America’s Body Hair Preferences: Grooming Expectations and Realities

While many things can go into finding a casual hookup or a long-term partner, there is one thing that people don’t usually talk about: hair grooming habits. While some people don’t have strong preferences, hair in certain areas can make or break a relationship for others. 

We surveyed Americans to find out what their personal grooming habits are, as well as their preferences for their partners’ grooming habits.

Grooming Preferences | Societal Expectations | Methodology

More than 3 in 4 Americans surveyed believe societal norms around body hair are changing, especially when it comes to more intimate areas. Among those surveyed, 50% believe trimmed pubic hair is a top hair trend in 2024. With this in mind, 40% said they prefer to go ‘au naturel’ with their body hair. Baby boomers (47%) are the generation that most prefer ‘au naturel’, followed by Gen Zers (44%).

Whether they prefer trimming or being clean-shaven, more than 9 out of 10 survey respondents feel a partner’s hair grooming habits are important. Even so, not everyone is in agreement on the best way to groom: 20% of respondents have felt judged based on their grooming habits, with women (24%) reporting feeling judged slightly more often than men (17%).

The majority (74%) of Americans surveyed think it is important to groom their pubic hair. More than 1 in 3 (35%) have even asked a partner to get a below-the-belt trim. Men have asked this of their partners more than women (40% vs. 29%). 

Despite many Americans believing it’s important to groom their private area, 20% admit to not grooming their pubic hair. Men are more likely to not groom this area (21%) compared to women (19%). Additionally, 17% of respondents said pubic hair is a dealbreaker. 

Nearly half (45%) of respondents have received feedback from their partners on their grooming habits, and among them, 69% were appreciative of the feedback. A quarter of people said they’ve had to compromise on grooming habits to accommodate a partner’s preferences.

More than 3 in 4 (76%) Americans said they feel there is a double standard in pubic grooming expectations between men and women. In general, 41% admit to judging women with unshaven armpits or legs, while 58% believe body hair makes men more masculine.

Grooming expectations and preferences differ by body area. When it comes to facial hair, 47% prefer clean-shaven, 30% trimmed, 15% natural, and 7% stubble. Women mostly prefer trimmed, while men prefer clean-shaven.

“In today’s Western culture, it is common for women to prefer males with facial hair indicating a preference for masculinity,” said Dr. Wendy Walsh, relationship expert.

Body hair preferences differ slightly, with 39% preferring clean-shaven, 30% trimmed, and 31% natural. For pubic hair, 39% of survey respondents prefer clean-shaven, 43% trimmed, and 18% natural. As with facial hair, women mostly prefer trimmed, while men prefer clean-shaven. 

Dr. Wendy pointed out, “Body hair is highly correlated with fertility. Women start to grow more body hair when they reach puberty and lose body hair when they hit menopause.”

Grooming habits are influenced by personal preferences, comfort, and partner preferences. Talking about body hair may be considered taboo in polite society, but it is on people’s minds. Our survey shows some people have pretty strong preferences when it comes to where hair grows and how it’s maintained.

If you want to avoid a hairy situation (pun intended), we recommend you be open with your partner about your body hair care and what you’re willing and not willing to do. At the end of the day, it’s your body!  

In August 2024, we surveyed 993 Americans about their body hair grooming habits. Participant ages ranged from 18 to 79, with an average age of 39. Respondents were 50% men, 48% women, and 2% nonbinary and/or chose not to disclose. 

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