Here Are The Pros And Cons About Different Types Of Pubic Hair Maintenance
One thing about being a "godmommy" and "love auntie" (which are nieces who came through love, not blood) is your “girls” will be asking you all kinds of stuff that they may not necessarily feel comfortable asking their mom about. And, for better or for worse, I am at the season where a lot of mine are either preteens or full-blown teenagers (Lord, where does the time go?!), so here come all of the random emails, texts, and phone calls. And, for whatever the reason, a burning topic right now has been pubic hair — whether to keep it and/or what to exactly do with it.
Personally, I am Team Pubic Hair. It makes sex more comfortable by reducing the sometimes uncomfortable friction that comes from intercourse. It can reduce the transmission of bacteria if you happen to have tiny abrasions around your vulva (the outer part of your vagina) or pubic mound. It can even intensify sexual activity since pubic hair tends to carry pheromones.
Yet just because I’m all about keeping the hair that naturally grows in that area around, that doesn’t mean that I don’t think that some intentional and consistent grooming shouldn’t be going down in the process. And since there are a few different routes that we all can take in that department, I want to share some of the options that I told my girls — with a heads up to their mamas, of course — about, along with the benefits and potential challenges that come with each of ‘em.
The Pros & Cons of Trimming Your Pubic Hair
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PROS: So long as you have the proper tools (either some facial hair shears because they have rounded tips that are safer or an electric trimmer that’s specifically designed for pubic hair), probably the greatest pros with trimming your pubic hair is that it’s cheap and convenient as all get out. You can do it from the comfort (and privacy) of your own home at any time you feel the need.
CONS: As someone who trims sometimes in between appointments, one con is it can be hard to see what you’re doing; not only that, but feeling around can take for-e-ver. Also, if you’re gonna go with an electric trimmer, you should make sure to oil the blades before and after each trim; otherwise, you run a high chance of the blade snagging some of your hairs or nicking you — and trust me, both really suck.
Definitely rinse the blade thoroughly to reduce the risk of bacteria and bumps (especially if you’re going for a close trim) and replace the blades on your trimmer every 3-4 months; that way, they don’t get dull.
The Pros & Cons of Shaving Your Pubic Hair
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PROS: If you want to clean up your bikini line completely and you want to do so while keeping some coins in your pocket, shaving is a way to go. It’s something else that’s relatively easy to do at home and, so long as you get a really good razor (word on the street is Schick Women’s Quattro Razor Exotic Violet Blooms is a great one), it can have your bikini line looking and feeling baby soft smooth. Just make sure to dampen your skin, apply a shaving gel or cream first, or, if you’d prefer a more natural alternative, go with something along the lines of coconut or olive oil or even some aloe vera gel.
CONS: I still shave my legs (not really sure why, now that I think about it; I should probably get those waxed), and while it’s cool for the most part, the most annoying thing is how fast the stubble starts to come back; same point applies to shaving pubic hair. Plus, if you want an extra close shave and you decide to go against the grain, that significantly increases your chances of experiencing razor bumps and the scars that can come from them, which can be a low-key nightmare.
You can avoid this by never going against the grain, applying gentle pressure as you shave, and re-wetting your razor every 2-3 strokes. Another con? If you decide to remove all of your pubic hair this way, the growing out process can be a mutha. The itchiness alone, chile? Hard pass.
The Pros & Cons of Using Hair Removal Cream for Your Pubic Hair
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PROS: If you want a pubic hair removal method that is fast, inexpensive, and easy to do yourself, another option is going with a hair removal cream like Nair. Since it’s painless and even removes hair right beneath the surface, this method typically lasts longer than shaving.
Word on the street is that depilatories (another name for hair removal) can also help to make your hair grow back softer with consistent use (although some studies say that they actually increase the amount of hair follicles in mice). Also, since no razors are involved, you don’t have to worry about unsightly ingrown hairs becoming an issue.
CONS: I’ve got a girlfriend who has been Nair-ing her pubic region for basically all of her adult life — not just her bikini line either; she gets rid of it all. According to her, the smell of the Nair and the minor skin burns that can come from leaving the cream on too long (if you’re not careful) are her biggest issues. When it comes to the stench, a baking soda rinse can help. When it comes to the burn, just make sure to follow the directions to a T.
