Yep. Pubic Hair Has Trends (And Specific Needs) Too.
Recently, while watching a skit by an actor who goes by the name Bigg Jah, it took me a hot minute to realize that it was basically a long commercial for a manscaper (clever…very clever, my man). The first thing that came to my mind is, I really dig the fact that more and more Black men are speaking up about self-care and grooming (very dope). The second thing I thought was, I wonder what the best "womenscapers" are. (I found a list of 'em here.) Then, as my mind began to wander even more, I wondered if, like virtually everything in life, did pubic hair actually have annual trends. Yep. It does.
If you're like a friend of mine who basically goes by the motto, "I don't care what the pubic hair trends are because I Nair mine off and go about my business", I hear you. It's your cooty-cat; do what you will.
But I do think that it should go on record that pubic hair does exist for a reason—and a purpose. Mostly, it's there to protect our vaginas from unwanted bacteria (and pathogens and lint), plus it can shield us from getting tiny abrasions during sex; abrasions that could make the transmission of STDs easier to receive from our partner (if they happen to have one and don't know it). Then there's a perk that a lot of people either forget or don't know about—pubic hair traps in pheromones; the kind of pheromones that make men and women, well, hornier.
Even though pubic hair can be a bit of a nuisance at times, I know many men who absolutely prefer women who have at least a little something down there. "I want to feel like I'm having sex with a grown ass woman, not a little girl" is the rationale that I typically hear. Still, that doesn't automatically mean that you have to go all 1970s bush on 'em. There are some trends that are cute, creative and pretty easy to maintain if you'd rather do your "ladyscaping" from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Let's look into a few.
What Are the Current Trends Down There?
As far as trends go, this is what several sources revealed will be big in the year of our Lord, 2020:
The Bermuda Triangle. If you want your vagina to look like it's past puberty and you don't want to endure the pain of going completely bald (which is technically called The Brazilian in spas and salons), a happy medium is The Bermuda Triangle. It's when all of the hair but a triangle that points to your actual lips is removed. A lot of women like it because it's ideal during the summer season when you want some hair, but you don't want anything close to your bikini line.
The Five o'clock Shadow. I'm thinking this is pretty self-explanatory, but just to be on the safe side, it's when you've got a little more than stubble down there. The main thing to remember with this is the clean up the "outlining areas" like right where your bikini line hits. Oh, and in order to pull this one off, you'll probably need to shave/trim on a weekly basis.
The Martini Glass. One more. If you've never heard of The Martini Glass before, it's like a hybrid of The Bermuda Triangle and The Landing Strip (you know, when there's only one thin line of hair that runs down to where your vaginal lips are). What you do is you start off making a triangle, but right when you get to the "fattest" or "fleshiest" part of your vulva, you narrow the triangle into a line so that it literally ends up looking like—ta-da!---a martini glass (drink up, fellas!).
How to Properly Care for Your Pubic Hair
Trimming your pubic hair is only one part of maintaining it. There are a few pampering tips that you should apply on a weekly basis as well.
Exfoliate. There are two (main) reasons why exfoliating your pubic hair is a good thing to do. First, it can help to remove dead skin cells and keep your pores around your vaginal region clean and clear. Secondly, it can loosen up your hairs before you shave so that you don't end up with bumps or unsightly ingrown hairs. The most effective way to exfoliate your pubic hair is to either dry brush before taking a bath or shower or to wash your pubes with a pair of exfoliating bath gloves.
Condition. Tell the truth and shame the devil. When's the last time that you intentionally conditioned your pubic hair? It might seem like a strange thing to do but think about it—all hair feels better after it's been conditioned. Plus, hopefully, you've got someone spending a little time down there. Don't you want those hairs to feel silky soft for him? While I don't recommend slathering on the conditioner that you use for your head (the chemicals may be a bit much), putting a few drops of jojoba oil into your bathwater is an awesome way to get—and keep—your pubic hair feeling pretty wonderful. You can back that up with a little sweet almond or grapeseed oil once you get out of the tub if you want your pubes to feel extra smooth.
Soften. In order to pull off some of those trends that I mentioned, never shave while your pubic hair is dry. Always dampen it with warm water (you can use a spray bottle if you'd like) and apply some shaving cream. If you're worried that the cream could irritate your actual vulva (the external part of your vagina), clitoris or vagina, you can nix a lot of the extra chemicals by making your own. Click here and here for some easy to make recipes.
Shave. The main thing to remember when it comes to shaving is your razor needs to glide along the grain of your pubic hair, not against it. The reason why a lot of us end up with bumps and irritation down there is because we overlook this golden rule.
