The Review

Issue date: 10/23/07 Section: Mosaic

I'll never forget the day I realized pubic hair was a controversial topic, and that its maintenance deserved thought. I was a young, impressionable 12-year-old bat girl for a baseball team my dad was coaching. While sitting on the bench, probably ignoring my duties and definitely eavesdropping, I heard some of the 17-year-old teammates chatting about some girl's "bush" with utter contempt and disgust.

Prior to this, I'm sure I knew about as much about the maintenance of pubes as I now know about organic chemistry, but I was instantly intrigued. After listening for a while and hearing their graphic encounters of different below-the-belt designs, I knew I would not only need to research the norms, but also let my girlfriends in on the secrets to pubic success.

Years later, the topic of pubic maintenance is still prevalent on many college campuses. Whether you prefer a bare style, au naturale or something in between, it's always an issue considered before undressing with a new partner.

Thus far, the shaved or waxed female private area seems to be the front-runner in the pubic race. This is hardly surprising. By opting to go pube-free, it shows you have given the area some attention, and perhaps the dudes out there see this as a positive attribute in a sexual partner.

There are, of course, some guys who prefer evidence that puberty occurred in their partner's panties. Even these men, who like a patch of hair - or "landing strip," so to say - aren't looking for anything that resembles a little black pom-pom. Luckily for the ladies, this style requires less work and still makes you feel like you've evolved from your diaper-wearing days.

In this department, guys are certainly not home-free. Although girls seem to care a little bit less about a guy's set-up down there, it can make a difference. Most girls would agree it can get awkward if they are presented with a naked man who has a wildly hairy chest and stomach but suddenly gets very smooth at the waistline.

Of course, no one enjoys any style comparable to a Brillo pad. And no girl is looking for a guy who requires Frizz-Ease and a high-end flat iron just to relax his wild bush. It's safe to say that if the hair's volume can be determined through any sort of fabric, maybe it's time to pull out that electric razor.

In reality, according to Healthline.com, there are no health benefits to shaving or waxing your zone, and in fact, hair removal can cause mild irritation.

There are several ways to go about your maintenance. If you have the financial capabilities or have coarse hair, waxing is a good option. It lasts much longer than shaving - usually three to four weeks - and requires less upkeep. If you don't have the $50 monthly waxing allowance, then it's fine to pull out the ol' Venus.

If you're the type who likes to keep it real and natural, more power to you. In reality, if you're having sex with someone who cares about you, chances are they won't care if your bikini line is untamed. True love generally trumps a patch of body hair.

In the end, remember that your pube style certainly is not the key to good sex, but in many instances giving that area a little bit of attention can give you confidence and can be a turn-on for whoever's in your bed.

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