Skip to main content

Table 1 Sample characteristics, current practices of pubic hair removal, and complications among Saudi women (n = 400) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

From: Practices and complications of pubic hair removal among Saudi women

Age, years

26.3 ± 6.9 (range = 16–58)

Religion

 Muslim

400 (100)

Education level

 High school or lower

209 (52.3)

 Bachelor’s degree or higher

191 (47.7)

Body mass index

 Underweight (BMI < 18.5)

24 (6.0)

 Normal (BMI 18.5–25)

228 (57.0)

 Overweight (BMI 25–30)

92 (23.0)

 Obese (BMI > 30)

39 (9.8)

 Missing

17 (4.2)

Monthly income

 < 5000 Saudi Riyal (<≈1330 US$)

145 (36.3)

 5000–10,000 (≈1331–2665 US$)

127 (31.7)

 10,000–20,000 (≈2666–5330 US$)

65 (16.3)

 > 20,000 (> ≈ 5331 US$)

43 (10.7)

 Missing

20 (5)

Age of pubic hair removal initiation

13.5 ± 1.9 (range = 8–21)

Frequency of hair removal (days)

20.8 ± 14.6 (3–90)

Mode of removal

 Self

308 (77.0)

 Medical clinic

62 (15.5)

 Beauty salon

21 (5.3)

 Home service

9 (2.2)

Method of removal

 Razor blade

134 (33.5)

 Laser

35 (8.7)

 Sugar

24 (6.0)

 Wax

18 (4.5)

 Electric razor

8 (2.0)

 Trim with scissors

8 (2.0)

 Cream

6 (1.5)

 Pluck

0

 Combination of methods

167 (41.8)

Reason for removal

 Appearance

74 (18.5)

 Hygiene

36 (9)

 Religion

22 (5.5)

 Combination of reasons

263 (65.8)

 Missing

5 (1.2)

Has sought and received advice on hair removal

 No

150 (37.5)

 Yes

250 (62.5)

Has received advice on hair removal from

 Mother

172 (68.8)

 Sister

39 (15.6)

 Friend

17 (6.8)

 Physician

10 (4.0)

 Self-reading

12 (4.8)

Clinical complications

 Yes

302 (75.5)

 No

98 (24.5)

Type of complication

 Cuts

31 (10.3)

 Severe itching

30 (9.9)

 Ingrown hairs

27 (8.9)

 Rash

12 (4.0)

 Burn

10 (3.3)

 Allergy

8 (2.6)

 Bruise

6 (2.0)

 Abrasion

6 (2.0)

 Hyperpigmentation

6 (2.0)

 Combined

166 (55.0)

Received treatment for complication

 Yes

54 (17.9)

 No

244 (80.8)

 Missing

4 (1.3)

  1. Data are mean ± SD (range) or number (percentage)