This past spring, I wrote an article for the platform entitled, “10 Things You've Probably Wondered About Pubic Hair But Didn't Know Who To Ask.” A part of the reason why is because I had seen so many articles along the lines of Vogue’s “The Bush Is Back in 2025” — ones that pretty much exclaimed from every rooftop that pubic hair was back in a pretty major way.
What I mean by that is, although Brazilian waxes and landing strips aren’t going anywhere any time soon, the biggest trend going right now is having a bush — and being super proud of it.
And so, since we’re now in the fall season, if you’ve been on the fence about letting your “soul glow down below” — I just wanted to share a few quick reminders for why this is the absolute best time to let your pubic hair shine through (umm, so to speak).
1. Pubic Hair Protects Your Genitalia
GiphyNo matter how you feel about hair (anywhere on your body), it serves as a form of protection — this includes your pubic hair. Your vulva and vagina are strong and yet fragile at the same time when it comes to dealing with bacteria, fungi, germs and whatever your panties may have in/on them. And yes, your pubic hair helps to keep all of these things from irritating your genitalia (as much as they probably would if your pubic hair wasn’t present).
2. Pubic Hair Helps to Prevent UTI and Yeast Infections
GiphyHow wild is it that some studies say that pubic hair can actually help to keep you from getting a urinary tract infection (UTI) and/or a yeast infection? The method to the madness here is, since pubic hair has antimicrobial properties, that can actually keep bacteria and fungi from growing and (further) irritating your skin. And since things like holiday stress, consuming more sugar and possibly getting less sleep (which raises your cortisol levels) oftentimes play a direct role in the fall and winter seasons — this is definitely another reason to consider keeping your pubic hair around right now.
3. Pubic Hair Helps to Regulate Body Temperature
GiphyHere’s something that you may have never heard before — were you aware that pubic hair helps your vulva and vagina to maintain its most optimal body temperature? From what I’ve read and researched, the fibers of your pubic hair are good at holding a layer of air around, so that your vulva and vagina can feel warm in cooler temperatures and cooler in warmer temperatures. Dope.
4. Pubic Hair Is Pheromone Central
GiphyA couple of months ago, I wrote another article for the platform entitled, “Pheromones: The Truth, The Myths And Why You Should Care About Both” — and although pheromones are still a hot topic for many (as far as if they are “real” in humans are not), when it comes to them as it relates to pubic hair, there is a specific thing to keep in mind. If there is one part of your body that it would make sense that pheromones would hang out, it’s in your pubic hair — and since many believe that pheromones help to heighten attraction and arousal…well…yeah. ‘Tis the season. #wink
5. Pubic Hair Makes Sex More Comfortable
GiphyMore cushion for the pushin’. Although that saying is typically reserved for having a pubic mound or FUPA (check out “What Does It Mean To Have A 'Fatty'? Can You Do Anything To Change It?”), it can actually be in reference to pubic hair too. I say that because health professionals have been saying since, forever, that pubic hair helps to reduce friction when it comes to sex (and exercise) — and since friction can lead to the discomfort of vaginal burning, it’s a good idea to try to do whatever you can to keep that from transpiring as much as possible.
6. Pubic Hair Intensifies Orgasms
GiphyHow in the world does this make any sense? Stick with me and I’ll break it down. Something that every strand of hair is attached to is a hair follicle and hair follicles have nerve endings that can be somewhat sensitive to stimuli and touch. One sensation that pulling on hair can cause is sexual arousal — and this is why hair pulling (on your head) can be such a turn on (check out “Contrary To Popular Assumption, Black Women LOVE Getting Their Hair Pulled During Sex”). Well, when you’re having sex and you and your partner’s pubic hairs are rubbing up against each other, that can also sexually arouse you — and quite possibly lead to intensified orgasms. Yep…all from having some pubic hair.
5 Fall Care Tips for Your Pubic Hair
GiphyOkay, so now that I’ve given you six good reasons to at least consider growing (some of) your pubic hair out — let’s talk about some fall (and winter) care maintenance for a hot sec.
1. Exfoliate to prevent ingrown hairs. Even if you decide to go with a full-on bush, that doesn’t mean that the “outskirts” (the part that is outside of your bikini line) has to go without a trim, shave or wax. And if that is what you decide to do, it’s important to exfoliate your skin right before and then a couple of days after removing any hair. Not only will it help to keep ingrown hairs and razor burn from happening, it can prevent skin discoloration and dry, rough skin from becoming an issue too. As far as what to use, a homemade sugar exfoliant or a brand that contains salicylic acid or glycolic acid — both are gentle enough for your pubic region while still being able to get the job done.