The Pros & Cons of Waxing Your Pubic Hair
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PROS: I’ve been waxing for several years now, and it really is one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made. Although I do like some evidence of being out of puberty being down below (pretty sure you can read below, well, I mean between the lines there), it has been the perfect solution for my bikini line. That’s because, since waxing pulls your pubic hair from its roots, when this consistently transpires, it not only damages those hair follicles, it can alter the texture of your pubic hair as well as cause it to become thinner and quite possibly stop growing altogether after a couple of years (of regular treatment).
Not only that, but as you’re waiting for all of this to happen, you can oftentimes go between 2-5 weeks before needing to wax that area all over again.
CONS: If you want someone to lie to you and say that waxing isn’t painful to some and highly comfortable to others (like me), I ain’t the one, chile. Listen, it took me a solid nine months (give or take a couple of appointments) to get to where waxing wasn’t annoying the mess outta me. One thing that helped was having my waxer apply some oil to my bikini line before applying the wax; that way, the wax is pulling on the hair and less on my actual skin. Another potential con is it’s not as inexpensive as the other options I’ve already talked about, especially if you’re gonna go to a professional spa or salon.
Oh, and if you’ve somehow convinced yourself that DIY’ing it will be easier, chile, naw. Usually, that takes even longer because it can take quite a bit of trial and error to find a comfortable wax (and temperature). Plus, most women don’t take the “just rip off the Band-Aid” approach to pulling wax strips off in the way that professionals do. And that pull-ouch-pull-ouch dance can take hours out of your day. Yes, literally.
The Pros & Cons of Sugaring Your Pubic Hair
Sugaring
PROS: I’ve been rockin’ with my waxer for quite some time now. Yet when she was out of commission for a season, I had to find someone to be her temporary stand-in. What I landed on was someone who does sugaring. If you’re not familiar with what that is, sugaring is all about mixing sugar, lemon, and water together to create a paste that is similar to wax in order to get rid of unwanted hair.
The major perks with sugaring are the ingredients are all-natural, some say it’s less painful than waxing because it doesn’t actually stick to the skin (I’d say it’s a bit more comfortable), and it can eventually lead to permanent hair loss. Another thing worth noting about sugaring is you can keep going over the same area without worrying about damaging your skin. That makes sense, considering that the sugar solution doesn’t attach itself to it in the same way that waxing does.
Oh, and because it is an all-natural method that requires very few ingredients, sugaring is also something that you can do at home. A video that can help you out is located here.
CONS: All in all, I only have one con when it comes to sugaring. Because it sometimes doesn’t “catch” the hairs on the first or even second try, sometimes the end result isn’t as baby smooth as I would personally prefer. I’ve also noticed that sometimes sugaring doesn’t result in clean lines like waxing strips do. Yet that second con can oftentimes be mastered with a bit of practice. Either way, if you’ve always wondered if it truly is an effective way to remove body hair, it is. One that has less chemicals than wax too.
The Pros & Cons of Laser Hair Removal for Your Pubic Hair
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PROS: If you’re going for a longer-lasting approach to pubic hair removal (after 4-6 visits, you will probably only need to remove your pubic hair every couple of years), lasering can make that happen. Many experts say that you will need to go somewhere around five times, spaced four weeks apart, in order to receive lasting results. And as far as other benefits go, lasering is quick (usually around 15 minutes per session), is typically less painful than even waxing or sugaring, can help to even out your skin tone while removing unwanted hairs, and avoids the end result of ingrown hairs that can come from tweezing and/or shaving.
CONS: Imma tell you, off the rip, what will keep me from trying this option is the cost. It would be one thing if I could knock out all of the hair in one visit; however, since it isn’t a permanent form of hair removal for most, $300 a session (minimum) is too steep for my blood. Also, there are some professionals who say that it’s not the best option for deeply melanated skin, and if your skin is naturally dry, laser hair removal could make matters worse instead of better.
