Body hair is weirdly political. For decades, the "standard" for women was basically to look like a prepubescent dolphin from the neck down, but things are shifting. Fast. Honestly, if you’ve spent any time on social media lately or checked out recent fashion campaigns, you’ve probably noticed that women with a hairy bush aren't just a "retro" aesthetic anymore. It’s becoming a mainstream choice again. This isn't just about being lazy or "letting yourself go," which is a pretty tired trope anyway. It’s about skin health, personal autonomy, and a massive cultural middle finger to the multi-billion dollar hair removal industry.
People get really heated about this. It's funny, right? How much a small patch of hair can trigger such intense debate. But when you look at the history, the "smooth" expectation is actually a relatively recent blip in the human timeline.
The Science of Why We Have Pubic Hair (And Why It's There)
Evolution doesn't usually keep things around if they don't serve a purpose. Pubic hair is basically a high-tech buffer. Think of it as a protective barrier for your most sensitive bits. It reduces friction during sex—preventing skin-on-skin chafing—and acts as a literal shield against dirt and bacteria.
Dr. Jen Gunter, a well-known gynecologist and author of The Vagina Bible, has been pretty vocal about this. She often points out that pubic hair has a function. When you scrape it all off with a razor or rip it out with wax, you’re creating microscopic tears in the skin. These "micro-trauma" sites are like an open-door policy for infections. We’re talking about everything from staph infections to an increased risk of contracting certain STIs like Molluscum contagiosum or HPV, because the skin's natural defense system has been compromised.
Then there’s the sweat factor. Hair helps wick moisture away from the skin. Without it, things can get... swampy. This lack of airflow can contribute to yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis for some women. Plus, let's talk about the absolute nightmare that is an ingrown hair. If you’ve ever had a "strawberry" bikini line that itches like crazy as the hair grows back, you know that being smooth comes with a high price in comfort.
A Quick History of the Smooth Standard
We weren't always obsessed with being hairless. In the 1970s, women with a hairy bush were the norm, even in adult magazines like Playboy. It was just... hair. No big deal.
So what changed?
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A few things hit at once. In the 1940s, during WWII, there was a nylon shortage. Women couldn't wear stockings, so they started shaving their legs to mimic the look of hosiery. This normalized the razor for women. Fast forward to the 80s and 90s, and the rise of the "Brazilian" wax changed the game. J Sisters, a salon in Manhattan, is often credited with popularizing the total-removal look in the US in 1987. Then came Sex and the City. Remember the episode where Carrie gets a Brazilian? That was a massive cultural touchstone. Suddenly, if you had hair, you were "unkempt."
High-definition pornography also played a huge role. As cameras got better, the industry moved toward a totally hairless look so that everything was "visible" on screen. Because people consume so much media, that specific, niche aesthetic became the default expectation for real-life bodies. It’s a classic case of art (or industry) influencing reality to the point where the natural state starts to look "abnormal."
The Modern Shift: Gen Z and the "Natural" Movement
If you look at brands like Billie or Hinx, the marketing has shifted. They show actual hair. They show stretch marks. It’s a vibe shift. Gen Z, in particular, seems to have a "do what you want" attitude that is liberating for a lot of people.
Celebrities are leaning in, too. We've seen stars like Janelle Monáe, Miley Cyrus, and Ashley Graham talk openly about or show off their natural body hair. It’s not necessarily a "statement" for everyone; sometimes it's just a preference. But for many, keeping a hairy bush is a way to reclaim their body from a society that tells women they need to be hairless, odorless, and poreless to be attractive.
There is also a growing awareness of the environmental impact. Think about the sheer volume of plastic razors that end up in landfills every year. Millions. Or the chemicals in depilatory creams. Or the energy and resources used for professional waxing appointments. Choosing the natural route is, in a weird way, an eco-friendly choice.
Why It's Not Just "All or Nothing"
The conversation usually gets stuck in a binary: you're either a "bush" person or a "Brazilian" person. But there’s a massive middle ground.
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- The Trim: Keeping it short but present.
- The Bikini Line Only: Cleaning up the edges for comfort in swimwear but leaving the rest.
- The Full Natural: Just letting it be.
Most women fluctuate between these depending on the season, their relationship status, or honestly, just how much energy they have. The point is that the "shame" associated with having hair is evaporating.
Addressing the "Hygiene" Myth
Let’s get one thing straight: hair is not dirty.
This is a huge misconception that drives a lot of the grooming industry. As long as you wash regularly, a hairy bush is no less hygienic than a bald one. In fact, as mentioned earlier, it can actually be more hygienic because it protects the vaginal opening from irritants. The idea that hair "traps" smells is largely a marketing tactic to sell intimate deodorants (which you usually shouldn't use anyway) and hair removal services. Your body has its own ecosystem. Hair is part of it.
The Cost of Being Hairless
Being "smooth" is expensive. If you wax every four weeks, you're looking at anywhere from $50 to $100 per session. Over a decade? That's $6,000 to $12,000. Laser hair removal is even more of an upfront investment. Even if you’re just buying high-quality razors and shaving cream, the "pink tax" adds up.
When women choose to keep their hair, they aren't just saving skin irritation; they're saving a literal fortune. It’s a reclaimation of time, too. Think about how many hours you’ve spent contorting yourself in the shower trying to reach every angle with a sharp blade. It’s kind of absurd when you step back and look at it.
How to Care for Your Natural Hair
If you're making the switch back to natural, there's a "transition" phase. If you've been shaving for years, the hair might feel prickly or itchy at first as it grows out. This is normal.
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- Exfoliate: Use a gentle scrub or a washcloth to keep the skin clear of dead cells. This prevents the few ingrowns you might still get as the hair softens.
- Moisturize: Use a skin-safe oil (like jojoba or a specific pubic oil) to keep the hair soft.
- Cotton is King: Wear breathable underwear. Natural hair thrives when there's airflow.
Actionable Steps for Navigating the Choice
Deciding how to groom—or not groom—is entirely personal. If you’re thinking about embracing a more natural look, here’s how to handle it without the stress.
Start with a "no-groom" month. Give yourself 30 days. This allows the hair to get past the itchy "stubble" stage and become soft again. You might find you actually prefer the feeling once the initial grow-out period is over.
Talk to your partner (or don't). Some people worry about what a partner will think. Realistically, most partners don't care as much as we think they do. And if they do? Well, it's your body. A conversation about comfort and skin health usually clears the air.
Invest in good tools if you trim. If you decide you like the hair but want it tidy, get a dedicated electric trimmer with a guard. It’s way safer than scissors and way less irritating than a razor.
Watch for skin changes. Regardless of your hair status, keep an eye on your skin. If you notice persistent redness, bumps, or itching, it’s worth seeing a dermatologist or gynecologist. Sometimes these are just ingrowns, but sometimes they’re signs of a skin condition like lichen sclerosus that needs attention.
Reframe the narrative. Instead of thinking of hair as "messy," try thinking of it as a sign of physical maturity. It’s a natural part of an adult body. There is nothing "gross" about how humans are built.
The trend toward women with a hairy bush isn't just a fad; it's a return to form. It’s about prioritizing physical comfort over a rigid, often painful social expectation. Whether you go full 1970s or just skip a few wax appointments, the power lies in making the choice for yourself rather than for a billboard.