2. Apply a black tea rinse. An herbal tea rinse, in general, is great for your hair (anywhere) because it helps to keep your hair hydrated and healthy. That said, if you’ve got some gray hairs popping up down below and you want to slow down the process of more coming in as gently and naturally as possible, consider applying a black tea rinse to your pubic hair. It can help to darken the grays, naturally, without irritating your genitalia in the process.
3. Condition with vitamin E. The best kind of pubic hair is when the strands are as soft and smooth as possible — and something that can make that happen is Vitamin E. Not only is this an oil that can help to deeply condition your pubic hair, it also can add sheen, increase blood circulation to your pubic region and it can help to keep your pubic hair really healthy too.
4. Eat omega-3 fatty acid-enriched foods. If you want to nourish your pubic hair from the inside out, eat foods that are rich in omega-3s. They are fatty acids that will moisturize your pubic hair’s follicles and help to reduce inflammation from the “upkeep” that you may be doing. Foods that top this list include salmon, walnuts and grass-fed meat.
5. Wear seamless underwear. If there’s any time of the year when wearing drawers makes the most sense, it’s now. That said, please make sure that your panties are made from cotton or bamboo (so that your vagina can breathe) and try and go with the kind that are seamless. Not only are they super comfortable and you can wear your sexiest and slinkiest dresses without worrying about panty lines, seamless panties also reduce the chances of irritation and chafing — which is always a win when you’re trying to protect Ms. Thang down there.
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As it gets cooler outside, it’s (pun intended) natural to look for ways to remain warm. Now that you are made aware (or reminded of) all of the ways that pubic hair can hook you up and help you out — why not give your vulva and vagina a lil’ “coat” this season?
Hmph. Seems like a stellar idea, if you ask me.
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Anyway, I personally think that the less shallow folks out here may contemplate calling things “quits” or they at least distance themselves a bit from their partner (and what I’m referring to is serious relationships) due to all of the stress and strain that oftentimes comes with the holidays whether it be financial, familial, due to their tight schedules or something else.
Listen, I would hate for you and your man to miss the fun and happiness of experiencing this time of year, all because you are so overwhelmed or irritated that you can’t really enjoy it. That’s why I have a few practical tips for how to avoid allowing the typical holiday season stress from INFECTING your relationship.
Manage Your Expectations
GiphyUnmanaged expectations. If there is a main reason why the holiday season tends to be so stress-filled for so many people, I’d bet good money that this is the cause. And when you’re in a long-term relationship, expectations can manifest themselves in all sorts of cryptic and/or unexpected ways. You might have relatives who assume that you are going to be with them for Thanksgiving or Christmas when you have other plans in mind. You might be thinking that you are going to spend one amount for presents while your man is thinking something totally different. When it comes to scheduling, your signals may be crossed.
And you know what? To all of these scenarios, this is where clear and consistent communication come in. Don’t assume anything. Don’t dictate anything either. From now until New Year’s, mutually decide to check in once a week, just to make sure that you are both on the same page as it relates to the holidays and what you both are thinking will come along with it. The less blindsided you both feel, the less stressed out you will be. Trust me on this.
Set (and Keep) a Budget
GiphyOkay, so I read that last year, 36 percent of Americans incurred some type of holiday-related debt. Hmph. Last year, there was still some sense of normalcy in this country, chile, so I can only imagine what finances are gonna look like over the next several weeks. That said, since I don’t know a lot of people who don’t find being broke stressful, make sure that you and your bae set a budget and then stick to it this year — no ifs, ands or buts.
Because really, y’all — it doesn’t make sense to deplete savings and/or max out credit cards for a few days of giggles only to be damn near losing your mind because you don’t know how to make ends meet come Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
And by the way, this tip doesn’t just speak to things like food and gifts; I also mean travel. If it doesn’t make a ton of sense (or cents) to be all over the place this year — DON’T BE.
Keep Matthew 5:37 at the Forefront
GiphyIf off the top of your head, you don’t know what Matthew 5:37 says, no worries, here ya go: “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” That verse right there? Oh, it’s a boundaries lifesaver! I say that because do you see “maybe” or “I’ll think about it” in there? Nope. LOL. It says that you should tell people “yes” or “no” and leave it at that — and that complements Anne Lamott’s quote, “’No’ is a complete sentence” impeccably well. Yeah, you’ve got to remember that anything beyond a yes or no to a request is privileged information; you don’t owe anyone details or an explanation.
Besides, if you are really honest with yourself, when someone asks you something and you give a “Umm, let me think about it” kind of reply, more times than not, you already know what your answer is going to be — so why not let you both off of the hook? Give your response. Commit to that. And let everyone (including yourself) get on with their lives and schedules.