The Pros & Cons of Electrolysis for Your Pubic Hair Removal
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PROS: If you’re someone who has used electrolysis to remove pubic hair before, please jump into the comments and tell us how the experience was because there’s something about a probe (usually in the form of a tiny needle) going into my skin that doesn’t exactly sound like a trip to Six Flags. Nonetheless, I have read and researched that electrolysis is a win if you’re looking for a hair removal method that requires no downtime, can work on all skin types, and can be done even if you happen to be on your period or are pregnant. Plus, the process is relatively quick (between 15-60 minutes, depending on how much hair you’re removing), and the risk of infection is quite low.
CONS: To say that you won’t feel anything during the procedure is a stretch. Some folks say it feels like an annoying tingle, while others have shared that it’s mildly uncomfortable. A workaround for that is some numbing cream that your electrologist can apply because you will probably feel it more than laser treatments plus, you will have to have more sessions before all of the hair is completely gone. Electrolysis also isn’t cheap; each session will land you somewhere between $50-200.
Bonus: The Pros & Cons of Dyeing for Your Pubic Hair
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Between these huge breast-es-sis of mine and me quite frankly, not being as limber as a sistah used to be, I don’t see all of the gray hair developments that my waxer LOVES to point out are transpiring down below. When I have taken a mirror down there to see what’s up, I’m fine with it (now…LOL).
Yet, if you’re not when it comes to your own pubic hair, there are dyes that you can try. Personally, I would recommend going with an option that is specifically designed for pubic hair, like the Betty Beauty line (here) or the MiniKINI Colour line (here) because they contain ingredients that will reduce the risk of irritation.
Me? I trim my pubic hair far too often for dyeing it to even make sense. Besides, a grown vagina is a blessed one, gray hairs ‘n all. All good, chile. All good.
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There you have it: a cheat sheet on how to keep your own pubic hair right where and how you want it to be. Feel free to hop in the comments and share what works best for you and why. Knowledge is power…even when it comes to our hair that’s down below.
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It's kinda wild that, in 2025, my byline will have appeared on this platform for (what?!) seven years. And yeah, when I'm not waxing poetic on here about sex, relationships and then...more sex and relationships, I am working as a certified marriage life coach, helping to birth babies (as a doula) or penning for other places (oftentimes under pen names).
As some of you know, something that I've been "threatening" to do for a few years now is write another book. Welp, October 2024 was the month that I "gave birth" to my third one: 'Inside of Me 2.0: My Story. With a 20-Year Lens'. It's fitting considering I hit a milestone during the same year.
Beyond that, Pumas and lip gloss are still my faves along with sweatshirts and tees that have a pro-Black message on them. I've also started really getting into big ass unique handbags and I'm always gonna have a signature scent that ain't nobody's business but my own.
As far as where to find me, I continue to be MIA on the social media front and I honestly don't know if that will ever change. Still, if you need to hit me up about something *that has nothing to do with pitching on the site (I'm gonna start ignoring those emails because...boundaries)*, hit me up at missnosipho@gmail.com. I'll do what I can. ;)
There’s just something about HBCU Homecoming that just hits different. Whether it’s your first time stepping onto the yard since graduation or you’re a regular at every Homecoming tailgate, HBCU pride is undeniable. It’s a vibrant celebration that unites the legacy of excellence and tradition with the energy and resilience of Black culture.
The experience goes beyond a typical college reunion; HBCU Homecoming is a family reunion, a fashion show, a cultural festival, and a week-long turn-up that embodies what it means to be unapologetically Black and educated. For HBCU alumni, the journey back to the yard each year is rooted in a love and pride that’s hard to put into words but impossible to deny.
From statement pieces to tech must-haves, every item represents the intersection of Black pride and HBCU love, ensuring that you show up to the yard in style and with intention. So whether you’re repping your alma mater for the first time since graduation or looking for fresh pieces to express your HBCU pride, these essentials will have you standing out, because, at HBCU Homecoming, it’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing out.
Thread Goals
diarrablu Jant Pants in Alia Noir
High-waisted, wide-legged, and ready to shut down the yard, the Jant Pants by diarrablu bring a whole new meaning to campus chic. Handcrafted in Dakar, Senegal, these free-flowing jacquard pants are perfect for stepping onto the yard with style and ease—making them a must-have for any HBCU alum’s closet.
Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Leather Bag Classic Size in Olive
This all-in-one luxury bag isn’t a bestseller for nothing. The Silver & Riley essential is made of Italian calfskin leather and thoughtfully designed, as it can be worn in four different ways: a shoulder bag, crossbody, a top handle, and a backpack. Chic and elegant, the Convertible Executive Leather bag is “the bag that every woman needs in her collection.”
Renowned Women's Intuition Cotton Graphic T-Shirt
Renowned
Renowned’s Women’s Intuition Cotton Graphic T-shirt features a bold graphic print inspired by the power and essence of women’s intuition. With its striking design, this all-cotton tee is a vibrant thing, making it a statement piece that celebrates feminine energy.
Mifland Million M Mesh Crop Shirt
Talk about bold, the Million M Mesh Crop Shirt combines edgy style with comfort, featuring Mifland’s signature print on a semi-see-through mesh fabric. Show up and show out in sophisticated flair.
HBCU Love FUBU
Melanin Is Life Melanated & Educated - I Love My HBCU Hoodie
Show off your HBCU love with this piece that represents everything you gained from your alma mater: a top-tier education, a community that lifts you up, and a deep sense of esteem for yourself and your culture. Wear it loud and proud, because being melanated and educated isn’t just a flex—it’s a legacy.
HBCU Culture Spelmanite Sweatshirt in Navy
Spelmanites, rep your Spelman pride with this unisex crewneck sweatshirt, designed for ultimate comfort and a relaxed fit. Made from a cozy cotton/polyester blend, this classic sweatshirt is as durable as it is stylish—making it an ideal piece for any Spelmanite showing love for their alma mater.
HBCU Culture Howard Is The Culture T-Shirt
Rock the ultimate flex by showcasing your Howard U love with HBCU Culture’s Howard Is The Culture t-shirt. This unisex tee offers a comfortable, relaxed fit that’s perfect for celebrating your HBCU spirit without sacrificing style or comfort.
DungeonForward FAMU - Strike Bucket - Reversible
DungeonForward’s Strike Bucket Hat brings versatility and style to the FAMU Crown collection with its reversible design, giving you two looks in one. Featuring a sleek black snakeskin-embossed brim lining and a bold outline Rattler emblem, this hat is all about repping your Rattler pride in style.
DungeonForward Savannah State University - HBCU Hat - TheYard
The Savannah State University HBCU Hat by DungeonForward is more than just a hat—it’s a symbol of Tiger pride and a nod to the culture. Perfect for gamedays, tailgates, or just showing off your HBCU love, this hat lets you carry a piece of the yard wherever you go.
Tech the Halls
Anker iPhone 16 Portable Charger, Nano Power Bank
Stay charged up with the Anker Nano Power Bank, which features dual USB-C ports, a foldable connector, and a compact design, making it perfect for those HBCU tailgates and late-night parties you pull up to.
Drip Check
Wisdom Frame 14 Square Sunglasses
Elevate your look with these angular square-frame sunglasses by Wisdom, bringing an ultramodern edge to any outfit. The sleek design makes them perfect for blocking out the haters while you stunt on the yard.
Coco and Breezy Eyewear Fortune in Gray Turquoise
The Fortune Glasses in Grey Turquoise is a bold statement piece to any Homecoming weekend ‘fit that “embody our fearless and outspoken DNA.” With their color and edgy design, these frames by Coco and Breezy are perfect for anyone looking to stand out and express their unapologetic confidence.
Howard U Lapel Pin
Rep your Bison pride wherever you go with this Howard U Lapel Pin from Pretty AmbVision. Whether adding it to your jacket, shirt, or bag, this pin is the perfect way to showcase your love for your alma mater while rocking your HBCU love with honor and distinction.
Mifland Standard Rucksack Mini
The Standard Rucksack is designed to evolve like that HBCU pride—getting richer, bolder, and better with time. Durable, stylish, and built to last, this Rucksack by Mifland is a timeless piece equipped with versatile carrying options and fully adjustable back straps for ultimate comfort.
