You’ve probably wondered at some point: do most girls actually shave their pubic hair, or is it one of those things that only seems common because everyone talks about it? In reality, there’s way more variety than you might think. Some girls go completely bare, others just tidy the edges, and a lot are happy leaving things natural. Trends change constantly, and what’s "normal" is usually just whatever feels right or convenient for the person.
If you scroll through TikTok or ask your friends, you’ll hear every possible answer. One big survey in the US (published by JAMA Dermatology) found that around 84% of women said they’d groomed their pubic hair at least once, mostly by shaving. But only about half said they kept things bare all the time. Plenty of people switch it up depending on the season, who they’re dating, if they’re hitting the beach, or if they just can’t be bothered for a few weeks. You’re definitely not alone whatever you choose.
- What Most Girls Actually Do
- Why Grooming Trends Change
- Benefits and Drawbacks: Shaving vs. Natural
- Laser Hair Removal: Is It Worth It?
- Tips for Safe and Comfortable Grooming
What Most Girls Actually Do
Ask five girls how they handle pubic hair and you’ll get five different answers. Some go for a smooth, hair-free look, others just trim, and many don't really stress about it at all. There's no single "normal." The main thing that’s common? Almost everyone experiments to find what works for them.
The most recent JAMA Dermatology survey looked at grooming habits among women ages 18 to 65 across the U.S. — it’s one of the biggest studies of its kind. Here’s what they found:
| Grooming Style | % of Women (sample ~3,300) |
|---|---|
| Tried any grooming | 84% |
| Completely bare (at least once) | 62% |
| Trimmed only | 17% |
| No grooming | 16% |
The table shows that most have shaved or removed hair at some point, but it’s not a 24/7 thing for everyone. Loads of women switch it up based on life changes, body comfort, mindset, or even just laziness. Trimming, using scissors or electric trimmers, is popular for folks who want things neat but don’t want to deal with razor bumps.
As Dr. Alicia Little, a dermatologist at Yale, puts it:
“There’s no medical reason you need to remove pubic hair. It’s all about personal hygiene, comfort, and social preference.”That means you don’t have to fit into any set trend or worry about what other people are doing.
One thing that’s shifted over the last decade is the number of girls moving away from daily shaving and exploring long-term options like waxing or laser hair removal. But still, shaving at home with a razor is by far the most common method, especially for teens and women in their 20s, mostly because it's cheap, fast, and private.
Whatever you’re doing (or not doing), you’re in good company. The key thing? Find the routine that feels good for you, not what’s trending online.
Why Grooming Trends Change
It’s wild how fast pubic hair trends can flip. In the 1970s, letting it all grow out was totally normal. By the 2000s, barely-there looks were everywhere in movies, magazines, and even ads for razors. A lot of that came from pop culture and what people saw celebrities doing. Now, social media apps like Instagram and TikTok have a huge influence—if you see influencers talking about waxing or celebrating natural hair, trends in real life usually shift, too.
There’s also a practical side. Swimsuit season or vacations make some girls more likely to shave or try laser hair removal. Comfort plays a role, too; for some, shaving is itchy and annoying, so they ditch it. For others, it just feels fresher. Cultural backgrounds and beliefs can matter a lot; for example, some families encourage grooming for religious reasons, while others never bring it up.
Healthcare trends and safety information can tip the scale, too. Doctors have begun warning that aggressive shaving can lead to cuts, infections, and irritation. More people are talking openly about these issues, which makes everyone more aware of the downsides. Meanwhile, the rise of laser hair removal clinics is making longer-term options super accessible, especially for anyone tired of daily shaving or regular waxing.
All of this means there’s no single answer when it comes to pubic hair. What’s "in" changes fast, and it mostly depends on what makes you comfortable. If you’re thinking about shaving, waxing, or switching to laser hair removal, go with whatever works for your lifestyle, body, and confidence.
Benefits and Drawbacks: Shaving vs. Natural
If you’re trying to decide between shaving and leaving your pubic hair natural, both options come with their own set of pros and cons. There’s no right answer—just what’s best for your comfort, skin type, and lifestyle.
Shaving is still the most common way girls manage pubic hair. Here’s what people tend to like and dislike about it:
- Shaving is easy to do at home and only takes a few minutes with a good razor. It gives a super smooth look and feel, which some people love for confidence or hygiene reasons.
- On the flip side, shaving can lead to annoying side effects like razor burn, bumps, redness, and ingrown hairs. Using old blades or skipping shaving gel usually makes these worse.
