Abstract

DIAZ-MARTINEZ, Luis Alfonso. Historical and social contextualization of female pubic hair removal. Rev Colomb Obstet Ginecol [online]. 2013, vol.64, n.4, pp.453-461. ISSN 0034-7434.

Objective: To show that female pubic hair shaving, a common current practice, is the result of changing trends in dress and fashion, and of the marketing strategies of the manufacturers of hair removal devices; and to consider what women today argue as their reasons for this practice. Materials and methods: The historical background for pubic hair removal is presented, including the approach in other cultures, the frequency and the reasons for this practice at present; the marketing and communication strategies are reviewed. Conclusions: The current female beauty imagery in this early part of the 21st century involves the search for an ideal of smooth hairfree skin which is only achievable through artificial means, leading society as a whole to consider it the standard for cosmetic, hygienic, erotic and selfimage reasons.

Keywords : Pubic hair; body image; genital shaving; body hair removal; shaving; femininity.

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