Dye (if you'd like). I don't know if it's TMI or not. We're all grown so, to me, it's whatever. Although I am not bald or "trendy", the main thing that motivates me to keep my own pubic hair trimmed very low is the older I get, the more grey hairs want to pop up and totally wreck my mood. If you can totally relate but you want a little more hair sans any grey, you can always dye your pubic hair. I'd avoid the standard hair dye box kits, if I were you. Instead, go with a brand that is specifically designed for your pubes. Betty Beauty is a pretty popular one.
Leave fragrance alone. Our vaginas are supposed to have a pH balance somewhere between 3.8-4.5 (which is somewhat acidic). When it's higher than this, that can lead to a breeding ground for not-so-good bacteria to thrive. Things like sperm, antibiotics, medication, douching and even our menstrual cycles can throw our pH off. Know what else can? Chemicals and scented products. That's why, it really is best, to leave all of the perfumes 'n stuff alone. If you want to feel a little extra fresh, check out "Love On Yourself With These 7 All-Natural DIY Vaginal Washes". In the meantime, always remember that your vagina—and the pubic hair that covers it—isn't supposed to smell like a bed of roses. A healthy vagina has a distinct scent and men love it. So, don't overdo it, OK? When it comes to caring for your vulva and your pubic hair, the "less is more" approach is always best. Always.
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Different puzzle pieces are creating bigger pictures these days. 2024 will mark a milestone on a few different levels, including the release of my third book next June (yay!).
I am also a Professional Certified Coach. My main mission for attaining that particular goal is to use my formal credentials to help people navigate through the sometimes tumultuous waters, both on and offline, when it comes to information about marriage, sex and relationships that is oftentimes misinformation (because "coach" is a word that gets thrown around a lot, oftentimes quite poorly).
I am also still super devoted to helping to bring life into this world as a doula, marriage life coaching will always be my first love (next to writing, of course), a platform that advocates for good Black men is currently in the works and my keystrokes continue to be devoted to HEALTHY over HAPPY in the areas of holistic intimacy, spiritual evolution, purpose manifestation and self-love...because maturity teaches that it's impossible to be happy all of the time when it comes to reaching goals yet healthy is a choice that can be made on a daily basis (amen?).
If you have any PERSONAL QUESTIONS (please do not contact me with any story pitches; that is an *editorial* need), feel free to reach out at missnosipho@gmail.com. A sistah will certainly do what she can. ;)
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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When it comes to feeding your toddler, it can be either a joy or a challenge, depending on their mood.
Most moms can attest to being held at the will of their child’s everchanging tastes and preferences. While they might love a food item one day, that can quickly change overnight, leaving you to be ready to switch the menu up on a whim.
But lunchtime can still be enjoyable for you and your little one — it’s all about making even the simplest food more playful and creative. Turn hot dogs into edible dogs or sausages into swimming octopuses; even sliced fruits or vegetables can turn into a colorful rainbow with the right finesse.
Lunch Ideas for Toddlers
Presenting your toddler with different textures, colors, and flavors of foods can make mealtime more stimulating and fun, and to help get your creative cooking inspiration going, we’ve provided a few recipes that will get you and your toddler excited about lunchtime!
1. Hot “Dog” Lunch Plate
For a fun hot "dog" lunch plate for your toddler, start by lightly toasting a hot dog bun and cut ¼ of the bun off. With this portion of the bun, place the pieces in half to form a dog’s face and add candy pieces and a blueberry for the eyes and nose.
Cook a chicken or turkey sausage until it's thoroughly heated. Place the sausage inside the bun and add your toddler’s choice of condiments. Serve alongside bite-sized pieces of steamed carrots and cucumber sticks for a balanced and nutritious meal that's sure to please your little one's taste buds!
@heathercoxzzz Kid’s Lunch @heinz_us ketchup #nationalhotdogday #hotdog #funfood #kidslunch #lunch #lunchtime #lunchformykids #kidfood
2. Rainbow Veggie Quesadillas
Create colorful quesadillas using a variety of diced veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and tomatoes. Start by heating a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lay a tortilla flat in the skillet and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over one half. Next, invite your toddler to sprinkle diced bell peppers, carrots, and tomatoes on top of the cheese. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until golden brown on both sides, then slice into triangles and serve!
@gleanerskitchen Eat the Rainbow! 🌈🌶🍅🫑🥬 These Colorful Quesadillas are a flavorful way to use up whatever veggies you have in the fridge. Try soft veggies that don’t need a lot of cooking like spinach, tomato, bell pepper and zucchini. Or try it with cooked veggie left overs like squash, carrot, and sweet potatoes. Colorful Quesadillas Via #miharvestofthemonth 8 ounces low-fat cream cheese 1/2 tsp garlic powder 8 whole wheat tortillas 1 cup red pepper, chopped 1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped 1 cup cheddar cheese spinach leaves - 1 cup fresh, (9-ounces frozen, thawed and squeezed dry) cooking spray #snapedworks #gleanerscommunitykitchen #gck #cookingmatters #foodsmarts #eattherainbow #veggierecipes #15minutemeals
3. Mini Cauliflower Pizza
To make mini cauliflower pizza for your toddler, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a food processor, pulse cauliflower florets until they resemble rice. Mix the cauliflower "rice" with grated cheese and an egg, then shape the mixture into small pizza crusts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown, then top with tomato sauce, shredded cheese, and your toddler's favorite toppings before baking for an additional 5-7 minutes. Enjoy these mini cauliflower pizzas as a nutritious and fun meal for your little one!
