There is no single global standard for pubic hair removal. Many cultures, including parts of South Asia, East Asia, and various Indigenous communities, traditionally do not shave pubic hair, considering it a natural or spiritually meaningful part of the body.
South and East Asian traditions
In South Asia, particularly within Hindu and Ayurvedic practices, pubic hair is often left as is. Ancient texts do not promote removal for hygiene or purity, and some believe it helps maintain the body’s natural energy and protection. While wedding rituals may include grooming, full removal is not a standard part of these customs.
In Japan, the practice of hadaka no tsukiai—being nude in communal baths—normalizes natural body hair without social pressure to remove it. Korea has seen changing beauty standards, especially among younger people, but older generations and traditional medicine do not emphasize pubic hair removal.
Indigenous perspectives on natural hair
Many Indigenous cultures across Africa, the Americas, and the Pacific have long viewed body hair as a natural state. In parts of East Africa, pubic hair is seen as a sign of health and maturity. Some communities do not practice removal, considering it unnecessary or even disruptive to natural balance.
Among Native American tribes, body hair was often seen as part of one’s spirit or connection to the earth. There was no widespread tradition of removal. In Samoa, Tonga, and Hawaii, traditional lifestyles included minimal grooming, with natural body hair accepted as normal.
Religious and spiritual views
Islamic teachings recommend removing pubic hair as part of fitrah, or natural cleanliness, ideally every 40 days. This practice, called istihdad, is followed by many Muslims, though interpretations vary, some trim rather than fully remove, and others adapt the practice to modern life.
Buddhism does not require or forbid pubic hair removal. Monks and nuns may shave their heads as a sign of renunciation, but body hair practices differ widely. In Judaism, some Orthodox women remove pubic hair before ritual immersion in the mikveh, but this is specific to religious observance, not daily life. Christianity has no official stance, though some monastic traditions involve bodily discipline.
Historical and modern shifts in Europe
European attitudes have changed over time. During the Renaissance, some aristocratic women removed body hair as a sign of refinement, but working-class women often did not. The Victorian era emphasized modesty over removal. In the 20th century, especially after World War II, Western fashion and swimwear trends increased pressure to remove pubic hair.
Today, the body positivity movement challenges these norms. More people, especially younger generations, are choosing to keep pubic hair as a personal or political statement. Social media has helped normalize natural body hair, contributing to a broader cultural shift.
Factors influencing grooming choices
Climate, hygiene beliefs, and practical comfort also shape practices. In hot, humid regions, some find hair removal more comfortable, while in colder areas, body hair may be valued for warmth. Traditional Chinese medicine sometimes views hair as protective for sensitive areas.
Medical professionals generally agree that pubic hair removal is a personal choice. While removal can increase the risk of irritation or infection, proper hygiene matters more than hair presence. Across cultures, women often face more pressure to remove hair than men, though this is slowly changing in some places.