Pubic hair - wikidoc (2024)

WikiDoc Resources for Pubic hair

Articles

Most recent articles on Pubic hair

Most cited articles on Pubic hair

Review articles on Pubic hair

Articles on Pubic hair in N Eng J Med, Lancet, BMJ

Media

Powerpoint slides on Pubic hair

Images of Pubic hair

Photos of Pubic hair

Podcasts & MP3s on Pubic hair

Videos on Pubic hair

Evidence Based Medicine

Cochrane Collaboration on Pubic hair

Bandolier on Pubic hair

TRIP on Pubic hair

Clinical Trials

Ongoing Trials on Pubic hair at Clinical Trials.gov

Trial results on Pubic hair

Clinical Trials on Pubic hair at Google

Guidelines / Policies / Govt

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse on Pubic hair

NICE Guidance on Pubic hair

NHS PRODIGY Guidance

FDA on Pubic hair

CDC on Pubic hair

Books

Books on Pubic hair

News

Pubic hair in the news

Be alerted to news on Pubic hair

News trends on Pubic hair

Commentary

Blogs on Pubic hair

Definitions

Definitions of Pubic hair

Patient Resources / Community

Patient resources on Pubic hair

Discussion groups on Pubic hair

Patient Handouts on Pubic hair

Directions to Hospitals Treating Pubic hair

Risk calculators and risk factors for Pubic hair

Healthcare Provider Resources

Symptoms of Pubic hair

Causes & Risk Factors for Pubic hair

Diagnostic studies for Pubic hair

Treatment of Pubic hair

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

CME Programs on Pubic hair

International

Pubic hair en Espanol

Pubic hair en Francais

Business

Pubic hair in the Marketplace

Patents on Pubic hair

Experimental / Informatics

List of terms related to Pubic hair

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Please Take Over This Page and Apply to be Editor-In-Chief for this topic: There can be one or more than one Editor-In-Chief. You may also apply to be an Associate Editor-In-Chief of one of the subtopics below. Please mail us [2] to indicate your interest in serving either as an Editor-In-Chief of the entire topic or as an Associate Editor-In-Chief for a subtopic. Please be sure to attach your CV and or biographical sketch.

Template:Human hair

Overview

Pubic hair is hair in the frontal genital area, the crotch, and sometimes at the top of the inside of the legs; these areas form the pubic region.

Although fine vellus hair is present in the area in childhood, the term pubic hair is generally restricted to the heavier, longer hair that develops with puberty as an effect of rising levels of androgens. Pubic hair is therefore part of the androgenic hair.

Development of pubic hair

Before puberty, the genital area of both boys and girls has very fine vellus hair, referred to as Tanner stage 1 hair. As puberty begins, the body produces rising levels of the sex hormones known as androgens, and in response the skin of the genital area begins to produce thicker, often curlier, hair with a faster growth rate. The onset of pubic hair development is termed pubarche. The change for each hair follicle is relatively abrupt, but the extent of skin which grows androgenic hair gradually increases over several years.

In most females, pubic hair first appears along the edges of the labia majora (stage 2), and spreads forward to the mons (stage 3) over the next 2 years. By 2-3 years into puberty (roughly the time of menarche for most girls), the pubic triangle is densely filled. Within another 2 years pubic hair also grows from the near thighs in most young women, and sometimes a small amount up the line of the abdomen toward the umbilicus.

In males, the first pubic hair appears as a few sparse hairs on the scrotum or at the upper base of the penis (stage 2). Within a year, hairs around the base of the penis are too numerous to count (stage 3). Within 3 to 4 years, hair fills the pubic area (stage 4) and becomes much thicker and darker, and by 5 years extends to the near thighs and upwards on the abdomen toward the umbilicus (stage 5).

Other areas of the skin are similarly, though slightly less, sensitive to androgens and androgenic hair typically appears somewhat later. In rough sequence of sensitivity to androgens and appearance of androgenic hair, are the armpits (axillae), perianal area, upper lip, preauricular areas (sideburns), periareolar areas (nipples), middle of the chest, neck under the chin, remainder of chest and beard area, limbs and shoulders, back, and buttocks.

