What Is Pubic Hair?

Pubic hair begins growing around the time of puberty. While it is an independent part of this process, it is still considered an important aspect of puberty.

Pubic hair grows on the area of the body surrounding the reproductive system. In males, this is located around the penis and testicles. The texture of pubic hair is often very different from that of hair that grows on other parts of the body and there are various types that grow on different people.

Pubic hair begins growing just before puberty. During puberty, the hairs becomes thicker and often curlier, and grows as a faster rate. The onset of pubic hair development is called pubarche.

The change for each hair follicle is abrupt, but the extent of skin that grows this hair gradually increases over a period of several years.

In boys, the first pubic hair usually appears as a few sparse hairs on the scrotum or at the upper base of the penis. This hair growth continues to spread and, over time, the hair extends to the upper thighs and abdomen. The pattern of pubic hair varies among different people. The hair that grows on some males may be thick, while on others, it is thin and sparse.

These patterns can take on different characteristics during the different stages of puberty and sexual maturity. The hair can begin growing thin and straight, then later become thicker and curlier. Different areas of the male anatomy may also produce different types of hair at the same time, depending on the stage of puberty.

While the growth of pubic hair is considered a part of puberty, it does not coincide with the development of the testicles and other parts of the male reproductive system. Because of this, it is independent of many of the occurrences that show up during puberty, but is still considered an important of the overall process.

Pubic hair can also vary in color, just as regular hair, depending on the genes. While it usually follows the same color changes as hair on other parts of the body, it is important to remember this is not always the case.