Pubes
Pubic hair, pubes, the bush!
Reactions are often mixed at the sight of stragglers poking out the edge of swimwear or through the mesh of some sexy undies. But why?
Where has this discomfort for a natural body blanket come from?
Many of us don’t hesitate discussing removing it, booking appointments or spending money on pube maintenance. But, now we are entering a cost-of-living crisis, evaluating every monthly outgoing. Is the removal of our pubic hair an outgoing that can be sacrificed? Especially over the winter months - anything to contribute to reducing heating bills hey! Could this return of pubic hair then withstand social pressure and emerge from the winter months of hibernation holding strong, proudly owned? Boldly stepping into spring and summer. Proud. and just….there.
What do you think? Could you do it?
If not look inside as to why? Who is it for? What does it mean or signify to you?
The removal of pubic hair started centuries ago . Records show it being removed to ensure hair couldn’t be seen around the edges of skimpy Egyptian and Ancient Greek garments. Not just a fashion choice through the ages pubic hair was thought to be removed to prevent contracting pubic lice and other bugs. But wigs were use in place - Yep little pube wigs! So the removal was practical rather than aesthetic. In fact having a well groomed bush was important!
More recent history saw the introduction of the bikini - influencing pubic trimmings. Then the sexual revolution of the 60s and 70s. An explosion of sexual liberation alongside the introduction of the pill. The full bush was popularised in a rebellion to normalise sexual bodies. The bush was celebrated and is a real mark of that era.
the 1980s had products such as hair removal cream come into being and then in the ‘90s - waxing! The introduction and normalising of having a menu of hair removal treatments and styles that you could access for landscaping and creating a designer hairstyle down below - only brought to an absolute crescendo with the vajazzle in the noughties! The pubic region decor had peaked! Hair removal AND glitter! surely this was living!
Pubes even featured as part of storylines in Sex and the City!
Cultural expectations are wild - they influence so much - and being able to see that and think am I choosing to have my pubic hair like this or is it influenced by something else?
The rise of completely removing hair also went hand in hand with mass consumption of porn and glamour mags etc. Having no hair simply for some porn productions made for easier filming of the action, zoom lenses and close shots of penetration etc for many.
Why are we so obsessed with the manicured lawns in our pants? And is it something that is heavily gendered?
Are these expectations aimed more for those with vulvas then those with a penis?
It is important to recognise that a lack of pubic hair goes hand in hand with youth. Pubic hair starts growing as you hit puberty. So it comes with age. Children do not have pubic hair - this cross over of the glorification of no pubes with being younger - is something that sits uncomfortably but must be raised! Women are often pushed to look and appear younger. With the message for aging men being more distinguished - with ‘silver fox’ vibes. Women are on the other hand offered anti-aging creams and fear the word menopause.
Our personal stories are full of chapters- the pages are always going to keep turning. These chapters make up us, who we are. We grow and evolve with our story. Age is important. To recognise who we are, where we have come from and where we are headed. To build self-love and reassurance. We must not hide from age but accept it - love ourselves and our growth. And with that - the growth of pubes!
We look at pictures of models, celebs, friends on the ‘gram in swimwear with such high cut legs that you wonder about them anatomically down below LET ALONE THE PUBIC HAIR. Pubes are a completely natural part of our bodies. So, who are we removing them for?
Is it a perceived expecation from sexual partners?
Friends?
Society’s expectations? Pressures?
Pubes can often receive a reaction of shock because they have been erased from society. Perhaps be view of aesthetic (seek lines and magazine photo shoots) or because they have been sexualised. Pubes = sexual maturity We have come to think the aren’t common but actually we all have them and grow them . Perhaps natural selection will mean preference for less pubes results in evolving into smooth slippery beasts? It looks unlikely so far.
So why not embrace the muff!?
Pubic hair is natural, it is normal part of us all. From the first sprouts as teens to the full bushhhhh! The greys, the thinning. What is your relationship with your pubic hair…..haha yes your in a relationship with it now! But, really, honestly, think back. Have you ever mowed the lawn, had a wax, trimmed, slapped on the removal cream or grimaced with the pull of the tweezers. What brought you to that decision to do that?
Do you sit with your hands in your pants playing with it, do you mind a partner entering your pants and rummaging around in it to find its destination? Face how those circumstances make you feel. And look into yourself as to why that is.
Pube Positives:
Many describe being hairless down there as cleaner - but actually pubic hair is not dirty - it in fact can protect you from infections by trapping sweat and dirt etc.
Pubic hair can prevent friction in both everyday life and sex - helping stop irritation
Pubic hair can help keep genitals warm - you laugh but actually keeping genitals warm i really beneficial when it comes to arousal.
Pubic hair landscaping is a personal choice. It’s completely what feels comfortable for you. Whether you like it or not. How it feels for you. It is totally an utterly down to you. Try not to let it be affected by cultural expectations or for somebody else’s preference! Try to review how you feel and sit with your feelings on pubic hair when it comes to fashion, comfort and reacting to what you see online.
Why not grow yours out this winter - cite cutting costs instead of cutting pubes! See how it feels. Get passed the stubble and spiky feeling if you can and you may find if you let it grow it can sit flat against your body. Re-evaluate your bush’s future in the new year when the spring flowers bloom just like your personal garden in your pants!