- Results don’t last long—usually just a couple of days before you feel stubble. It’s not pain-free, either, especially if the skin is sensitive.
Going natural, or letting pubic hair grow as it wants, has its own set of upsides and downsides:
- It’s the lowest maintenance option—no razors, no creams, no fuss. Your skin doesn’t get irritated from blades or chemicals.
- For some, natural hair helps protect against friction, cuts, and even infection by acting as a barrier.
- If you’re worried about odor, washing regularly is enough—hair itself isn’t the cause of smells.
- The only possible downside is personal preference or what you feel comfortable with, especially if you wear certain swimwear or have cultural expectations.
| Factor | Shaving | Natural |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | High (every 2-3 days) | Low (just regular washing) |
| Risk of Skin Issues | Razor burn, bumps, ingrowns | Very low |
| Comfort | Can be smooth, but sometimes itchy | Natural protection, less irritation |
| Time | 5-10 minutes per session | No extra time |
The best routine is the one you can actually stick with and that keeps your skin happy. If you want to mix things up, a lot of girls trim with scissors or electric trimmers to find a middle ground—no stubble, less fuss, and minimal risk of irritation.
Laser Hair Removal: Is It Worth It?
So, is getting rid of pubic hair with a laser really worth it? The honest answer: it depends on what you want, your budget, and your patience level. Laser hair removal isn’t some overnight fix, but it’s hands-down the most popular longer-term option if you’re tired of shaving, waxing, or trimming all the time.
Here’s how it works. A trained pro zaps the hair follicles with a laser, which keeps them from growing back (or at least slows the growth way down). Most people need about 6 to 8 sessions spaced a month apart to get the full effect. After that, you’ll probably just need the occasional touch up. It’s not totally permanent, but for most, it’s as close as you can get.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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It works best for folks with light skin and dark hair, but the tech is getting better for other skin tones and hair colors. Side effects are usually mild—redness or little bumps for a day or two. But it’s smart to go to someone certified, because burns and scarring are rare, but not impossible if the settings are wrong.
For people who spend tons of time shaving or get really annoyed with razor bumps, laser hair removal on the bikini area can be a total game changer. But if you’re on a tight budget or don’t mind dealing with hair every week or so, it might not be worth the hassle or the cost.
Tips for Safe and Comfortable Grooming
If you decide to shave, wax, trim, or do anything else to your pubic hair, comfort comes first. There are a few things people wish they’d known before grabbing a razor or booking their first laser session. Here are the must-knows for making grooming less of a hassle, whatever method you pick.
Start clean: Wash your hands and your skin before you do anything. This helps avoid infections from little cuts. Use warm water to soften the hair and open up pores if you’re shaving or waxing.
Use proper tools: Dull blades cause razor burn and bumps. You want a fresh, sharp razor or reliable electric trimmer. Avoid sharing razors with anyone else, even if it seems harmless—it’s a quick way to pass bacteria around.
If you’re shaving, try these steps for smoother, safer results:
- Always use shaving cream or a gentle gel—skip harsh soaps that dry out your skin.
- Shave in the direction the hair grows to lower your chance of ingrown hairs.
- Rinse the blade after every stroke.
- Moisturize afterward to calm your skin. A light, fragrance-free lotion does the trick.
If you’re waxing at home, patch test on a small area first. The skin near your genitals is sensitive and can react to some products.
Laser hair removal is growing fast—the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery says laser sessions jumped 51% between 2012 and 2022. If you’re considering it, look for a licensed clinic and make sure they explain the risks. Laser isn’t totally pain-free, but many say it feels like a quick snap against the skin and gets easier over time. For darker skin tones, always check that the clinic uses safe and effective lasers designed for your skin type.
Some people get irritation no matter what they do. Here’s what’s actually worth trying if you’re prone to razor bumps or redness:
- Don’t wear tight underwear right after grooming. Breathable cotton is your friend.
- Skip scented sprays or powders—these can cause more itchiness and reactions.
- Give your skin a break between sessions, especially with shaving and waxing.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet showing common pubic hair removal methods, how long results last, and possible side effects:
| Method | How Long It Lasts | Possible Side Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Shaving | 1-3 days | Razor burn, bumps, cuts |
| Waxing | 2-4 weeks | Pain, ingrown hairs, redness |
| Trimming | Varies | Minor nicks |
| Laser hair removal | Months to years (after a few sessions) | Temporary redness, rare burns or pigmentation changes |
The truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Trust your gut and what feels best for you. The goal is comfort, not matching someone else’s routine.