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Body

Body hair

A girl shaving.

Even before you get your first period, you will likely see new hair growing in your pubic area, under your arms, and on your legs. It will start out light and there won’t be a lot, but then it will grow darker, coarser, and thicker as you go through puberty.

Although body hair is normal, some American women and girls remove the hair from their legs and underarms. There are a few ways to do this, such as shaving. For helpful tips, read “Hair Removal.

In recent years, more girls and women have also begun removing the hair around their vagina. Check out some ways to stay safe when removing pubic hair.

 

Content last updated October 13, 2010

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health.

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