Cultural Norms and Practices of Body Hair Removal
Summary
Body hair removal is a widespread cultural practice shaped by aesthetic, hygienic and social imperatives. Across many societies, hair removal from the legs, underarms and pubic area conveys notions of beauty, cleanliness and morality. Historical records reveal techniques such as sugaring, threading and early chemical depilatories in ancient civilisations, while modern methods include waxing, laser therapy and electrolysis. Contemporary media and peer influences perpetuate hair-free ideals, particularly for women, whereas men may retain facial or torso hair to affirm masculinity. Anthropological investigations document both convergence towards smoothness in globalised cultures and counter-movements celebrating natural hair as an expression of identity. Research into dermatological, microbiological and psychological outcomes of removal practices informs public health guidance, industry standards and consumer education on safe grooming and informed choice.
Research from Nature Portfolio
Recent studies have examined the health consequences of frequent pubic hair removal. A large cohort analysis found that women engaging in weekly complete depilation did not demonstrate higher overall urinary tract infection rates but experienced a threefold increase in recurrent infections, highlighting the protective role of hair in maintaining a microbial barrier. Additional foundational work has characterised microabrasions and localized inflammation following various removal techniques, suggesting that repeated epidermal disruption may predispose to secondary skin infections. These insights underscore the importance of evaluating both aesthetic and physiological impacts when advising on grooming frequency and technique.
Cultural Norms and Practices of Body Hair Removal publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in cultural norms and practices of body hair removal across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Depilation: Removal of hair at or above the skin surface, typically by shaving or chemical means.
Recurrent urinary tract infection: Occurrence of three or more urinary infections within a 12-month period.
Microbial barrier: A surface layer of commensal microorganisms that helps protect underlying tissues from pathogenic invasion.
Meta-analysis: A quantitative method that combines data from multiple studies to derive a pooled estimate of effect.
References
- Extreme pubic hair removal as a potential risk factor for recurrent urinary tract infections in women. Scientific Reports (2023).
- Pubic Hair Shaving Is Correlated to Vulvar Dysplasia and Inflammation: A Case‐Control Study. Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology (2017).
- Effects of pubic hair grooming on women’s sexual health: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Women's Health (2024).
- Practices and complications of pubic hair removal among Saudi women. BMC Women's Health (2018).
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