@zenatewhat Cauliflower Mini Pizza🍕 Recipe . INGREDIENTS 240g riced cauliflower 1 large egg 1/2 cup bread crumbs 1 tsp mix herbs (I use the mix herbs blend from @littlepalates) INSTRUCTIONS In a bowl, mix together your egg, breadcrumbs riced cauliflower, and mixed herbs until well combined and sticky. (You can add another egg to get your mixture more sticky) On a lined baking sheet, form your mixture into mini pizza crusts.(I use a cookie cutter to get my desired shape) Bake at 400F for 10-15 minutes. Once baked, add your desired toppings (tomato sauce, cheese, etc) and return to the oven for another 2-3 minutes/until cheese is melted. Allow pizza to cool and enjoy! You can store unused cauliflower crusts in the freezer for a later date. . . #zenatewhat #zensplate #blwmeals #blwjourney #babyfoodie #foodbaby #babymealideas #blwrecipes #cauliflowerrecipes #recipevideo #babymeals #cauliflowerpizza #babypizza #cauliflowerthins #yumminmytummy #whatsonmyplate #babyreels #whatbabyeats #blwbreakfast #blwdinner #blwlunch #blwbreakfastideas #momsoftiktok #momsofinsta #boymom💙 #fyp #foryou #viral #toocute
4. Mini Banana Pancake
Make small, bite-sized pancakes on sticks using a pancake mix and adding mashed bananas into the batter. Serve with a side of yogurt or a fruit dipping sauce for added fun.
@chloebeesley7 Mini banana pancakes for my 1 year olds breakfast! #fyp #blwideas #blw #babyledweaning #toddler #1yearold #toddlerfood #toddlersoftiktok #toddlertok
5. Fruity Parfait Cups
Layer Greek yogurt with diced fruits like berries, mangoes, and kiwis in small cups or jars. Top with a sprinkle of granola or crushed graham crackers for added texture. It's a colorful and nutritious treat that toddlers will love to eat with a spoon!
@gariannestable Back To School Series: Parfait Cups🥝🍓🫐🍦 Ingredients: * granola mixed with honey (so it holds firmly together) * greek yogurt mixed with whipped cream (you can omit the whipped cream but it MAKES the flavor in my opinion) * chopped fruits (whatever you like! here I’m using kiwi, peach, strawberry, blueberry & blackberry) Insert liners into muffin tin and begin to layer in your ingredients! When done, pop in the freezer - make sure to cover it. Grab and go for breakfast or a quick snack! Enjoy✨ #backtoschool #backtoschoolrecipes #easyrecipe #parfait #mealprep #fyp
6. Pizza Rolls
Take two slices of mozzarella cheese and place them on a cooking tray with slices of pepperoni on top. Bake at 400 degrees for 5 minutes. Once cooled, add marinara sauce on top and roll into a small wrap. Leave wrapped or slice into small bite-size pieces and serve it up!
@jorimallory Wanted share this simple recipe for any other moms who sometimes struggle with making quick but healthy meals for picky toddlers like me! #pickytoddlerrecipes #healthydinnerrecipes
7. Octopus Sausage Lunchable
Start by holding a sausage sideways and making two lengthwise cuts, creating four 'legs.' Then, rotate the sausage 90 degrees and make two more cuts, resulting in a total of eight 'legs.' Boil or fry the sausage until cooked, then add sesame seeds for eyes and carve out a mouth using a sharp knife. Arrange the octopus sausage on a Lunchable tray with crackers, cheese slices, and fruit for a fun and interactive meal!
@minas_recipe Tako (octopus) Sausage is a sausage cut to look like an octopus 🐙 and is a popular item to put inside a kids bento box in Japan 🇯🇵 I used Japanese sausages since they are shorter in length but you can use any kind of hot dog as long as you cut them in half! Hold the sausage sideways and cut one half of it lengthwise (not all the way). Turn the sausage over 90 degrees and slice again. Now the sausage has 4 ‘legs’. Cut again between the slits so that you have a total of 8 ‘legs’. You can either boil or fry the hot dogs. Add sesame seeds for the eyes and carve out a mouth using a sharp knife! Enjoy 🐙✨ #foodtok #recipe #toddlerlunchideas #タコウィンナー
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