The pubic guide: do’s and don’ts on female pubic hair

If there is one final frontier that we don’t ever seem to discuss, it’s the world of female pubic hair. It’s not even because there is a particular fashion behind it. Not many people are going to see your pubes unless you’re in a Korean spa, you went for a bikini wax or you’re a nudist.

Even so, there is something to be said about pubic hair and how people treat it. We don’t really talk about it, but everyone should know about the aspects of styling it and working with it. The Pubic Guide will give you a better idea of what to expect when it comes to your pubis.

Is it safe to remove pubic hair?

Yes, it is safe to shave and/or wax your pubes. While the majority of women have no issues with shaving or waxing, it is important to recognize that there are several risks that you should watch for. These risks include ingrown hairs, cuts to your pubic area, and potential infections. 

Most of these risks will be reduced to none if you use a safe shaving razor, apply OTC creams to reduce ingrown hairs, and keep your “downstairs area” sanitary.

When did women first start shaving their pubes?

Believe it or not, the act of shaving a woman’s pubic hair has existed for millennia. According to The Women’s Museum, women have been removing pubic hair since 3,000 years ago. The first razors were also made of copper, which is quite surprising given the quality of razors we use today. 

As it turns out, there have been multiple bikini wax shapes, styles and trends through the centuries. They can often cycle in and out of fashion—similar to what happens with hair styling. Some things never change.

Believe it or not, Ancient Egyptians thought a shaved pubis was a sign of being high class. Having fully-grown, unshaved pubes was a fairly modern phenomenon in many parts of the world. It was particularly noticeable during the 1970s, hence the term “big 70s bush.”

Can you use hair removal cream on your pubes?

NO! Pubic hair lies right on top of a bunch of sensitive parts of your body, especially when it comes to female genitalia. The hair removal creams that are marketed are generally only safe to use on tougher parts of your body, like arms and legs.

Removing pubes with a depilatory cream like Veet or Nair can easily cause chemical burns down there. To avoid pain and discomfort - don’t do it.

What types of pubic hair styles are out there?

Good question! Truth be told, the sky is the limit when it comes to what you can do with female pubic hair. These are the most popular bikini hair styles and vagina shaving designs:

• Shaved/Waxed Completely: This is often called “Brazilian Waxing” if done with traditional waxing methods.
• Trimmed: This is the go-to for many women who don’t want to fully shave down there but would rather keep some fuzz.
• Landing Strip: This is a specific type of pubic hair style that involves a small, thin line that extends from the labial folds. The rest of the surrounding area is shaved bald.
• Shaped: There are some pubic hair waxing parlors that offer the ability to wax, shave, or trim pubic hair into different shapes. Vagina shaving designs include heart shapes, which in particular, seem popular.
• Dyed: Though this might not be the safest thing to do with pubes, the truth is that there is a growing number of women who like to dye their pubic hair different colors. This is usually done to cover up grays but it can also be done to add funky colors.
• Vajazzle: This is one of the most garish types of styles you can do. It involves a Brazilian wax, then the careful placement of stick-on decals near your pubic mound. The gems don’t last long, so better save it for special occasions only.

Does waxing a woman’s pubic hair increase the chances of sexually transmitted diseases?

There is mixed evidence on whether or not waxing your pubic hair increases the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. There is a lot of evidence to suggest that “extreme groomers,” or people who groom more than 11 times a year, are more likely to have an STI. This is particularly true for the spread of herpes. 

However, there is also evidence in smaller studies that show your grooming habits do not have much to do with your rate of sexually transmitted infection. Overall, the best way to prevent infection is to practice safe sex.

Interested to know more about sexually transmitted diseases, continue reading our article Can you get STDs from kissing?

Does waxing or shaving pubic hair reduce the occurrence of pubic lice (crabs)?

Potentially, it can reduce the occurrence of pubic lice (crabs) by removing the eggs lice have already laid. Though, shaving or waxing alone will not be enough to get rid of “crabs” effectively. If you have lice, the best method is to get it treated by a professional.

Trimming down there isn’t the only thing you can do to boost your love life.

Are you struggling to try to get your love life back on track? Sometimes, shaving a cute little strip on yourself isn’t always the best way to make things work. You can also try a bido shot. Our supplements help reduce stress, enhance sensation, and give you the boost you need.

To learn more check out our latest article on why choosing bido is the key to elevating your sex life.

If you liked our Pubic Guide blog, we invite you to read our guide on orgasms: What does an orgasm feel like? the guide on cumming together.