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The primary reason identified for pubic hair removal across different societies was hygiene, aiming to prevent pubic lice, ticks, fleas, and bacteria. The removal was found to be notably linked to personal hygiene and cleanliness, rather than merely societal or media influences, as commonly perceived.
Across various non-Western societies studied, the removal of pubic hair was performed through plucking, with methods like using thumb and forefinger to pluck hair with the aid of ash, bamboo or clamshell tweezers. These practices were often assisted by older women and embedded in cultural norms.
Removal of pubic hair was associated with sexual signaling in several societies, reflecting neatness and cleanliness. The decision to remove or retain pubic hair was often tied to self-perception, with feelings about personal grooming choices impacting individuals' confidence and comfort.
Research findings revealed that societal views on pubic hair often transcended common stereotypes, with hygiene playing a significant role in grooming practices. Insights from cross-cultural studies challenged prevailing narratives of social media and pornography-driven beauty standards impacting pubic hair removal decisions.
The study explored diverse cultural practices and historical trends related to pubic hair removal, offering a nuanced understanding of grooming behaviors worldwide. Collaborative research efforts shed light on individual motivations, societal norms, and evolving attitudes towards pubic care within diverse cultural contexts.
The research provides a foundation for exploring the nuanced reasons behind pubic hair removal, highlighting factors such as hygiene, personal grooming preferences, and cultural influences. Continued investigations into diverse grooming practices and their implications for sexual signaling and individual identity offer valuable insights for future studies.
While focusing on heterosexual women in the US for the current study, the research acknowledges the significance of personal grooming choices and intimate apparel across various demographics. Insights into the multifaceted connections between grooming practices, hygiene, and sexual self-expression enrich our understanding of pubic care across cultures and identities.
Episode 96 of American Sex podcast is all about pubic hair. The societal messages we receive about our genital hair cause us a great deal of turmoil. Should we trim? Shave completely? Or let it grow free? What do our grooming preferences say about us and how do the people we’re intimate with feel about that? On this episode, we examine your personal stories, difficulties, and strategies for caring for your garden down below. We also speak with Lyndsey Craig, an anthropology doctoral candidate studying cross-cultural pubic hair grooming practices. They say that our modern preference for genital baldness is primarily influenced by pornography & the media. Will Lyndsey’s pubic detective work throughout history tell us otherwise? You may be surprised at what you’ll learn!
Sunny & Ken, xo!
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