Although generally considered part of the process of puberty, pubarche is distinct and independent of the process of maturation of the gonads that leads to sexual maturation and fertility. Pubic hair can develop from adrenal androgens alone, and can develop even when the ovaries or testes are defective and nonfunctional. See puberty for details.

There is little if any difference in the capacity of male and female bodies to grow hair in response to androgens. The obvious sex-dimorphic difference in hair distribution in men and women is primarily a result of differences in the levels of androgen reached as maturity occurs.

Patterns of pubic hair vary. On some individuals, pubic hair is thick and/or coarse; on others it may be sparse and/or fine. Hair texture varies from tightly curled to entirely straight. Pubic hair patterns can also vary by race and ethnicity.

Pubic hair and axillary hair can vary in color considerably from the hair of the scalp. In most people it is darker, although it can also be lighter. On most women, the pubic patch is triangular and lies over the mons veneris, or mound of Venus. On many men, the pubic patch tapers upwards to a line of hair pointing towards the navel (see abdominal hair), roughly a more upward-pointing triangle. As with axillary (armpit) hair, pubic hair is associated with a concentration of sebaceous glands in the area.

References

See also

Template:SIB

Template:WHTemplate:WS

Pubic hair - wikidoc (2024)

FAQs

Pubic hair - wikidoc? ›

On some individuals, pubic hair is thick and/or coarse; on others it may be sparse and/or fine. Hair texture varies from tightly curled to entirely straight. Pubic hair patterns can also vary by race and ethnicity. Pubic hair and axillary hair can vary in color considerably from the hair of the scalp.

Do most girls shave down there? ›

Pubic hair removal is common — approximately 80 percent of women ages 18 to 65 report they remove some or all of their pubic hair.

Why is pubic hair so wiry? ›

Weiss speculates that one of the main reasons that human beings uniquely evolved a “thick bush of wiry hair” around their genital regions is its visual signaling of sexual maturation. (It also likely serves as a primitive odor trap and aids in the wafting of human pheromones.)

Is it Hygienic to have pubic hair? ›

No, pubic hair is not unhygienic. However, it does trap dirt and sweat, so it can become more pungent than areas of the body that have less hair. Like other areas of the body, pubic hair does require regular cleaning.

Why is pubic hair so textured? ›

Marc Glashofer, a dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, claims that the texture of pubic hair tends to be thicker and more coarse than hair on the rest of our body because of its origins as a buffer. “It prevents friction during intercourse that can cause skin abrasion and rashes,” he says.

Do Amish girls shave? ›

In short, Amish women don't shave because they aren't allowed to cut their hair. Similarly, married men don't shave their beards, but do shave their cheeks and trim to keep their beards tidy. Along with maintaining their lush hair, the Amish believe that everything they do should be of high quality.

Why should a woman not shave her pubic hair? ›

Removing pubic hair may therefore make a person more susceptible to common infections, such as UTIs, vaginitis, and yeast infections. Hair removal can also irritate your skin, leading to skin infections such as cellulitis and folliculitis. In other cases, grooming-related injuries, such as cuts, could become infected.

What is the white stuff on my pubic hair follicle? ›

Lice eggs (nits) are often easier to see than live lice. They look like tiny yellow or white dots attached to the pubic hair, close to the skin. Nits can look like dandruff. But you can't pick them off with your fingernail or brush them away.

Does pubic hair fall out with age? ›

As we age, some pubic hair thinning, or loss, is normal. However, certain conditions like alopecia or an adrenal issue can also cause hair loss.

At what age does pubic hair stop growing? ›

Pubic hair may extend out to their thighs, and some girls may have a line of hair up to their belly button. Most girls attain their peak height by age 16, but some may continue growing through age 20.

