Prevalence and correlates of pubic hair grooming among low-income Hispanic, Black, and White women

Andrea L. DeMaria, Abbey B. Berenson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to describe pubic hair grooming behaviors (shaving, waxing, trimming or dyeing) and the extent to which grooming was related to demographic characteristics and sexual history among low-income Hispanic, Black, and White women. Data were collected from 1677 women aged 16-40 years between July 2010 and August 2011 as part of a larger study. Participants completed a cross-sectional written survey. Multivariable analyses were used to identify correlates of pubic hair grooming. Being a current groomer was associated with being White, a younger age, under or normal weight, having a yearly household income 30,000, and having 5 or more lifetime sexual partners. Overall, we discovered pubic hair grooming was extremely common among women of varying demographics. It is important for health and research professionals to understand pubic hair grooming practices so they can address behavioral and clinical concerns.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)226-231
Number of pages6
JournalBody Image
Volume10
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2013

Keywords

  • Body image
  • Low-income women
  • Pubic hair
  • Vagina
  • Vulva

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology
  • Applied Psychology
  • Social Psychology

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