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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Ottawa chapter.

The very first time I ever had a conversation about pubic hairstyles with my friends, I was 14 years old. I didn’t even know the concept existed! Grooming my bikini region? Really? I was completely clueless about the endless possibilities and I’ve been fascinated by the different options and trends ever since. 

Firstly, I’d like to cover one important aspect about maintaining your lady parts. At the end of the day, you are doing this for yourself. Not to please that guy you have a crush on, but because it’s what suit you best. The reason I mention this is because too many girls try to adapt their style depending on what they think guys want. However, it is impossible to please every single guy you encounter, because they all have different tastes. Media has brainwashed our generation into thinking there is only one type of norm in our society, when in fact, personal choices, such as grooming your pubic area, vary person to person. 

A poll by Pubicstyle, answered by 28,000 men, demonstrates this and probably also shows that your preconceived idea of what men want is wrong.

With that being said, it’s crazy to think 20 years ago, hairless vaginas were considered a fetish. In fact, before the Brazilian (hairless) trend arrived, Merkins (pubic wigs) were the thing! Now, it seems grooming your pubic area is the norm among our society. Whereas Generation Y tends to maintain at least a minimal amount of hair down there, Generation X tends towards bald beavers. 

Whether this grooming trend is due to pornography or simply part of the evolution of our society’s tastes, it is a new concept that can put a lot of pressure on collegiettes™, since it is hard to understand what is actually expected. Especially when you are just starting to know who you are in University, a place where trying new things is a must. 

Keep in mind that you can always shave or use pharmacy products like Nair at home, or you can go to the salon and have an expert help you out. Don’t be uncomfortable to go to a salon – they know what they’re doing, always welcome your questions, and try to make your experience as comfortable as possible. They’re no strangers to first-timers or shy customers. Make sure the salon you go to is clean, safe, and only uses a waxing strip once. 

We’ve all started with the same all-natural look. However, we can get creative from there, so why not have fun with our personal grooming? Both the Brazilian and the Bikini style have been opted for by many American women. In fact, they are the two most common grooming options for your lady parts. Nevertheless, there are many more possibilities to consider.

As you can see in the picture below, there are different variations of similar looks, whether it is the Bermuda Triangle and the Martini Glass or the Landing Strip and the Mohawk. You could even decide to be adventurous and get a heart shape, or an arrow, on your lady parts. The shape of a crucifix has also started to make an appearance for the purpose of making statements. You could even get a mustache shape in support of Movember! 

You can really let your creative juices run wild. But whatever style you go with, it is important to note that trimming is necessary to keep the look clean, unless you go with an Untrimmed Strip look, for example. Though I don’t recommend it, you could even dye your pubes! Pink pubes for Valentine’s Day anybody? 

Finally, a trend that appeared a few years ago thanks to Jennifer Love Hewitt, is also worth taking into consideration: Vagazzling.

This involves some form of jewel tattoo made of Swarovski crystals that is applied to the bare pubic area. Many have criticized this cosmetic treatment, but when I asked one of our Campus Cuties his opinion on the concept, I was a little surprised to hear that he thought it would actually be ‘cute’. Though he’s never seen it before, he said he wouldn’t be closed minded about it. 

Therefore, if any of you collegiettes™ would like to treat yourself to some vagazzling, go for it! (Luxe Spa in Ottawa offers vagazzles.)

Now, whether you feel a heart shaped style or the postage stamp look fits you best, it is your own personal choice. Don’t ever apologize or feel embarrassed about it. Please yourself and, as Louisa Saunders said, wear that vagina loud and proud!

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