Stay Fresh, Stay Blessed
Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask in Pink
Keeping it cute starts with beauty sleep. This luxurious silk mask is an essential for a reason. If protecting your skin and waking up refreshed is your priority, look no further than this Homecoming essential.
Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier Lemon Lime - Hydration Powder Packets
Stay hydrated and energized throughout Homecoming weekend with this Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier in Lemon Lime. Just add a packet to your water bottle, and bless your body with 2-3 times more hydration than water with every packet. Because staying hydrated is the key to popping up and showing out all weekend long!
Loop Experience Plus Earplugs High Fidelity Hearing Protection
Designed for your hearing protection, these sleek earplugs reduce noise without compromising sound quality—perfect for enjoying the band’s halftime show, late-night parties, and DJ sets. Whether you’re front row at the step show or hitting the yard, your ears deserve to be protected in style!
Black Girl Magic Glass Cup
Sip in style and celebrate your melanin with the Black Girl Magic Glass Cup. Perfect for morning coffee, your favorite iced drink, or showing off your HBCU pride on the yard—this cup is all about keeping it cute while radiating your endless supply of Black Girl Magic.
Glow Up & Show Out
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
What Homecoming weekend can be complete without an assist from this beauty find? Formulated to blend seamlessly into melanin-rich skin (no white-cast), protect your glow while you turn up with the Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30.
Sienna Naturals Issa Rae's Wash Day Ritual Set
Issa Rae’s Wash Day Ritual Set from Sienna Naturals includes the H.A.PI. Shampoo, the Plant Power Repair Mask, Dew Magic, and Lock and Seal to get your crown right. Whether you’re repping your coils or rocking a new color on the yard, these products restore and nourish your strands, keeping your hair healthy, strong, and Homecoming-ready!
54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter
Stay glowing from the tailgate to the after-party with the 54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter. Infused with African-sourced ingredients, this rich, multi-purpose butter is the answer to keeping your skin soft and radiant through all the festivities all Homecoming long.
Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil
Keep your lips looking luscious and nourished with the Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil. Perfect for adding an extra pop to your pout before hitting the yard or freshening up between events, this lip oil is a beauty essential for staying camera-ready all weekend.
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
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Ananda Lewis Clarifies Why She Didn't Get A Mastectomy & Says She's Doing 'Better' After Stage IV Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis received a lot of backlash from online critics after sharing she decided to forgo a double mastectomy. But there's more to the story.
Ananda was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in 2019, and during a recent round table discussion with CNN's Stephanie Elam and Sara Sidner, she revealed that she decided not to get a double mastectomy and, now, she has stage IV cancer.
Following that interview, she clarified why she did not get the surgery. “The circumstances were not conducive to surgery because my tumor wasn’t aggressively growing at the time, and then COVID hit,” Ananda told The Epoch Times.
She opted for a cryoablation treatment instead, which uses extreme cold to destroy the cancer cells.
Another thing the 51-year-old wanted to clarify was whether she was dying. She said she is not. “Nothing happened. Today, I am fantastic. I may have felt like I was dying in February, but I’m not dying, and I’m definitely doing better than I was last October,” she said.
She is focused on taking care of herself and getting a "good 20 more years out of this body." She follows a keto diet and avoids alcohol, white flour and white sugar.
During the CNN roundtable discussion, the mother of one shared that she had an integrative approach to her treatment, which included traditional medicine and homeopathy methods such as red light therapy.
“My plan at first was to get out excessive toxins in my body. I felt like my body is intelligent, I know that to be true. Our bodies are brilliantly made,” she said.
“I decided to keep my tumor and try to work it out of my body a different way,” she continued. “Looking back on that, I go, ‘You know what? Maybe I should have.’
Ananda also admitted that she wasn't prioritizing early detection, such as getting mammograms. The former talk show host's mom also had breast cancer and chose to go the conventional route, which influenced her to go a non-traditional route.
As a content creator, Ananda uses her social media to inform others on the things she's learned about obtaining good health such as toxic items to through out of your pantry and the many benefits of water.
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