Thanks to the invention of the miniskirt and the bikini as well as to the development of the razor market, society is obsessed with hair removal. There isn’t a day that goes by without the local radio station playing a “Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow” commercial, announcing the problem can be solved on your lunch break. I don’t just use the term “obsession” lightly, either. People are willing to become masochistic to remove hair from their bodies above and beyond the usual places. Hair was once an evolutionary tool that kept bodies warm in cold climates, and now, leg stubble is socially unsightly and unfeminine. And it’s not just women that are ripping, stripping and shaving hair — men are in on it too. Does anyone remember the wax scene from “The 40 Year Old Virgin?”
The topic of pubic hair grooming is one that tends to put people in a tizzy. “Should I keep it, trim it or go completely bare?” and “What will my partner think?” are typical questions that pop into people’s minds when the issue is brought up. It oftentimes makes people uncomfortable to discuss this matter since our society is so caught up in the hair removal frenzy. So what is the best choice? Of course I’m not going to answer this question since it’s a personal one and can be a discussion point for you and your partner(s), so I will simply discuss the pros and cons of different options.
Why would anyone want to keep a full bush, you ask? Pubic hair has been associated with “trapping” the body’s pheromones (aka natural “sex scent”) that can be potentially attractive to a partner. By shaving it off, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will no longer have this chemical production to attract your hot Calculus TA, but the hair can help to trap and keep the scent, potentially increasing your odds of seducing them withyour scent. Also, if you’ve ever had your hair brushed or had someone play with your hair, it can be quite pleasurable, and the same holds true for the pubic region. It can be very stimulating to have a partner gently tug on the hair and can potentially lead to sexual arousal.
Going au naturale is also a cost-effective option. Buying razors constantly and/or paying Helga the Waxer every few weeks can really add up. Some people might prioritize, spending that money on beer rather than shaving their pubes. It can also be a time-saving option. The time spent shaving could be spent on having shower sex instead.
There is also the notion that a full bush can denote a “manly man” or adult woman, since the onset of pubic hair is during puberty — the awkward highway to adulthood in most cultures. Some people are turned off by the look of completely bare nether regions, saying it makes a person looks too young. It all comes down to personal preference.
If you are into going au naturale and plan on receiving oral sex, it might be a good idea to run your fingers through the pubies beforehand to remove some of the strays. It could be quite a mood killer if your partner has to cough up a hairball mid-lick.
There is also the middle ground option of trimming the area. If you are living with roommates and/or in the dorms, trimming over the toilet can be mess-free and is probably one of the only places where you can enjoy some privacy.
Shaving is also a viable option. It is relatively cheap and can be done in the privacy of your bathroom. For the people in the dorms, try not to slip in the tiny little shower stalls, as shaving can be quite an acrobatic feat. It can also be hot to shave or be shaved by a partner, as it shows trust … and can be a hot experience. Considering Thanksgiving is right around the corner, if any of you have a steady hand and are artistic, why not shave a turkey into your hair for a little added holiday cheer?
Then there is the option of going completely bare a la the famous Brazilian wax. If you are unfamiliar with this term, it refers to removing all hair from the pubic region and usually includes around the anus too. This isn’t just for women either. Apparently Jay-Z and P. Diddy have stated they engage in “Brozilians” and “manscaping”. Some people feel the pleasure is worth the pain. It has the potential to heighten sensitivity since the skin is vulnerable after a wax session. A couple of notes about sex on Brazilian: the hair usually does grow back prickly within a few days, so the earlier the sex, the better (potentially). Also, it might not be the best idea to engage in sexual activity immediately post-wax since the skin will probably be inflamed and possibly too sensitive. Taking some ibuprofen and putting some frozen vegetables on the area should decrease the swelling.
Why would someone go completely bare? Well, in terms of a partner, it can greatly reduce the time they “forage in the jungle” and can speed up the process of finding whatever it is they may be looking for. Also, going commando in your long underwear and jeans could be a fantastically rubbing sensual experience. Maybe now the freezing 30-minute walk to class won’t be so terrible. Silk underwear/boxers could bring about a whole new sensation too. Also, if food play is at all an interest, it can greatly reduce the cleanup. Having a hairless surface can be an easier option if whip cream and warm caramel are being brought into the mix. Cleaning sticky food out of hair could be quite a tedious process.
No matter what you decide, whether it’s for you and/or for a partner or just for the off chance that you might get lucky on a random night and want to be ready, your landscaping option can be whatever you want it to be and for whatever reason you want it for. It can be like the hair on your head — some change it every few weeks while others have never cut theirs.
Mary is a senior in zoology and pre-nursing. If you have any “hairy” questions that you would like answered, e-mail [email protected].
