Pubic hair

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 on the skin of the genital area

Removal of pubic hair

One who has a preference for hairless genitals is known as an acomoclitic. In naturism, nudists who remove all body hair (and pubic hair in particular) are called "smoothies".

Related Topics:
Acomoclitic - Naturism - Smoothie

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The trimming or removal of body hair by men is sometimes referred to as manscaping.

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Pubic hair is usually removed or reduced by shaving, but often for more long-term removal, waxing or use of a mechanical device is used to pull the hair out at the root.

Related Topics:
Shaving - Waxing

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In the 1990s, a permanent method of hair removal evolved with many opting for more permanent removal of pubic hair. This method involves the use of focused, high power light. This type of depilation falls under two main categories: intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser epilation. IPL uses broad spectrum (white) light, and laser epilation uses a very specific wavelength (color) of light to destroy the hair-producing gland, the follicle. Unlike some temporary methods, light epilation does not cause razor bumps, ingrown hairs or dermatitis. It is still controversial as to which method, IPL or laser, is the most effective.

Related Topics:
1990s - Intense pulsed light - Laser epilation - Follicle - Razor bump - Dermatitis

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Removal methods

Methods to remove pubic hair include:

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• Shaving - uses a razor (straight razor, safety razor, or electric razor) to cut the hair at the level of the skin (or very close to it)
• Epilators - these electric devices use rotating coils to pull the hairs out by the roots
• Laser epilation and Intense pulsed light (IPL)
• Waxing and Sugaring - Some hair salons in France offer what is called "epilé complet" which is the removal of all pubic hair using hot wax.
• Hair removal creams and lotions
• Electrology - involves using a current of electricity down the length of the hair to to kill the hair root
• Hair Growth Inhibitors - these lotions claim to slow the hair growth and even prevent its growth but they have had limited success
• Tweezers - this is a manual method usually done to remove any remaining hairs after use of the other treatments.

Note that:

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• Electrical razors are a little safer and do not shave off skin along with the hair.
• Shaving can cause skin irritation (pseudofolliculitis barbae, or "razor bumps") and hair getting locked under the skin area.
• Hair re-growth can sometimes be uncomfortable and itchy, although continued removal reduces this effect.
• Using hair removal creams or lotions in the pubic and chest areas is not advisable, as it may result in serious skin irritations.

(See the Smooth Naturist webpage for more advice on pubic shaving)

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