Perineum Definition for Waxing
In simple terms, the human perineum is the sensitive area of the body between the legs, behind your genitals.
Its most universal definition is the area adjacent to the perineal raphe. This is the relatively symmetrical ridge of skin between the anus and urethra, i.e. the holes where faeces and urine leave the body. Some definitions include the genitalia and others not.
With regard to pubic hair, including genitalia in the definition works fine for females, but in males, the penis and scrotum have hair growth patterns of their own, largely uninfluenced by that of the perineum.
So, for the purpose of this article on hair removal treatments, let's define the perineum as:
- between the anus and rear of the scrotum for males, and
- between the anus and clitoris for females.
Male Perineum Hair Growth Pattern
Near the top of the inner leg, male pubic hair travels up the thigh towards the anus and perineum, across the inguinal crease then transversely in towards the perineal raphe. From the perineum, it then veers towards the penis travelling upward over the scrotum.
Cowlicks are commonplace on the anterior scrotum as upward travelling hairs from the male perineum meet inward growing hairs from the inguinal crease and downward growing hair from the sides and underside of the penis.
When performing a male Brazilian wax, these loose spirals of multi-directional hair growth can cause bruising, skin tears and blood blisters if the hair direction for each part of the cowlick is not respected.
Female Perineum Hair Growth Pattern
Pubic hair on the female perineal area travels from the inside upper leg up the thigh, across the inguinal crease then transversely in towards the labia. This hair may also continue inside the vaginal opening, particularly in women who have had children.
Hair growth in the area is urethra-centric, meaning that all hair grows towards the urethra (pee hole), whether upward from the thighs, inward from the inguinal crease, or downward from the pubis.
This natural phenomenon can present as crescent formations of hair with a medial cowlick on each labia majora as the patterns suddenly change direction to comply. These hair growth patterns must be treated as separate when performing a female Brazilian wax to avoid bruising and pain, particularly on and around the labia, and inguinal crease.
Related reading:
Waxing & Hair Removal for Male Cyclists
Hair Growth Patterns of the Human Body
On the Articles index page, you can find more quick reads about the subject plus many other topics that delve into the human condition.
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Andrew Thompson.
