Bush Basics: Know Your Hair Down There

More summer sun often means less clothing. For many men and women, it’s time to start paying more attention to the hair down there. Grooming your private areas is both a nuisance and a personal preference. We’ll shave away your confusion with a rundown of bush basics and the truth behind common pubic hair myths.

A sign of sexual maturity

Pubic hair is a sign of puberty and sexual maturity. It’s thicker, shorter and generally curlier than the hair on our heads, underarms, and legs. Pubes provide a level of protection against odors, bacteria and uncomfortable friction during sex.

An erotic symbol

Historically, pubic hair was celebrated as a sign of desire and sexual readiness. When pubes were shaved to improve hygiene and avoid pubic lice, people would wear pubic wigs called merkins. Merkins were worn by medieval prostitutes to hide infections after they shaved their genitals. Male actors would also wear them on stage when they were playing a female character. It wasn’t until the late 1980s that hairless men and women became mainstream.

A disappearing trend

Modern trends for both men and women in Western civilizations show a preference for hairlessness. Regardless of gender and sexual orientation, men generally prefer to be well-groomed and have partners with minimal pubic hair. The same is true of women. Pubic grooming is not a global standard, however. In South Korea, pubic hair transplant surgeries add more hair to a person’s genital areas. In Korean culture pubic hair is a sign of fertility and sexual health.

Myth: The hair will keep growing and growing

Your pubic hair will not grow forever like an X-rated version of Rapunzel. Once it reaches a certain length it will stop growing. Eventually, your pubic hairs will naturally fall out and new ones will grow in.

Myth: The curtains should match the drapes

The hair on your head is not necessarily the same as the hair around your privates. Eyebrows are much more similar to pubic hair in color and texture. Compared to the hair on the rest of our bodies, pubic hair is more course and wiry. It also tends to be a slightly different color.

Myth: Pubes make sex worse

Whether you’re going hairless, a full bush or anything in between, it all comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer their partners to be smooth and hairless. Others like the added layer of padding and protection. The amount of stimulation and pressure you want in a sexual encounter may influence how much or how litter hair you keep. Your grooming habits should make you comfortable and confident.

Myth: Pubes protect against STDs/STIs

The short answer is no. Pubes can provide an ideal environment for certain bacteria and viral infections to thrive. While it does limit skin-to-skin contact, pubic hair alone is not enough to stop the transfer of genital warts and other infections.

Myth: Full-grown is a turn-off

A full bush isn’t necessarily a turn-off in the bedroom. Again, it all comes down to preference. Some people are attracted to a full bush look because it signals sexual maturity. Pubic hair and your skin’s natural oils combine to produce a sensual smell called pheromone. If your parter has a strong sense of smell he or she will likely be attracted to this scent.