What is the current trend for male pubic hair? ›

Male pubic hair is currently less "full bush" and more "clean-cut," which is the current trend. As a result, not all men should completely shave off their pubic hair because doing so can cause excruciating discomfort and even unpleasant skin conditions like razor burn or ingrown hairs.

Do doctors care about pubic hair? ›

The truth is that your doctor and their staff do not care if you are clean-shaven or not. They are medical professionals. They know that hair growth is natural and normal. It doesn't hinder their ability to do their job, and it doesn't harm your health.

What happens if you never shave your pubic hair? ›

You're Less Likely To Get Rashes

If you don't shave, those things aren't really a possibility anymore, leaving you and your lady parts in peace. Indeed, Dweck listed infected hair follicles (folliculitis), rashes, and irritation (razor burn) as some of the most common issues she sees from patients who shave.

Why does my pubic hair grow so long? ›

The length of the anagen phase is based on genetics, but it can also be affected by hormones and stress levels. The anagen phase lasts between three and five years for head hair and a couple of weeks for pubic hair. The longer the anagen phase, the longer the hair grows.

Why is pubic hair so itchy growing back? ›

Pubic hair is thicker and more coarse than the hair on other parts of your body, making it noticeably itchier when it begins to grow back.

Is female pubic hair soft? ›

Pubic hair is naturally thicker and more coarse than hair that grows on other parts of your body. But like other hair, your pubic hair requires natural oils to stay healthy.

What is the feminine hygiene of the Amish? ›

Feminine Hygiene

Female Amish wash their hair and wear it in a bun. As for makeup, Amish women aren't allowed to wear cosmetics or adornments considered worldly. This includes lipstick, mascara, eye shadow, and jewelry.

What do Amish do on their wedding night? ›

They schedule an evening dinner at the homes of their wedding guests. And this is when the families will give the couple their wedding gift. Sometime the next spring they finally settle into their own home, and it's not usually very long till they start a family of their own.

Do the Amish bathe regularly? ›

Yes, the Amish bathe, but they often do it without electricity, and sometimes without indoor plumbing. They usually heat the water on a stove in order to have a warm bath. This labor-intensive process is one reason that the Amish don't normally bathe every day.

Is it attractive to have no pubic hair? ›

A combination of polls shows that 80 to 90 percent of women prefer some amount of grooming for starters. Only 10 to 20 percent prefer guys with a completely unkempt bush; this means that going wild below the waist is not the default look. It may require less work, but you're not playing the odds.

What percent of females shave their pubic hair? ›

Pubic Hair Trends

According to the researchers, when asked if they removed their pubic hair, 80% of women and 39% of men removed their pubic hair near the time of the survey. Also, 3% of women and 21% of men had never removed their pubic hair.

At what age do people get GREY pubic hair? ›

Some people develop their first strands of gray or white hair in their 30s or 40s, whereas others develop white strands in their 20s or teenage years.

What is the yellow crusty stuff on my pubic hair? ›

Trichobacteriosis (formerly trichomycosis) is an asymptomatic infection of the axillary and less commonly the pubic hair shafts caused by Corynebacterium flavescens and other coryneform species. A bacterial biofilm encases the hair, creating yellow or white concretions distributed along the length of the hair shaft.

Do pubic hairs go GREY? ›

Just like the hair on the head, the hair on the rest of the body, including the pubic area, is subject to graying. As people age, their skin produces less melanin. Melanin is the pigment responsible for giving skin and hair its color. The hair follicles contain melanin.

Does pubic hair smell? ›

Pubic hair holds on to residual urine, vagin*l discharge, blood and sem*n. Bacteria line up all along the hair shaft just lunching it up and creating odor. (Very appetizing, I know.) Trimming your pubic hair reduces that surface area for bacteria, thus reducing odor.

Why are my pubic hairs itchy? ›

Common causes of genital itching include contact dermatitis, jock itch, scabies, yeast infection, and folliculitis. Your healthcare provider can help you determine the cause and point you to the best treatment and prevention strategies.

