In America, smooth, hairless skin isn’t just a beauty trend—it’s big business. From at-home razors to full-service wax salons, laser clinics, and pricey bikini wax memberships, the U.S. hair removal industry is now worth an eye-watering $4.5 billion—and it’s still growing. Waxing alone makes up a huge slice of that, with millions of American women shelling out hundreds every year to stay bare down there.
But step outside the States, and the story changes. Plenty of cultures embrace the bush—no shame, no fuss. In parts of Europe, South America, and some Asian countries, pubic hair is left largely untouched or simply trimmed for comfort, rather than being completely shaved for aesthetic reasons.
So why the obsession here? Experts point to decades of media, porn, and pop culture pushing the “clean-shaven” ideal. But there’s a catch: your pubic hair isn’t dirty. In fact, it’s your body’s built-in guard rail, protecting sensitive skin from friction, bacteria, and infections.
When you wax or shave too aggressively, you’re creating tiny cuts that bacteria love. Dermatologists warn that frequent grooming is one of the top causes of ingrown hairs, razor burn, and even nasty infections like folliculitis. And because the bikini area is so delicate, cuts and tears can slightly increase your risk of STIs.
Does that mean you have to ditch the razor? Nope. However, giving your skin a break—whether that means trimming instead of entirely removing it, or spacing out wax appointments—can help you avoid the bumps and burns.
Pubic hair has a purpose: Your pubic hair is there for a reason. Whether you keep it neat or go full bush, how you handle it should be about comfort, not billion-dollar beauty pressure.
