And it turns out the decision to wear it or bare it has always been complicated, tied up in cultural belief, social norms, and personal hygiene. We’ve been getting rid of our personal shag rugs for millennia, across many cultures. This debate, and practice, are far from new. Why did we feel so compelled to DO something about such a natural part of us? And why did the issue feel so charged? And while I’m not a complete stranger to a Brazilian wax parlor, something about the conversation bothered me I didn’t like hearing smart, confident women say they didn’t feel as sexy without a good trim. Was she really doing it for herself or for the pleasure of others? Why should women feel compelled to go bare? Everyone had a different and strongly-held opinion: social pressure, a partner’s preference, self-gratification, the idea that perhaps our hair is just gross. I couldn’t help but push back: but why, I asked.
Someone had a friend who’d just spent a huge amount of money to get her entire downstairs carpet lasered off: a present to herself, it was said. One of the most intense dinner party debates I’ve ever had was over the issue of a lady’s pelvic jungle: specifically, whether or not we should be taking it off.
