Why It's Time To Embrace A Full Bush (And How To Realistically Do It)

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With Vogue deeming 2025 the year of the bush and TikTok seeing the popularity of "full bush in a bikini," the 2020s are the perfect time to finally go au naturel with pubic hair. Still, beauty trends of recent decades have favoured a hairless look, with marketing campaigns, fashion fads, and celebrities pushing a clean-shaven ideal. "Pubic hair trends have shifted a lot, from natural in the '70s, to minimal in the 2000s," Dr. Stephanie Hack, MD, MPH, FACOG, Board-Certified OB/GYN and Founder of Lady Parts Doctor, exclusively tells Women.

From the normalized Brazilian wax and the popularity of low-rise jeans, which are back, hairless standards absolutely proliferated Y2K pop culture, with some of these minimalist grooming practices carrying into the 2010s. In this way, it can be intimidating to depart from what has seemingly become an established beauty norm, but Dr. Hack points to how public sentiment has improved. "Right now, we're seeing women reclaim choice, whether that's full removal, trimming, or leaving it natural," she says. "The key is that it's your body, your preference."

So, if you're among those ready to embrace a natural, low-maintenance approach to pubic hair, rest assured that there are realistic ways to do so. Not only should you be reassured by the health benefits that come with keeping a full bush, but there are plenty of tips for wearing the style with confidence.

Aesthetic preferences play a major role in determining how one grooms their pubic hair, but hair removal has become socially associated with hygiene, too. In fact, in a 2016 study from the University of California, almost 60% of surveyed women cited cleanliness as a motivation for shaving pubic hair. Despite this sentiment, Dr. Stephanie Hack exclusively tells Women that pubic hair actually offers some notable health benefits. "It helps protect the vulva from bacteria and friction, retains moisture, and prevents irritation," she says. "It acts as a natural barrier against pathogens and reduces chafing. In short, it's there for a reason."

Not only does the idea that shaved vulvas are more hygienic rank among popular vaginal hygiene myths, but some hair removal practices come with their own set of risks, too. Dr. Hack names ingrown hairs, razor burn, and small cuts at risk of infection as common side effects. "Studies link grooming injuries to higher rates of skin irritation and folliculitis," she explains. "If you choose to remove hair, use clean tools and avoid harsh products to protect the vulvar skin."

The negative stigma surrounding body hair is further dispelled by OB/GYN-recommended hygiene practices. "Regardless of how much hair you have, warm water is really all you need to rinse away sweat or dried discharge," the expert says, recommending fragrance-free products to those who want to use soap. "The same simple care applies whether you have a full bush or no hair at all." So, those ready to embrace a full bush should know that pubic hair is far from unclean or dirty — it actually serves a hygienic purpose.

Knowing the benefits of pubic hair doesn't automatically make rocking a full bush easy, but there are methods for embracing the natural look with confidence. "Start by remembering there's no one 'right' way," Dr. Stephanie Hack advises. "Pubic hair is normal and healthy. Normalize that in your own conversations and relationships." Chatting with friends about grooming practices can lift the taboo, while clarity and communication are essential in discussions with sexual partners, especially if maintaining a bush is important to you.

Online communities practicing body positivity offer another avenue for normalization, with #bushtok on TikTok being a great place to start. Similarly, while media and pop culture can perpetuate harmful beauty standards, there are plenty of celebrities who have advocated for the personal nature of body hair while doubling as great inspiration for those ready to go all-natural. So, check out Janelle Monáe's "PYNK" music video or Lady Gaga on the cover of CANDY Magazine for some positive pube representation.

Lastly, if you're still looking for a boost of confidence, buying underwear or lingerie that positively highlights pubic hair can be a playful way to embrace the look, either in everyday life or in the bedroom. The heart-shaped cut-out in the Fallen Angel Thong from Solstice Intimates marks a fun and flirty example, while Hanky Panky's Mesh High Cut French Briefs offer a sheer moment. Overall, when it comes to pubic hair, remember that your personal comfort and confidence are what matter the most.