Why would someone use a Merkin? ›

WELL, they were donned by prostitutes, high society, p*rn stars, and actors alike - a merkin is used to shield one's private parts from pubic lice, for modesty, historic accuracy in films or filling out full-frontal nudity on the screen.

What is the best length for pubic hair? ›

Trim between 2mm and 6mm lengths for neat and tidy pubic hair.

Do pubes reach a maximum length? ›

Does pubic hair cease growing once it's reached a certain length? All hair grows at a contstant rate, but eventually falls out. With body hair, which typically does not grow as long as head hair, the rate at which it falls out is greater. This results in hair that appears to reach a certain length then stops growing.

Do you get more pubic hair as you get older? ›

As you age, your pubic hair, just like the hair on your head, will naturally start to thin and turn grey. Part of the aging process includes hair loss and the slowing of the rate of hair growth.

What does the triangle pubic hair mean? ›

Brazilian wax: the triangle

(Yep, that means around your bum). If you want to feel totally smooth and hairless, go Brazilian.

Should you trim pubic hair with scissors? ›

The safest technique is trimming pubic hair with scissors, if they do not come into contact with the skin. Shaving or using methods that remove hair from the hair follicle can lead to effects such as unintentional cuts or small cuts in the skin, redness or irritation.

Is the bush coming back? ›

The Bush. Growing out your pubic hair isn't shocking in 2022! It's actually much more common to grow out your pubic hair this year and will continue to be a trend, as more people feel comfortable with their skin and hair.

Do gynecologists judge pubic hair? ›

Nope! You do not need to shave before a gynecologist appointment (or any doctor's appointment!). Your doctor doesn't care how you care for your pubic hair, because it isn't a health or hygiene concern.

What do doctors say about shaving pubic hair? ›

Removing pubic hair does not improve hygiene and it may actually increase your chance of infection. Hair removal can sometimes irritate or burn the skin, and cause micro-abrasions, ingrown hairs and pain or itchiness. These can facilitate inflammation and actually provide the entry point for infections.

Do they shave your pubic hair before giving birth? ›

Pubic or perineal shaving is a procedure performed before birth in order to lessen the risk of infection if there is a spontaneous perineal tear or if an episiotomy is performed.

Did you shave before giving birth? ›

In previous years, traditional childbirth recommended hair removal on the pubic area before delivery. However, modern childbirth finds that it's not necessary to shave your pubic hair before delivery. Clinical research shows that shaving or not shaving pubic hair doesn't necessarily affect birth.

When did females start shaving their pubic hair? ›

The practice of removing female body hair is not new, it can be traced back to ancient Rome and Egypt. Some of the first razors, made of copper, were used in Egypt and India around 3000 BCE. Egyptian women removed their head hair and considered pubic hair uncivilized.

Is it normal for a girl to have hair on her bum? ›

Yes, everyone has butt hair. Once puberty hits, hair begins to grow in all kinds of ~specific~ places (like on your underarms, legs, pubic area, face, and, yes, butt). It's 100 percent normal (and expected) and we promise that you, your crush, and your besties all have butt hair.

Why do my pubic hairs ache? ›

Your pubic hair region is more sensitive than your armpits and legs. So one reason why you might be hurting down there when the hair starts to grow back is because of razor burn, which can be itchy or painful. Another reason why you might be uncomfortable is because shaving can trigger ingrown hair growth.

How do you trim pubic hair so it doesn't itch? ›

A careful routine can prevent irritation, razor burn, and injury.
  1. Clean your tools. Keep a separate grooming kit for your bits. ...
  2. Trim excess hair before you shave, shape, or tidy. ...
  3. Bathe before grooming. ...
  4. Exfoliate. ...
  5. Lather up. ...
  6. Shave or trim in the direction of hair growth. ...
  7. Take your time and use caution.
Jul 26, 2018

What style of pubic hair is healthiest? ›

The short answer: going au natural is the healthiest pubic-hair policy. "Your pubic hair is there to protect the skin around your lady parts because that skin is very sensitive," Donnica Moore, MD, a Chester, New Jersey-based gynecologist and president of Sapphire Women's Health Group, tells Health.

