From Ancient Egypt to Instagram: A Brief History of Pubic Hair Removal

I’ll be straight with you: the way we treat our pubic hair is less about looks and more about mindset. Whether you rock a full, glorious garden or prefer silky‑smooth skin, the daily ritual can anchor self‑care, boost self‑trust, and even calm a racing mind. Honestly, every stroke of the razor or moment spent moisturizing is a mini “I've-got-me” affirmation.

Ancient Rituals, Spiritual Vibes

Long before TikTok and trending hashtags, Egyptian women were already mixing sugar, water, and a squeeze of citrus to create halawa, a sticky paste that whisked away hair—and, by their logic, negative energy too. Archaeologists have found pumice stones and beeswax formulas in tombs dating back more than 4,000 years. The takeaway? Grooming has always been intertwined with wellness and ritual.

Across the Mediterranean, Greek and Roman elites followed suit. A hair‑free pubic area signaled wealth and refinement; marble statues still flaunt those standards today. While their tools (flint razors and resin) were primitive, the intention—feeling polished, powerful, and in control—mirrors how many of us use grooming for a confidence lift now.

Medieval Brows & Renaissance Foreheads (Yes, Really)

Fast‑forward to the Middle Ages: Queen Elizabeth I popularized removing brows and even hair at the hairline to lengthen the forehead, yet body hair largely stayed put. It shows how beauty ideals pivot with culture—and how personal meaning can trump practicality.

The Enlightenment to Early 1800s—Science Meets Skin

By 1760, barber Jean‑Jacques Perret invented a straight razor marketed to both sexes; in 1844, Dr. Gouraud’s depilatory powder promised “smooth, ladylike skin.” Each new gadget claimed not only cosmetic benefits but also “hygiene” and “freshness,” early code words for mental clarity and self‑respect.

When Did Women Start Shaving Pubic Hair?

Enter 1915. Gillette released the Milady Décolleté, the first safety razor sold solely to women. Ads framed pubic (and underarm) hair as an “embarrassing personal problem,” nudging generations toward the blade. So yes—if you’ve ever wondered “when did women start shaving pubic hair,” that marketing blitz is ground zero.

Pin‑Up Girls, Nylon Shortages & The Bikini Boom

World War II rationing left nylon scarce, so bare legs and closer‑cropped bikini lines hit beaches worldwide. Wax strips landed in the 1960s, electrolysis got safer in the ’70s, and swimsuits kept shrinking. A “woman shaving her pubic hair” became a glossy magazine norm rather than a hush‑hush secret.

The ’90s Brazilian Revolution

Then came the J Sisters of Manhattan. Their now‑legendary Brazilian wax—totally bare with maybe a “landing strip”—blew up after a Sex and the City cameo, cementing the hair‑free aesthetic for the next two decades. If you grew up equating femininity with zero fuzz, blame (or thank) the ’90s.

Laser & IPL: Tech Turns Self‑Care High‑Tech

Lasers arrived mid‑’90s; at‑home intense pulsed light (IPL) devices soon followed. Studies on women with hirsutism show significant jumps in quality of life and dips in anxiety after a few laser or IPL sessions. Translation: choosing long‑term smoothing can genuinely quiet that “Is it stubbly yet?” mental chatter.

From what I’ve seen, the freedom of not planning around regrowth feels like mental decluttering—one less tab open in the brain.

The Full‑Bush Comeback & Body‑Positivity

Surprise! The pendulum is swinging back. Queer icons, mainstream fashion magazines, and TikTokers have welcomed “Full Bush Summer,” framing pubic hair as an emblem of authenticity and joy. More folks are skipping removal altogether—or trimming purely for comfort.

Why All This Matters for Mental Health

Self‑efficacy. Picking your style—bare, shaped, or au naturel—reinforces that your body belongs to you.
Mindfulness. Shaving or oiling a fresh wax is forced me‑time, similar to a quick meditation.
Mood lift. Research links successful cosmetic procedures (including hair reduction) to higher confidence and lower depressive symptoms, especially in women managing conditions like PCOS PMC.

Honestly, I’ve noticed that when grooming comes from a place of care (not shame), it’s almost spa‑like—brain chemistry agrees.

Practical Tips for Whatever Path You Choose

If You’re Keeping It Natural

• Hydrate the skin. A lightweight, fragrance‑free oil keeps hair soft and skin supple.
• Gentle cleanse. Skip harsh soaps; pH‑balanced washes maintain your microbiome.
  

If You’re Trimming or Shaving

• Soften first. A warm shower opens follicles.
• Sharp tool only. Replace blades every 5–7 uses to dodge bumps.
• Go with the grain to reduce ingrowns.
• Soothe after. Aloe‑based gels calm redness fast.

If You’re Waxing or Sugaring

• Exfoliate 48 hours before.
• Breathe—slow inhales as the strip comes off lowers pain perception.
• Wear loose cotton after to prevent friction.
  

If You Want Long‑Term Smoothness

Consider investing in the IPL Home‑Use Hair Removal Device for salon‑level results without leaving your bathroom. IPL targets the hair root, so regrowth slows rather than snaps back overnight. Pair treatments with a calming serum for happy skin.

And whenever I need quick maintenance or soothing post‑care balms, I reach for the female personal care it’s like stocking a tiny spa shelf at home.

A Five‑Minute Self‑Care Ritual

• Check in. Ask, “Am I grooming for me right now?”
• Choose your tool (razor, wax, or none) mindfully.
• Set a vibe. Soft playlist, dim light, maybe eucalyptus steam.
• Slow strokes, slow breaths. Treat each pass like a gentle exhale.
• Moisturize and affirm. A quick “Thanks, body—you’re amazing” does wonders.

Your Body, Your Story—Next Steps

From Cleopatra’s sugar paste to the J Sisters’ hot wax, pubic‑hair choices have always reflected cultural waves. Today, you get to surf your own. Whether you feel your most grounded rocking a lush bikini‑line halo or savoring the fuss‑free smoothness of IPL, the real win is claiming the narrative.

So tonight, carve out ten unrushed minutes. Light a candle, grab whichever tool—or none—feels right, and remember: every swipe, snip, or blissful non‑action is a love letter to yourself.