I promise you that when it comes to those holiday parties, you are pissing more folks off by not RSVP’ing or doing so and not showing up than just saying, “Thank you but not this year” off the rip.
Remember That Your Personal Space Is Privilege Not a Right
GiphyA friend of mine recently bought a new house and invited me over to come see it. He’s a single man with no children, so as I was taking in all of the space that he had, especially as I walked through his finished basement, I joked about relatives coming to live with him. “Hell no” and “absolutely not” were pretty much his immediate responses as he went on to say that some folks even had the nerve to be offended when he told them that he had no intentions on taking DNA in.
Ain’t it wild how people think that your stuff is their right? And yes, that brings me to my next point. Your home is your sanctuary space. If you want to host folks this year — cool. If not, ALSO COOL. Please don’t let folks (family included) guilt you into how they want you to act or even into what they would do if the shoe was on the other foot. You are not them — and as one of my favorite quotes states, “If two people were exactly alike, one of them would be unnecessary.” (A man by the name Larry Dixon said that.)
Hell, my friends? They know that I am good for sending them random things that they need or even want all throughout the year. Coming over to hang out at my pace, though. Uh-uh. Chalk it up to being a card-carrying member of the ambivert club yet I like keeping my living space personal — and I sleep like a baby, each and every night, for feeling that way.
Always remember that your space, your time, your resources, your energy and shoot, yourself period (including your relationship), are all things that are your own. You get to choose how, when and why you want to share them. The holiday season is certainly no exception.
Cultivate Some “You Two Only” Traditions
GiphyIt’s not uncommon for some couples to hit me up after the holiday season to “detox.” Sometimes it’s due to the financial drama (and sometimes trauma) that they experienced. Sometimes it’s because they allowed their relatives (especially in-laws) to get more into their personal business than they should’ve. More than anything, though, it tends to be because they didn’t get enough quality time together and so ended up feeling “disconnected.”
Please don’t let that happen. Listen, I’m not even a holidays kind of woman and yet, I will absolutely sit myself down with some hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies to enjoy a Hallmark holiday film or two. Aside from the fact that most of them are lighthearted and sweet, I also like that they usually focus on couples loving on each other amidst all of the holiday beauty and ambiance — which is something that all couples should set aside some time to do.
Maybe it’s a vacation. Maybe it’s a staycation. Or maybe it’s my personal favorite, A SEXCATION. Whether it’s for a few days, the weekend or even overnight — don’t you let the holidays go by without setting aside time for you and your man to celebrate one another. Don’t you dare (check out “Are You Ready To Have Some Very Merry 'Christmas Sex'?”).
GET. SOME. REST.
GiphyI once read that 8 out of 10 people get stressed out over the holidays and 3 out of 10 lose sleep during to it — and when you’re stress-filled and sleep-deprived, that can absolutely lead to hypersensitivity, making mountains out of molehills and even not being in the mood for sex.
Your relationship can’t afford to go through any of this, so definitely make sure to prioritize rest. I don’t care how unrealistic it might seem during this time, sleep should never be seen as a luxury; it will always and forever be a great necessity.
That said, try to get no less than six hours of shut-eye in (check out “6 Fascinating Ways Sex And Sleep Definitely Go Hand In Hand”) and even ask your bae to take a nap with you sometimes (check out “Wanna Have Some Next-Level Sex? Take A Nap, Sis.”). Not only will sleep help to restore your mind, body and spirit but, when it’s with your partner, it’s an act of intimacy that can make you both feel super connected, even in the midst of what might feel like chaos.
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Holiday season stress is real. Still, never give it the permission or power to throw your relationship off. Put you and your man first and let the holidays be what they are gonna be, chile.
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Since the focus today is on hyperpigmentation, let me break that down a bit further. Basically, what gives your skin pigment is melanin. Well, when your skin cells end up getting damaged or injured, oftentimes your body’s response is to create more melanin as a part of the healing process. Problem is, sometimes your system overproduces melanin, and that can lead to darker patches of skin. This can especially be the case for our skin since we naturally produce more melanin anyway.
When hyperpigmentation transpires, we usually want to get rid of it as soon as possible. And while doing things like applying sunscreen, using skin lightening products, and even taking certain vitamins can help — the main thing to do is incorporate a gentle skincare regimen and then use patience with it. If you don’t and you go overboard in your approach, you could look up and end up with hyperpigmentation issues that are far worse (and longer lasting) than they were to begin with.
How? I’ll explain.
