{"id":11647,"date":"2024-04-18T22:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-18T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/modernsciences.org\/staging\/4414\/?p=11647"},"modified":"2024-04-12T04:41:45","modified_gmt":"2024-04-12T04:41:45","slug":"pubic-hair-beyond-brazilians-more-than-manscaping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/modernsciences.org\/staging\/4414\/pubic-hair-beyond-brazilians-more-than-manscaping\/","title":{"rendered":"Pubic hair: beyond brazilians, more than manscaping"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n MAD_Production\/Shutterstock<\/a><\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n\nDan Baumgardt<\/a>, University of Bristol<\/a><\/em><\/span>\n\n

From Hollywood waxes and vajazzles, to bleaching and piercing, there are seemingly endless<\/a> ways to style the nether regions and attempt to create an idealised body image. <\/p>\n\n

Perhaps, though, before following the latest genital fashion trends, we should be asking why hair is there in the first place: what function does it serve \u2013 and could its removal be bad for our health?<\/p>\n\n

There\u2019s a purpose for all the many clusters of hair that grow on our skin. <\/p>\n\n

Eyebrows<\/a>, for example, prevent sweat dripping into our eyes and allow us to convey our emotions through facial expression. Eyelashes<\/a> prevent debris from damaging our eyes. Even the individual tiny hairs<\/a> on our arms and legs connect to equally tiny nerves and act as sensory organs, giving us a sense of pressure and vibration. <\/p>\n\n

So, what about pubic hair? What does the science tell us about its function? <\/p>\n\n

Let\u2019s talk about sex<\/h2>\n\n

Much of the effort that goes into shaping or removing pubic hair also shapes and defines sexual identities<\/a>. Research has shown that women, in particular<\/a>, feel social pressure<\/a> to remove body hair<\/a> and that pubic hair can affect their self-perception and sexual attractiveness.<\/p>\n\n

But pubic hair may play a role in helping to attract potential sexual partners \u2013 and increase sexual pleasure.<\/p>\n\n

Part of the mating rituals of animals is governed by pheromones<\/a>, chemicals that can induce behavioural changes in different sexes, instigating awareness of and attraction to a potential mate \u2013 and a desire to breed. <\/p>\n\n

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