Hair Raising! | The Many Strands of Hair Fetishes

Nearly all of us have some level of body hair, be it on our heads or in other places. If asked what turns us on, we might mention hair (or its lack of) in our answer. Maybe this is why there are so many different hair fetishes, but what's involved, and how do you know if you have a hair fetish or not? We asked Victoria Blisse to help find the answer to these questions and more. 

What is a body hair fetish?

Firstly, a body hair fetish is when someone is erotically aroused from something to do with hair, this might be:

• Long hair or short hair or a specific colour of hair (trichophilia)
• Enjoying seeing someone having their hair cut or shaven (head shave fetish) 
• Being turned on by beards (pogonophilia)
• Getting aroused by the presence of pubic hair (pubephilia)
• Loving body hair such as armpit, chest or legs (hirsute fetish)
   

Why do hair fetishes exist?

We live in a society that has a lot of assumptions and social expectations connected to hair.  There are religious reasons, such as Sikhs leaving their hair to grow out of respect for God's perfect creation and Muslim's wearing headscarves for modesty and as a symbol of their faith. 

But, we have many cultural expectations of hair in much of western society, often based on old gender binaries such as masculinity associated with lots of body hair and a short haircut, and femininity connected with long hair and no body hair at all.

Fetishes might form from these expectations or subversions of them, especially in a world full of many genders and a realisation that masculinity and femininity are not that binary either.  
 

Do you have a body hair fetish?

Technically if you have a fetish, you can only get off if that thing is present. However, these days, the words 'kink' and 'fetish' are used in a more entwined way, so if you enjoy having sex with someone with long hair, a specific hairstyle or colour, body hair or lack of it - that still counts!
 

Why is it good to have a body hair fetish?

• Almost everyone has hair
• You can fake it with wigs for hair cutting or an extreme change in length
• Growing out hair/cutting or shaving hair is temporary

Body hair fetishes are popular amongst kinksters, and it's easy to see why with it being something humans actively grow, cut, and style - plus smoothness and hairiness are both sensual. 

You can also use hair in so many sexy ways. Hair pulling is a kink many people indulge in, and hair removal can be an incredibly erotic experience, especially when shared with another person.

If you're looking for ways to use hair pulling in a kinky context, check out the free course A Quick Guide to Hair Pulling, hosted by The BDSM Training School. 
 

What can be the downsides of having a body hair fetish?

• It's only temporary - specifically if your kink is hair removal - you can't remove what isn't there. 
• It can be awkward or problematic asking others to cut or dye hair, grow or trim body hair to turn you on.
• Significant time commitments are involved in keeping a body hair free or in maintaining very long hair. 

The way to navigate any issues with your hair fetish is good communication with your partner/s. It's always wise to be upfront and honest about your fetishes so everyone involved understands. 

Also, you can't expect someone to keep their hair forever long to satisfy your fetish, for example. People change and have complete autonomy over their bodies. However, open communication will help navigate these issues, and you can make compromises like satisfying your fetish with someone else or the use of false hair etc. If your fetish is negatively affecting you or your relationships, you should talk to a medical professional. A fetish should enhance your life - if it's not, then there is no shame in seeking help. 

There are lots of different body hair fetishes and plenty of kinksters who love them. If you're looking to share some hot hair experiences, check out the forum and chat with others all about body hair, haircuts and more. 

Victoria Blisse is an erotic author, a sex-positive Reverend and part of Smut.UK who arranges events for curious and kinky people with a literary bent.
 

Already a member? Add hair fetish to your fetish list so others know what you love and can find you too! Not a member? Join our kinky family! 
 

All images (unless otherwise stated): model released from Shutterstock.com