Pubic hair: all your questions answered!

Pubic hair. Almost everyone grows it, but why do we have it? What’s the purpose of it? And should we trim it, shave it, or leave it as is? In this article, we’ll answer all your questions about the hair on and around your pubic area!

Also read: 6 common beliefs about pubic hair that are actually false

What is pubic hair?

Pubic hair is hair that grows on and around the genitals, from puberty onwards. This is triggered by the male hormone testosterone. Usually, our pubic hair is a bit more coarse, darker in colour, and curlier than the hair growing on our heads. Secretly curious what colour someone’s pubic hair is? The colour of his or her eyebrows probably comes close.

How fast and how long does it grow?

On average, pubic hair grows about 1 cm a month and reaches a length of 5 to 6 cm, but it varies from person to person. As a teenager, your pubic hair grows almost as fast as the hair on your head. As you get older, this growth slows down.

Why do we have pubic hair?

People once believed that pubic hair was meant to hide the genitals, but now we know that it has entirely different functions:

• It keeps the genitals warm.
• It protects the genitals from friction and wounds.
• It protects the genitals from harmful bacteria and viruses.
• It signals that you’ve reached puberty and are becoming “sexually mature”.
• It gives off pheromones that can be attractive to a potential partner.

How should I wash my pubic hair?

If you want to make sure you’re always feeling fresh down there, it’s important to wash your intimate parts thoroughly. Warm water will do. Do not apply soap or shampoo to the vulva, as this will disturb its pH balance. Don’t use soap or shampoo on the foreskin/glans of the penis either, as this will irritate it.

Should I trim or shave my pubic hair?

Many people think a shaved pubic zone looks more manicured. And some even like it better with no hair at all. But in the end, it’s your body, and therefore your choice whether to trim it, shave it, or simply let it grow.

Some people think it’s more hygienic to shave it down there, but it is not!

The risks of shaving

As mentioned, your pubic hair has several functions. If you shave it off, you won’t benefit from them. If you still can’t resist, be careful not to cut yourself with the razor blade! A scratch or scab in your intimate area is not only very unpleasant, but it can also spread STIs more easily.

No hair, no house

If you don’t have pubic hair, then lice can’t nest in it either. However, thanks to better hygiene and care, pubic lice are becoming increasingly rare. Plus, it’s easy to treat (yourself). So don’t feel compelled to shave before sex!

Also read: This is how you shave your pubes without irritating your skin

How do you shave your pubic hair?

Do so carefully. Start by cutting off the longest hairs and, if necessary, use an exfoliator to remove dead skin cells before you start shaving. Use shaving cream or shave your pubic hair in the shower, as this makes the process a lot smoother.

Hair is growing between my buttocks, is that normal?

Hair growing around the anus is perfectly normal. The amount may vary from person to person.

My pubic hair itches. How come?

Itching in your pubic area can be incredibly annoying! But don’t panic, it’s usually treatable. Some possible causes:

• Irritated/regenerated skin, e.g. after shaving.
• Dry skin, for example due to sweating a lot and/or wearing clothes that are too tight.
• Eczema in the pubic area, for example due to excessively dry or overworked skin.
• A fungal or bacterial infection, due to a disturbed pH balance.
• Pubic lice, transmitted through sexual contact.

Still itching? Make an appointment with your GP. This may seem uncomfortable, but believe us, you’re far from the only one who suffers from this. Besides, the GP is there to help you as best they can!

Also read: The complete guide to a healthy vagina

Do you have other burning questions about pubic hair? Leave a comment!