Why are pubic hair so curly? ›

Marc Glashofer, a dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, claims that the texture of pubic hair tends to be thicker and more coarse than hair on the rest of our body because of its origins as a buffer. “It prevents friction during intercourse that can cause skin abrasion and rashes,” he says.

How often should a woman shave her pubic hair? ›

To keep the pubic area smooth and hairless, you'll need to shave regularly, even daily. Consider if this is worth the trouble; it may become tedious after four or five weeks.

Are girls supposed to shave down? ›

The truth is, there's no one right way to deal with pubic hair. Some like a bare bikini area, while others prefer leaving a little hair down there. Consider your pubic hair styling a very personal preference, Jennifer Ashton, MD, OB/GYN and author of The Body Scoop for Girls, says.

At what age should a girl start shaving down there? ›

There's no set time for girls to begin shaving. You can start shaving when you feel you have enough hair growth on your legs and/or armpits to shave it off.

Should a 14 year old shave pubic hair female? ›

Some teens don't do anything with their pubic hair, leaving it to grow naturally. Some girls remove hair when they'll be wearing a bathing suit, and some remove hair regularly as part of their beauty routine. No health benefits are linked to removing pubic hair, so choose what feels right for you.

How often should I shave my pubes as a woman? ›

To keep the pubic area smooth and hairless, you'll need to shave regularly, even daily. Consider if this is worth the trouble; it may become tedious after four or five weeks.

Is it better to trim or shave pubic hair? ›

Trimming will make you feel more confident: Shaving will eliminate odour and sweat and you will feel more confident and fresh. Trimming pubic hair will help you to stay cooler down there: “That extra layer of bush would make you feel hotter. So, trimming will help you to avoid that extra heat and sweat down there.

Is pubic hair back in style? ›

But in the years since, pubic hair seems to have made a resurgence. According to an unscientific survey of women in their 20s and 30s " in other words, my friends " going bare is less popular than it used to be. Over the summer, Vogue even ruled that the Brazilian is out and the full bush is in.

Why does my pubic hair feel prickly after shaving? ›

Folliculitis is typically caused by bacteria. Folliculitis causes red and white pimples to grow around the hair follicle resulting in that prickly feeling after shaving. Rest assured, mild cases of folliculitis should clear on its own within a number of days.

Should I cut my pubic hair with scissors? ›

The safest technique is trimming pubic hair with scissors, if they do not come into contact with the skin. Shaving or using methods that remove hair from the hair follicle can lead to effects such as unintentional cuts or small cuts in the skin, redness or irritation.

Why is my pubic hair so thick female? ›

Mary Jane Minkin, told us, “the most common cause of excessive pubic hair in young women is PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, which is associated with higher testosterone levels (yes, women make testosterone—and men do make estrogen, too).

Why does my 5 year old daughter have pubic hair? ›

Premature pubarche, or the development of pubic hair before the age of 8 in girls or 9 in boys, is most commonly caused by premature adrenarche. Adrenarche is the maturation of the adrenal zona reticularis in both boys and girls, resulting in the development of pubic hair, axillary hair, and adult apocrine body odor.

What is the best method of pubic hair removal? ›

Electrolysis is your best option for permanent hair removal, but it can be expensive. For more permanent results, laser hair removal can also help you remove pubic hair for a hefty price. You can also opt to do occasional grooming with trimming or tweezing to avoid going completely bare.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Otha Schamberger

Last Updated:

Views: 6022

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Otha Schamberger

Birthday: 1999-08-15

Address: Suite 490 606 Hammes Ferry, Carterhaven, IL 62290

Phone: +8557035444877

Job: Forward IT Agent

Hobby: Fishing, Flying, Jewelry making, Digital arts, Sand art, Parkour, tabletop games

Introduction: My name is Otha Schamberger, I am a vast, good, healthy, cheerful, energetic, gorgeous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.