The younger generation prefers total hair removal, even in intimate areas. Also called Hollywood or full brazilian hair removal, the removal of all hair from the pubic areas is now widespread among young people, who find the glabrous vulva more aesthetically attractive, but also more hygienic and healthy, influencing even the more mature age groups. But are we sure that, from a health perspective, this is really the case?
Total hair removal for eight out of 10 women
While in 2015 only about 15 percent of women practiced total hair removal, today estimates for Italy and Europe indicate that about half of the female population opts for full pubic hair removal. Observational studies indicate that more than 80% have removed pubic hair (at least partially) at least once in their lifetime. One of these, published in JAMA Dermatology and based on a sample of more than 3,300 American women, found that 84% practiced hair removal and 62% opted for total removal. Under 30, the “nude” style is now considered almost the norm, but the over-40s are also increasingly attracted to it, although “bikini style” hair removal (sides only) or partial removal remains more common in this age group. Most women (83 percent) say they shave completely to feel cleaner. Six out of 10 respondents believe that hairless genitals are more attractive to their partners. A significant proportion report that they feel more comfortable in sportswear or scruffy swimsuits
Total hair removal and vulvodinia: what link?
According to a study from the School of Public Health in Boston, published in the Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease, this practice, so fashionable today, could hide several pitfalls for women’s health. According to the authors, 50 to 70 percent of women totally shave every week, often using methods, such as manual or electric razors, that are responsible for skin micro-lesions that can cause complications. In fact, the data showed that those who shave the mound of Venus and the external genitalia have a higher risk of experiencing inflammation and chronic pain of the vulvar region, compared to those who remove only the lateral and visible hairs, demarcating the area of the panties.
The researchers (a group of U.S. faculty students) analyzed the habits of 213 women between the ages of 18 and 40 with clinically confirmed cases of vulvodinia, comparing them with 221 other women in the same health network and age group, but without vulvar pain: they found that those who wore jeans or tight pants four or more times a week were twice as likely to suffer from vulvodinia than the others.
About 70% of women in both groups also reported removing pubic hair, but those who practiced total hair removal were 74% more likely to suffer from chronic vulvar pain, compared with women who only shaved the bikini area. Compared with those who only shaved the bikini area less than once a month, those who performed total hair removal weekly or more often were almost twice as likely to manifest vulvodinia
The opinion of gynecologists
The mound of Venus is a soft layer of fatty tissue covering the pubic bone, located in the lower abdomen above the external genitalia, which acts as a protective shield. Removing hair from this area involvesremoving the most visible part of this valuable film that protects the female external genitalia. In fact, the surface of the vulva is covered by an invisible biological shield, composed of layers of overlapping cells and a mixture of water and sebum. The former moisturizes the mucous membranes, while the latter lubricates. In addition, sebum contains pheromones (molecules released by the organism into the external environment to promote attractiveness and genetic compatibility with other individuals, mainly for sexual and reproductive purposes), as well as an army of beneficial microorganisms, which defend us from pathogens, and make up the so-called vulvar microbiota. Habits such as total depilation and excessive hygiene can compromise this balance. Scientific research shows that removing this barrier increases local dryness, doubles the risk of contracting viruses such as Papillomavirus and Herpes, and from germs of intestinal origin, such as Escherichia coli, that cause vaginitis and cystitis, and increases the likelihood of developing vulvodinia. Moreover, by eliminating pheromones, you lose the olfactory identity that makes each woman unique. For this reason, gynecologists currently advise against the habitual practice of total hair removal, recommending rather to keep the area “tidy” by removing only the excess hairs that sprout from the briefs.