Pubic and underarm hair are ordinary parts of puberty.

They can appear at different ages and in different amounts. Some children notice body hair earlier than friends; others notice it later.

There is a wide range of normal development.

Why does the hair appear?

During puberty, hormonal changes stimulate hair follicles in several areas of the body.

Pubic and underarm hair often becomes thicker and darker as puberty progresses. Other changes can happen at the same time, including growth spurts, body odour, skin changes and development of reproductive organs.

Development is not identical for everyone

Puberty does not follow an exact timetable.

Girls commonly begin noticing changes around the early teenage years, while boys often begin a little later, but there is substantial individual variation.

Body hair is only one part of development.

Does body hair need to be removed?

No.

Removing pubic or underarm hair is a personal grooming choice, not a requirement for being clean or healthy.

Some people shave, trim or wax. Others do nothing.

Young people can feel pressure because of peers, social media or beauty standards. It can help to remind them that body hair is a normal part of growing up.

If someone chooses hair removal, following product instructions and avoiding unnecessary skin irritation matters.

What about hygiene?

Pubic hair itself is not a sign of poor hygiene.

Normal washing of the external genital area and underarms is enough for ordinary hygiene. Harsh products or aggressive scrubbing can irritate sensitive skin.

When might puberty need medical attention?

Timing matters when changes appear much earlier or much later than expected.

For example, puberty beginning before age 8 in a girl may be considered precocious puberty and can warrant medical assessment.

Delayed puberty can also have many possible causes.

A healthcare professional can look at the person's growth pattern and other changes rather than judging development from one sign alone.

Questions people often ask

Is pubic hair normal? Yes. It is a normal part of puberty.

Does more hair mean someone is healthier? No. Hair amount varies naturally.

Do girls and boys get body hair? Both can develop pubic and underarm hair, although the timing and other changes can differ.

Does body hair need to be shaved? No. Grooming is a personal choice.

When should a parent or young person ask a doctor? If puberty appears unusually early, unusually delayed, or there are other concerning symptoms, medical advice can help.

Puberty can be awkward to talk about. Clear information is usually more reassuring than jokes, comparisons or pressure to look a certain way.

This article is general educational information and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.