’s not just about laziness or "letting yourself go." It’s a genuine health and style choice. Whether it’s the influence of the body-positivity movement or just a collective exhaustion with ingrown hairs and expensive wax appointments, the landscape is changing. Honestly, the way we talk about female pubic hair is finally catching up to reality.
The Health Reality of Going Natural
There’s a reason humans have pubic hair. It isn't just a leftover evolutionary quirk like an appendix. It serves a purpose. Doctors, like those at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), have noted that pubic hair acts as a literal barrier. It’s there to protect the sensitive skin of the vulva from friction during sex or exercise. It also helps trap bacteria and other pathogens, keeping them away from the vaginal opening.
When you strip it all away—especially with aggressive methods like waxing or shaving—you’re basically creating micro-tears in the skin.
These tiny rips are like open doors for infections. We’re talking about things like molluscum contagiosum or even increased risks for certain STIs because the skin’s natural defense layer is compromised. Dr. Jen Gunter, an OB/GYN and author of The Vagina Bible, has been pretty vocal about this. She often points out that pubic hair has a function, and the "cleanliness" myth associated with being hairless is just that—a myth.
It’s actually the opposite.
✨ Don't miss: Williams Sonoma Deer Park IL: What Most People Get Wrong About This Kitchen Icon
Hair keeps things dry and reduces friction. It’s a cushion. Removing it for the sake of "hygiene" is a bit like removing your eyelashes to keep your eyes clean. It just doesn't make sense from a biological standpoint.
The History of the "Smooth" Obsession
How did we even get here? Why did a totally natural biological feature become something to be ashamed of?
You can trace a lot of it back to the rise of the "Brazilian" wax in the late 90s. Specifically, the J. Sisters salon in Manhattan is often credited (or blamed) for popularizing the look among the fashion elite. Then came Sex and the City. Once Carrie Bradshaw and her crew talked about it, the trend went mainstream. By the mid-2000s, being hairless wasn't just a choice; it was an expectation.
The adult film industry also played a huge role. As high-definition video became the standard, the "clean" look became the industry standard because it made everything easier to see on camera. Because porn often dictates the visual language of intimacy for better or worse, that aesthetic trickled down into real-life bedrooms.
But trends are fickle.
In the 1970s, a full "bush" was the height of femininity. It was seen as a sign of maturity and sexual agency. We're seeing a return to that vibe, but with a modern twist. People aren't necessarily just "giving up"; they're opting for "the bush" as a deliberate style.
🔗 Read more: Finding the most affordable way to live when everything feels too expensive
Maintenance and the "In-Between" Look
If you’re moving away from the total-removal lifestyle, it doesn't mean you have to abandon grooming entirely. There is a massive middle ground.
- The Full Natural Look: This is exactly what it sounds like. No trimming, no shaving. It’s the lowest maintenance and generally the healthiest for your skin.
- The "Lady Garden" (Trimmed): Many women prefer using an electric trimmer with a guard. This keeps the hair short and tidy without the risk of razor burn or the pain of waxing. It feels intentional but remains soft.
- The Bermuda Triangle: A classic. You keep a neat triangle on the front but clear out the bikini line so nothing peeks out of a swimsuit.
The grooming industry has noticed the shift, too. Brands like Fur and Bushbalm have built entire businesses around oils and creams designed specifically for pubic hair. The goal isn't to get rid of the hair, but to make it soft and keep the skin underneath healthy. It’s a pivot from "removal" to "skincare."
Dealing with the Itch: The Transition Phase
If you’ve been shaving or waxing for years and decide to grow it out, be prepared. The first two weeks are... itchy.
When hair is cut or pulled, the new growth has a sharp, blunt edge. As it pokes through the skin and starts to curl back on itself, it causes irritation. This is where most people give up and reach for the razor again. Don't do it. If you can push past the 14-day mark, the hair softens.
Using a physical exfoliant once a week can help the hairs break through the surface without getting trapped. A bit of jojoba oil or a specific pubic oil can also take the "sting" out of the regrowth. Honestly, once it gets to a certain length, you won't even feel it. The prickliness is a temporary hurdle, not a permanent state.
The Social and Psychological Shift
There’s a growing movement of "hair neutrality." It’s the idea that pubic hair just is. It shouldn't be a political statement, and it shouldn't be a source of shame.
💡 You might also like: Executive desk with drawers: Why your home office setup is probably failing you
Celebrities have helped push this forward. When stars like Janelle Monáe or Miley Cyrus have been open about their body hair, it breaks the "perfectly smooth" illusion. It makes the rest of us feel like we don't have to spend forty dollars a month and endure hot wax just to be "acceptable."
Also, let's talk about the partner dynamic. There's this lingering fear that partners will find natural hair "gross." While some people definitely have preferences, a lot of that fear is self-imposed. Studies and surveys (like those often cited in Psychology Today) suggest that most partners are far less concerned about hair than the person who has it. Confidence usually trumps grooming habits every single time.
Why the "Natural" Look is Actually More Work (Sometimes)
Wait, didn't I say it was lower maintenance?
Well, yes and no. Growing it out is easy. But keeping a "groomed natural" look requires a different set of tools. You might find yourself researching the best waterproof trimmers or looking into pH-balanced cleansers. It’s a shift in labor, not necessarily an end to it.
The difference is the why. Doing it for your own comfort feels a lot different than doing it because you’re afraid of what someone will think at the beach.
Practical Steps for a Healthier Relationship with Your Body Hair
If you're looking to change your routine, here is a sensible way to go about it without ending up with a rash or a mess.
- Invest in a dedicated trimmer. Stop using the same razor for your legs and your pubic area. It’s a recipe for bacteria transfer. Get a trimmer with a guard so you never actually touch the blade to the skin.
- Exfoliate, but gently. You don't need a harsh scrub. A simple washcloth used in circular motions is usually enough to keep the follicles clear.
- Moisturize the hair. Pubic hair is naturally coarser than the hair on your head. A drop of oil (grape seed or jojoba are great because they won't clog pores) makes a world of difference in how it feels against your clothes.
- Listen to your skin. If you get a persistent ingrown hair or a weird bump, stop whatever you're doing. Let it heal. Your skin’s integrity is more important than a "look."
- Talk to your partner. If you’re nervous about "going natural," just mention it. You’ll probably find they don't care nearly as much as the media led you to believe.
The "Brazilian" isn't dead, and if you love the feeling of being totally smooth, that's fine too. The point is that the "nude" look is no longer a monolith. Whether you want a full 70s vibe, a landing strip, or something in between, the trend is moving toward autonomy. You own the hair; it doesn't own you.
Start by letting it grow for just three weeks. See how you feel. See how your skin reacts. You might find that the "maintenance" you thought was mandatory was actually the thing causing all your discomfort.