Merkin

A merkin wig is a pubic wig. Originally worn by prostitutes post-shaving their mons pubis, merkin wigs now serve as decorative or erotic items for both genders.

History of merkin wigs

It is pointed out that 1450 is the year “malkin” — from which the name for a pubic hair wig derives — first emerged. Perhaps due to shame-related reasons, no one can say with absolute certainty when the first merkin wig prototype was fashioned and worn. Mosey across centuries and continents, and one will find that attitudes toward merkin pubic wig have changed a lot. Merkin wigs have existed for many centuries as a solution to a common problem faced by women - pubic lice. At that time, women had to shave their pubic area to get rid of the lice and relieve the itching. Merkin wigs were then invented to replace the shaved hair. Prostitutes, who were frequent wearers of merkin wigs, used them to cover up the marks of syphilis and genital warts. This allowed them to appear disease-free and employable.

Applications of merkin wigs

The wig merkin, or pubic merkin, as it was earlier known, was used as a device to cover syphilitic pustules and gonorrheal warts in the genital area. In its contemporary form, a merkin is used as a part of erotic play, and it has also crossed over the boundaries of intimate wear into some mainstream genres of dress. Some designers see it as a fashion element used in clothing design. They also explore a wide range of issues in the artwork through these designs, which address sexuality, fertility, shame, self-esteem, danger, power struggles and domination, flirtation and seduction, pleasure, and the stages of life. In the world of filmmaking, merkin wigs are sometimes utilized by female actors to prevent accidental exposure of their genitalia during nude or partially clothed scenes. Wearing a merkin can safeguard the actor from exposing themselves fully, allowing the film to potentially receive a less restrictive rating from the MPAA.

Designs of merkin wigs

The chosen material that pubic wigs are made of — usually nylon, yak belly, or human hair — is woven onto a transparent mesh. This is then applied to the pre-shaved pubic area with spirit gum; the wig can also be attached to a transparent G-string. It is also common for individuals to have a strong attraction to the tactile sensation of silk, leather, fur, or hair on their skin or that of others. This preference can be integrated into the design of a pubic wig, too.