First of all, no, there is no law against having pubic hair, whether you are sexually active or not. No hard and fast rules apply when it comes to the hair down there. In fact, pubic hair protects the vagina from dirt and other irritations, so there is a purpose to it. What you ultimately decide to do below the belt is your call.

If you want to remove some hair, particularly during the summer months when you're out and about on the beach, you can shave, use a depilatory product formulated for the sensitive bikini area, or wax. (As an aside, may we suggest that waxing, particularly if you are going to remove all of your hair, is something you should really, really do at a salon with a professional instead of by yourself. Trust us. It's worth the cost, and since waxed hair takes a while to grow back you will get your money's worth.) Whatever you decide to do, just keep in mind that when hair grows back it can be itchy and possible coarse, and will take some maintenance.

No one should pressure you to shave, not your boyfriend and not your friends. Pubic hair is natural; everyone who's gone through puberty has it, so there is nothing to be embarrassed about. And keep in mind, even if your friends are saying different, plenty of women let their pubic hair grow in naturally, and lots more just remove hair that peeks out from a bathing suit rather than eliminating every last follicle. Do whatever feels right to you — and you alone.

—Andrea Pyros