We never fail to be amazed about what our readers and visitors worry about. Of all the things that can go wrong with our health, the color of pubic hair seems pretty low on the list. Nevertheless, many people do seem concerned about both the amount and the color of this hair. Some questions and answers will be found below.
Is Hair Dye Safe to Change the Color of Public Hair?
Here is a question that came from a visitor to this website:
Q. Please don’t laugh at my question. My pubic hair has gone gray and is noticeably thinner. I’ve colored it a couple of times with hair dye from the drugstore. That way it doesn’t look quite so thin. Is this safe?
A. Although there are now companies that make hair color specifically for pubic hair, we would advise caution. Some colors and other ingredients can be irritating to delicate skin.
Dermatologists often recommend performing a patch test before applying an unfamiliar skin product. You can do this by dabbing a small amount on your inner arm or thigh and covering the area with a bandage. After two days, check the skin for redness or irritation.
Do NOT Use Lead Acetate Hair Dye to Change the Color of Pubic Hair!
We discovered a fascinating article in the journal Current Problems in Dermatology (1978). It caught our eye because one of the authors was a renowned Professor of Dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine. When we lived in San Francisco many years ago, we had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Howard Maibach. He specialized in treating contact dermatitis.
The article mentioned above tested the effect of lead acetate-containing hair dye on 9 adult male subjects.
Dr. Maibach and his colleagues describe the results of their study:
“The axillary and pubic hair lead levels ranged from less than 6 to 41 ppm at the start and rose to 27 to 466 ppm at the conclusion of the experiment. Using 80 ppm hair lead as a measure of significant systemic absorption, 7 of 9 subjects showed this effect according to uptake by axillary hair and 4 of 9 according to pubic hair uptake.”
Dr. Maibach and colleagues concluded that some lead is absorbed “systemically” when lead acetate hair dyes are used.
We questioned the safety of lead in hair dyes 30 years ago in our syndicated newspaper column. Here is a Q&A from a more recent column. We reported on the removal of lead from hair dye in this article. We think it is scandalous that it took the FDA so long to figure out the problem with lead in hair dyes. You might find that article of surprising interest. Here is the link to make it easy.
Will Rogaine Regrow Lost Pubic Hair?
Q. I’m 63 and have had a hysterectomy. I know this question is for vanity’s sake, but I don’t want to ask my doctor because I would feel too self-conscious.
Is there anything that can be done for loss of pubic hair? Will Rogaine help? I am embarrassed for my husband to see me without any clothes.
A. Our dermatological consultant could offer no suggestions about the cause of such hair loss. There is no obvious medical condition that would account for this.
Rogaine (topical minoxidil) might work, but we could find no studies to determine if it is helpful in the pubic area. As we mentioned above, topical irritation is a concern. Some people who apply minoxidil to the scalp report contact dermatitis. It can manifest as itching, irritation, redness and a burning sensation. That would not be good in the genital area. We would suggest doing a patch test like the one we describe above for hair dye.
Before you assume your husband would be shocked, check with him. He might not be unhappy with your lack of pubic hair.
An other reader says do not be embarrassed!
Q. I was intrigued to read about the lady who had lost her pubic hair and wanted to know if Rogaine could help. I had the same problem. Not only did I lose my pubic hair, but also the hair under my arms, and on my arms and legs.
I don’t know if my thyroid problem was responsible but it has led to loss of hair on my head. I just wanted to let you and that lady know that she is not alone with her problem. Please urge her again to be sure to tell her husband and not be embarrassed.
A. Thyroid trouble can trigger hair loss and this gland should be checked in anyone experiencing such a sudden change. Thanks for sharing your experience.
A Messy Suggestion to Change the Color of Pubic Hair:
Q. I have never seen my question written up. Is there anything you can use to color graying pubic hair?
I am only in my early forties and I am very distraught about the gray hair I have noticed in this region. I am sure I am not the only one who would like to know about this.
A. Our dermatological consultants assure us that you are not the first person to inquire. Unfortunately, there is no good answer.
Hair dyes made for the scalp may cause contact dermatitis for some people, even when used according to directions. Most manufacturers caution against application on other sensitive parts of the body. Pubic hair is sparser so there might be more skin exposure to the chemicals. Since there has been no testing for safety, we have to caution against using commercial dyes on your pubic hair.
Natural coloring agents like henna haven’t been tested either. One home remedy we came across in Sassy magazine suggested a hair coloring made of a quarter cup blackstrap molasses mixed with one tablespoon used coffee grounds, a tablespoon of dried rosemary and a tablespoon of your favorite conditioner. Wash off after 20 minutes.
P.S. We make no promises about safety or effectiveness. It is likely to be messy!
Is Sunless Tanning Gel OK to Modify the Color of Public Hair?
Q. Your answer to a question about graying pubic hair was of great interest to me. I have found sunless tanning gel (No-Ad) to be very inexpensive and effective in coloring pubic hair to a golden brown in one or two applications. Just moisten the hair and leave the gel on for an hour. Then wash the area with soap and water. The color remains for months. It can easily be reapplied as needed. The tanning gel should be washed from the hands promptly with soap and water as it will stain.
I discovered this method for darkening pubic hair quite by accident. It really works! Please don’t use my name since my wife doesn’t know the truth yet.
A. We do not understand why people are so concerned about graying pubic hair. Our dermatological consultants tell us, however, that this question comes up periodically. Commercial hair dyes are untested and unapproved for this use.
Using sunless tanning gel to color pubic hair is definitely an “off-label” use. We are pretty sure the FDA has not cleared such products for the use you suggest. Sunless tanning products have come a long way in recent years and allow for a safer tan than sun exposure. Before anyone tries your trick, however, they should make sure sensitive skin in that area is not going to react adversely. A patch test (described above) on the inside of the arm might be a good way to start.
Leaving such a product on sensitive skin for so long also seems like it might be a recipe for disaster.
Your Turn to Comment On the Color of Pubic Hair:
Are we missing something when it comes to pubic hair? Is this really an important health concern for millions of people? Has anyone discovered a safe and effective strategy to color pubic hair? We would love to hear from a dermatologist on this matter.
We also encourage anyone who is yearning to change the color of pubic hair to check in with a dermatologist first. Believe us when we tell you that such health professionals have seen and heard it all. A question about the color of pubic hair will not shock them.
