Merkin Magic with the Bearded Oysters
A Brief & Bawdy History of the Merkin
The merkin—a pubic wig—has a long and complicated history, one deeply intertwined with feminism, bodily autonomy, and the policing of women’s bodies. Originating in 15th-century England, the term “merkin” was once used to demean women of lower status, likening them to a mop, a tool to be used and discarded. But by the 16th and 17th centuries, merkins took on a more practical function: they were used by women who had lost their pubic hair due to mercury-based treatments for syphilis. Because a full bush was seen as a sign of health, fertility, and desirability, these women crafted wigs out of animal fur to conceal hair loss and maintain their status in society.
Over time, the merkin became a symbol of disguise, performance, and deception—but today, we reclaim it as an emblem of empowerment, choice, and protest against restrictive beauty standards. The Bearded Oysters wear merkins not to hide, but to celebrate.
A Statement of Feminist Freedom
For the Bearded Oysters, the merkin is a feminist act. It represents the decision to reject the constant pressure to shave, pluck, wax, tweeze, and laser—all the exhausting rituals that women have been conditioned to believe are essential for acceptability.
The time spent obsessing over body hair could be better spent on art, activism, community-building, and self-discovery. Instead of apologizing for our natural forms or catering to the male gaze, we embrace our bodies as they are—wild, unruly, and wonderfully diverse.
Carnival has always been a time of rebellion, inversion, and radical self-expression. Russian sociologist Mikhail Bakhtin describes Carnival as a time when social norms are flipped upside down, and people engage in exaggerated, grotesque, and liberating acts of defiance. The Bearded Oysters embody this tradition, using merkins to challenge rigid beauty standards, celebrate autonomy, and reject the policing of women’s bodies.
Why We Wear Merkins
To Celebrate Natural Bodies – Some Oysters wear merkins that emphasize and exaggerate body hair as a way to reclaim what society has long shamed. Big, bushy, full, and free—it’s a tribute to body positivity and self-love.
To Protest Beauty Standards – Whether it’s a merkin shaped like a STOP SIGN, a giant middle finger, or one that reads “MY BODY, MY CHOICE”, these pieces make a statement about women’s right to exist without being scrutinized, modified, or made palatable.
To Save Time & Mental Energy – The amount of time, money, and effort women spend on hair removal is staggering. Wearing a merkin is a declaration of freedom—a way to opt out of the cycle and focus on more important things than whether our bikini line is “acceptable.”
To Laugh, Shock & Delight – Carnival is about fun, and merkins are a cheeky (or should we say, bushy?) way to get a reaction. Some Oysters wear merkins with googly eyes, LED lights, or even political slogans to make people think—and laugh.
Make Your Own Merkin
Your crotch is your canvas—what message do you want to send? Here are some tips for crafting your own merkin masterpiece:
Choose Skin-Friendly Materials – Avoid harsh adhesives, scratchy fabrics, or anything that might cause irritation. Faux fur, soft fabrics, and body-safe glues work best.
Secure It Well – sew it, glue it, strap it or pin it but make sure its going to hang on while you shake, shimmy, and parade through the streets.
You can make a merkin that is built on a nude colored pair of panties, leggings, tights, leotard, catsuit or just about anything.
Make It Meaningful – Will your merkin be a political protest, a feminist manifesto, a work of art, or a playful surprise?
Prepare to Werk that Merk
Do some practice flashing in a mirror to make sure everything stays put. The last thing you want is a wardrobe malfunction- unless, of course, that’s part of the performance! A double layer of merkins will blow minds. Don’t forget to use your facial expressions to add to the impact!
Say “F Off!” to the obsession for hair removal, say hello to FREEDOM.
Ditch the pressure, embrace the pleasure.