Are you supposed to shave down there?

Hair “down there” is a totally normal sign of puberty. And, yes, pubic hair has a purpose – it blocks bacteria from getting into your vagina. “Hair can appear around the vagina, throughout the bikini line and down your thighs,” says Dr. Upright. 

How much hair you want to shave  (if any) is your choice. Many women shave just the bikini line – the area your bathing sure doesn’t cover. Dr. Upright suggests cleaning the area you want to shave with a washcloth or loofah first. Then, using a clean razor and shaving cream, remove the unwanted hair.

If you have strays within your bikini line, you can pluck them with tweezers or trim them very carefully with scissors, like La Cross by Sally Hansen, or ones from a grooming kit. Just not those heavy-duty ones in the kitchen – ouch (and gross)! And be super careful – you don’t want to look like a Chia Pet.