Using Products That Create Breakouts
GiphyWho likes getting a pimple? For me, though, what pisses me off to no end is that there is about a 70 percent chance that if one pops up, some sort of hyperpigmentation is going to be left behind whether I mess with it or not. Ugh. The reason why is because zits bring inflammation and inflammation can trigger hyperpigmentation.
So, you know what that means, right? It’s important to do all that you can to avoid getting a pimple in the first place and that includes not using products that will clog up your pores or irritate your skin like lanolin, thick butters (especially on your face), mineral oil, D&C coloring, a fatty acid called isopropyl palmitate — these are a few things that can lead to breakouts, if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s always a good idea to read the labels of the things before purchasing them.
Oh, and when it comes to things like shea and mango butter, it’s usually best to use them on other parts of your body than your face (because your face is more fragile than, say, your arms or legs).
Doing Too Much Exfoliating
GiphyI am a fan of DIY chemical peels; so much so that I wrote an entire article about it a couple of years ago (check out “I've Been Doing At-Home Chemical Peels. Here Are The Pros And Cons.”). The things that I like most about them are they are a super-effective way to exfoliate and even out my skin tone. That said, though, be careful with doing too much exfoliating whether it’s via a chemical peel, a skin scrub or even dry brushing.
Not only can over-exfoliating irritate your skin, it can dry it out, cause lots of skin flakes, lead to inflamed skin — and all of this can result in hyperpigmentation as your skin is in the process of “getting back to normal.” So, just how often should you exfoliate? Unless your skin is really oily, 1-2 times a week is more than enough (2-3 if it is on the oily side).
Layering with Too Many Products
GiphyOh, I know — if you watch too many of those TikTok and Instagram videos where women are applying 6-10 products on their face before adding any make-up to it, it can tempt you to follow suit. Use some caution with that, though. Each skincare product comes with its own list of ingredients and every time you add something else that has another set of ingredients onto it, that increases the chances of you irritating your skin or causing it to break out.
My two cents would be to ease into each product. Start with one thing and, if it’s all good (after about a week or so), incorporate another. Oh, and try to keep it down to 3-5 skincare products tops. When it comes to effective skin routines “less is more” is a motto to live by. Otherwise, redness, flaking and hyperpigmentation may be in your future.
Using Skincare Products That Contain Fragrance
GiphyAlthough applying skincare products that have a nice scent to them can cause your skin to smell amazing, sometimes they can be both an irritant as well as an allergen — and that can cause your skin’s barrier to weaken or become really irritated. And again, whenever your skin is damaged in some way, the recovery process can lead to hyperpigmentation. So, it really is best to avoid scented skin products at all costs (if you want flawless skin, that is).
Applying Too Much Heat
GiphyBet you didn’t see this one coming. How about increased blood flow, over time, can lead to hyperpigmentation. Basically, it’s because of the fact that, sometimes, too much consistent blood flow can result in skin inflammation and, as we already discussed, when the body is healing from inflammation, that can sometimes cause hyperpigmentation to occur.
The takeaway here: use sunscreen when you’re outdoors and try to keep those scorching hot showers to a minimum. Being in warm water for between 7-10 minutes is ideal.
Not Testing Products (Especially Acids) on Your Arm First
GiphySomething that definitely keeps my skin glowing is certain acids: hyaluronic acid, mandelic acid and kojic acid soap (oh and some vitamin C extract too), especially. All of these are pretty good on darker skin tones; however, because we all are different, before applying any acid to your skin, make sure to test it on your arm first (and wait 48 hours, just to be sure that the coast is clear).
Trust me, I know of what I speak because I once tried some pretty potent pineapple extract on my face once and it mildly burned the lower part of my right cheek to the point where it took about four months before everything turned back to normal. Hmph, if I can keep anyone from experiencing that drama, I absolutely will.
7. Experimenting with Harsh Essential Oils
GiphyListen, if you want a zit to go away, damn near overnight, apply some tea tree oil to it. Just make sure that you dilute it with a light carrier oil (like grapeseed, jojoba or rosehip oil) first. Why? Oh, I have learned from very up close and personal experience that certain essential oils can also burn your skin and, as we’ve already discussed, ad nauseum at this point, damaged skin typically results in hyperpigmentation on some level. Yeah, essential oils are a blessing. They are also nothing to play with. Dilute, dilute, DILUTE.
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You know, they say that it can take several weeks, if not many months, for hyperpigmentation to totally fade away. Hmph. To me, that’s even more incentive to do all that you can to avoid it transpiring in the first place — and that includes NOT incorporating counterproductive skincare routines and regimens.
The more you know, sis. For real.
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