HEALTH

Is there a purpose for pubic hair?

Are you supposed to shave all the hair that’s down there?

Hair “down there” is a totally normal sign of puberty. And, yes, pubic hair has a purpose – it blocks bacteria from getting into your vagina. “Hair can appear around the vagina, throughout the bikini line and down your thighs,” says Dr. Upright.

How much hair you want to shave (if any) is your choice. Many women shave just the bikini line – the area your bathing suit doesn’t cover. Dr. Upright suggests cleaning the area you want to shave with a washcloth or loofah first. Then, using a clean razor and shaving cream, remove the unwanted hair (see page 64 for more tips).

If you have strays within your bikini line, you can pluck them with tweezers or trim them very carefully with scissors. Try a pair of safety tip scissors, like La Cross by Sally Hansen, or ones from a grooming kit. Just not those heavy-duty ones in the kitchen – ouch (and gross)! And be super careful – you don’t want to look like a Chia Pet.

TELL US NOW! Are you havin' body bummers? Click on SEND A QUESTION below to send in your most important body qs.

We want to hear from you! Send us your weirdest body questions here (seriously, we'll answer anything!) and it just might get featured.

by GL | 2/1/2016