A Journey Back into Our Bushes

    Since the dawn of humanity, society has always had something to say about grooming, especially when it comes to our most intimate areas. From ancient methods that make you cringe to modern-day practices, the story of pubic hair grooming is a testament to how trends, no matter how bizarre, have been followed without question. As we take this journey through time, there's a lesson here that goes beyond history – it's about reclaiming control over our bodies and making choices that truly reflect who we are.

 

 

2.6 Million Years Ago- The Cavemen Era: The Creators of “Beauty is Pain”

 

 

Even our caveman ancestors were concerned with hair removal. Archaeological evidence suggests that men of this era removed unwanted hair, possibly to prevent lice and mites. Their tools? Sharp rocks used like razors. The result? A painful grooming process that probably sacrificed some skin along with the hair.

Tip: Fast forward to today, and we've come a long way from rocks. To avoid unnecessary pain and protect your skin, try using Viblok's Shaving Foam. Its gentle formula is designed to give you a close, smooth shave while minimizing irritation.

 

 

3,000 B.C. - Ancient Egypt: The Innovators

 

Ancient Egyptians were pioneers in hair removal, seeing hair as a sign of lower class. They developed the first “sugaring” wax method and even used tweezers made from seashells. Razors made of bronze and flint were also part of their grooming toolkit, though their effectiveness is up for debate.

 

 

 

These innovators were actually the first to set the original basis for many of the methods we use today. They were the first to create the “sugaring” wax method, that inspired the Brazilian waxing. They also invented the first tweezers, made with resources like seashells. Other methods included the use of pumice stones, a natural remedy that is also still common in modern day. Lastly, they managed to create razors with things like bronze and flint, as for how effective they were in actually removing hair, we can’t say, but we must admit their creativity was pretty impressive. 

Tip: After any hair removal, soothe your skin with Viblok's Skin Defense Lotion. It helps to calm irritation and protect your skin, just as the Egyptians would have wanted with their innovative grooming practices.

 

776 B.C.- Ancient Greeks & Romans: Hairless with a Painful Lack of Creativity

 

 

The Greeks and Romans viewed pubic hair on women as a sign of poor hygiene and uncivilized behavior. Their methods were far from refined, involving painful plucking or burning the hair off entirely.

 

 

 

Tip: To avoid the harshness of these ancient methods, consider modern alternatives like Viblok’s Skin Defense Lotion post-shave. It protects and hydrates your skin, helping to prevent razor burn and irritation.

 

 

1558-The Middle Ages & Elizabethan Era: The Modest Merkins

Pubic hair was finally back when the Middle Ages arrived in Europe. Women in this era kept a full bush as society told them it was the proper thing to do. The trend caused a new issue for women back then- pubic lice. When an outspread of pubic lice took over, women went as far as trimming or removing their hair, but applying merkins (wigs that cover your genitals) to remain “modest.”

 

 

 

As a leader, Queen Elizabeth had a very large impact on how society groomed themselves during this era. She set standards for them like this, along with some other rather odd ones. For example, Queen Elizabeth made it known she would keep all of the hair on her body, but remove her eyebrows. Since it was set by the Queen herself, it’s safe to say that this trend to be followed blindly.

 

1900-1946- The First Half of the 20^th Century: The Entrepreneur Takeover

 

 

Efficient inventions made in this era set a new standard for how women would groom themselves. In 1915, Gillette created the very first razor (at least the first of its kind that wasn’t made out of sharp stones or seashells). This prompted woman to start shaving, however, it was unclear whether or not these standards were set for the pubic region. Most ads depicted women removing hair from only their underarms.

 

 

 

In 1946, another invention set a trend for hair removal- the bikini. The creation of the first bikini started a trend in hair removal around the bikini line. Bikini advertisements showing models with bare private areas set a new standard for women that said if you’re going to wear a bikini, you better make sure you’ve cleaned up beforehand.

 

 

 

Tip: For a smooth, irritation-free bikini line, use Viblok’s Shaving Foam. Its rich lather and moisturizing properties ensure a clean shave without the discomfort.

 

 

The 1960s-1970s- The Groovy Age: A Right to the Bush

Civil rights movements and protests had a huge impact on how both women and men grooved themselves during this era. When the sixties and seventies came around, the Woodstock generation made it clear that bringing the bush back was a symbol of their freedom, rebellion towards society and overall indication of counterculture around the world.

 

Women rocked their bushes out freely to make a point that they were their own leaders, as their civil rights allowed them to. Isn’t that groovy?

 

The 1980s and 1990s: Trim the Hair, but Make it Fashion.

 

 

The eighties and nineties sparked a new wave of creativity among society when it came to pubic hair grooming. Welcome in the landing strip. Near the late seventies, waxing became a trend again, but going fully hairless was not the idea.

 

 

This new decade brought in a new standard of pubic hair grooming that let people’s imaginations’ run wild. Magazines like Playboy started showcasing their models rocking the infamous landing strip. At this point in time, a full on Brazilian or hairless vagina was not the trend. The trend was rather to keep some there and have some fun with what you leave behind. It wasn’t until the last year of the 20^th century that women were first introduced to the idea of going fully hairless.

 

1999-2014: The Beginning of the 21^th century: No Pubes Left Behind.

 

 

 

In the early years of the 21^th century, the Brazilian wax that left no pubes behind was the trend to follow. While it’s not clear whether or not it was the notorious “Brazilian” episode from Sex and the City, or the multiple movie stars that started praising the hairless new look, society set in concrete that the hairless Brazilian was it.

 

Scientific evidence showed just how significant this change was. Remember those pubic lice they were worried about in the Elizabethan Era? They had almost reached a stage of extinction in 2013, along with the presence of our pubic hair. At this point, the hairless vagina was basically ubiquitous.

 

2024-Modern Day: The Choice is Ours

The era that we are currently living in easily the most transparent of all. Within the past few years, women all over the world have brought to question whether or not it should be anyone’s choice but their own to decide if their pubic hair is groomed. The pro-abortion saying “My body, my choice,” has become a symbolization of much more.

 

However, societal pressures remain that say that the grooming of your genitals serve as a representation of your hygiene and beauty, amongst other things. With these two ideas pinned against each other, our ever-changing world has left no omnipresent standard of how the region should be groomed, that choice is up to the women now.

 

Tip: Regardless of your grooming choice, Viblok supports you with products like Shaving Foam and Skin Defense Lotion to ensure your skin stays healthy and protected.

 

 

In conclusion:

As we've seen through history, societal standards of grooming have often led women to endure extreme measures. But today, the power is in your hands. Whether you choose to embrace your natural look or go completely hairless, it's your decision. And no matter what you choose, let it be for yourself, not for others.

At Viblok, we believe in supporting your journey towards self-care and confidence. With products like our Shaving Foam and Skin Defense Lotion, we're here to ensure that whatever your grooming choice, your skin is protected and cared for.

To the future – wherever it may lead us. Godspeed!