Dakota Johnson Says She Grew Pubic Hair for 'Fifty Shades' Even Though the Film Added It Digitally

Dakota Johnson has said she grew out her pubic hair for her role as Anastasia Steele in the 2015 film 'Fifty Shades of Grey,' explaining that her character was meant to have never had a wax. She made the remarks during 'Hot Ones Versus,' a series published by First We Feast.

For context, Johnson starred opposite Jamie Dornan's Christian Grey in the first film adaptation of E L James's bestselling novel. Her comments came as she discussed earlier roles, including 'Madame Web,' before turning to the film that made her a household name.

'I grew my pubic hair,' she said. 'For Fifty Shades, the first one, I was full frontal, and she was supposed to have never had a wax.'

Asked whether she had considered wearing a merkin, a prosthetic used to simulate pubic hair in film and television, Johnson replied simply, 'No.'

Dakota Johnson's Remarks Spark Pubic Hair Debate

Johnson's comments have drawn renewed attention to the subject of pubic hair and grooming. They have also prompted discussion of long-standing assumptions that body hair is unhygienic, embarrassing or something women are expected to remove.

Those assumptions have been discussed by Dr Holly W Cummings, an obstetrician-gynaecologist and assistant professor of clinical obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Pennsylvania. In guidance published by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, she wrote that pubic hair is natural and that there is no medical requirement to remove it.

'Pubic hair is natural, we are mammals, after all,' Cummings said. 'And yet, people can be very emotional about the state of their hair "down there".'

She linked some concerns about pubic hair to social expectations rather than medical necessity. In her view, ideas about gender, beauty and purity have made hair removal feel compulsory for many women, even though it remains a personal choice.

What Gynaecologists Say About Pubic Hair

Cummings said pubic hair helps protect the delicate skin of the vulva and may reduce friction during sexual activity. She also described it as helping to keep warmth and moisture close to the skin.

'The purpose of pubic hair is to protect us, just like the hair around your ears, nose, and eyes,' she wrote. 'It keeps the skin of your vulva warm and moisturized.'

She rejected the idea that pubic hair is inherently dirty. Any smell associated with it, she said, may result from sweat, oil and bacteria becoming trapped in the hair, rather than from the hair itself.

Cummings said the vagina cleans itself naturally, while gentle external washing can help maintain vulval hygiene. People should avoid irritating products and seek medical advice if they experience persistent or unusual odour, itching or discomfort.

'Long story short, there is nothing dirty or unclean about pubic hair,' Cummings said. 'There is no medical reason to remove it.'

Different Grooming Choices, Different Risks

Cummings did not suggest that people must stop grooming. She said trimming may reduce the risk of cuts and irritation compared with shaving, because it shortens hair without cutting or grazing the skin beneath.

For people who prefer shaving, she advised using a new, clean razor each time and shaving in the direction of hair growth. She acknowledged the difficulty, noting that pubic hair can grow in several directions.

Waxing carries its own considerations. Cummings recommended an experienced, licensed professional who follows strict hygiene procedures, including avoiding double-dipping into the wax pot because of the risk of cross-contamination between clients.

Her broader point was less about technique than autonomy. 'Whether to groom or let it grow is your choice, no one else's,' she said, adding that patients should not feel they need to apologise to an ob-gyn, or anyone else, for the state of their pubic hair.

Johnson has not publicly suggested that her experience should influence anyone else's grooming habits. The discussion highlights continuing public interest in celebrities' personal grooming choices.