The question of feminine shaving is a loaded one. Today's woman can do anything: run a company, run for president or choose to be a full-time mom. However, with all this power, it seems there are still some simple choices that continue to carry a stigma. A woman's choice of hair style–––– — and I'm not talking about the hair everyone sees — says a lot about her personality.

Maintained, au naturel, or completely bare: It's a question of motivation. Some women I spoke to felt other women put too much emphasis on what their partners liked, or their perceptions of what significant others would like, in deciding how to maintain themselves. You remember the letters that used to appear in teen magazines: "Dear Sassy, My gym has open showers. Do I have to shave off all my pubic hair?"

Obviously women don't have to do anything. But when it comes to cosmetic issues, many of us struggle with the mixed cultural messages it might send. A well-dressed girl wearing makeup can either be seen as looking professional, or as playing up to cultural standards of what women should look like.

Modern feminism isn't simple. We like to think that we're beyond these issues, but it isn't that easy. The females running companies are still statistically getting paid less than their male counterparts. The women running for president will have to deal with gendered scrutiny in a way that men will not. And the women who choose not to work must deal with others' judgments about how staying home hinders the advancement of women's rights.

Shaving or not shaving isn't going to solve these issues. It won't even come close. As with all of these questions, there is only one real answer: Do what makes you feel comfortable. But whatever you do — don't shave.

Wax!

I'm barely comfortable shaving my armpits after stumbling into my shower without my contacts in at the crack of dawn. It might be the cheapest solution, but let's face it, shaving is dumb. Ingrown hairs and razor burn are high prices to pay for a maintenance method so time-consuming and inadequate. Waxing lasts longer, has fewer side effects for most women and ensures that, come summertime, I'm ready for a trip to the pool at any time.

Let's all agree that pubic hair protects a very important area, and deserves appropriate care. Who better to provide that care than a professional?

There are some basic arguments against waxing: sensitivity, modesty and cost.

The sensitivity problem is a legitimate one, but I would urge any woman to talk with someone at a local spa about the different waxing options it offers. Sensitivity is a common problem, and lots of different kinds of wax exist for lots of different women. Try having your legs, armpits or eyebrows waxed before you worry about the bikini area.

Modesty is something else you can take care of during that visit. Much like regular hairdressers, it's nice to establish a relationship with your waxing guru.

Finally: cost. There is one. Shop around, wax seasonally, use at-home waxing kits to extend the amount of time between spa visits. Ultimately it's up to every woman to decide if the investment is worth it.

For me, it's hardly a question. Wax on!

Reach reporter Sarah Anderson at editor@thedaily.washington.edu.