Women are being challenged to put down their razors and pick up a new accessory—natural armpit hair—by a compelling and provocative photo series that is completely changing the way that women are expected to look.
Hair removal was a long-standing procedure before tools like razors, lasers, and waxed strips were commonplace in cosmetic regimens.
The voyage actually dates back to the Stone Age, when both sexes used crude implements to remove hair from their bodies, such as pointed stones and seashells.
“Primitive heritage”
A new perspective was brought forward by Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection thousands of years later, which linked fur loss to sexual selection.
Darwin believed that a person appeared more “evolved” if they had less body hair. A new form of social currency—sexual attractiveness and evolutionary advancement—was given to hairlessness by this pseudo-scientific justification.
Being bald grew to represent advancement and appeal.
The feminine obligation
The notion that being hairless was a feminine obligation was well established in society by the 1900s. Instead of being a natural state to be welcomed, body hair became a source of shame and a defect to be fixed.
According to Heather Widdows, author of “Perfect Me: Beauty as an Ethical Ideal,” it has been and continues to be heavily stigmatized and shamed, she told CNN. The majority of women feel compelled to shave these days. As if there were no other choice. Though attitudes are gradually shifting, there is something really delicate about that.
Extremely manly
Following decades of “brainwashing,” women are now reversing the trend and rejecting traditional beauty standards that associated femininity with being hairless and flawless.
Ben Hopper, a photographer based in London, told Bore Panda that the armpit hair is “considered to be very disgusting, non-hygienic, repulsive, grotesque, very masculine.”
Speaking of presenting people unfiltered through his work, the photographer said he wanted to investigate why women’s hairy armpits are “such a taboo.”
Additionally, I wanted to investigate the idea of how we interpret beauty in popular culture. There are extremely strict criteria of attractiveness for women in the fashion and entertainment industries.
“Unconventional, raw look”
Hopper developed his bold photo series, “Natural Beauty,” by investigating how people react to “females with armpit hair.”
Regarding the black and white photo spread, Hopper told the Huffington Post, “The whole point [of the series] is contrast between fashionable female beauty and the raw unconventional look of female armpit hair.” “I guess, in a way, that is one of my intentions, and I expect [the photos] to surprise a lot of people.”
“Primary power”
The initiative, which Hopper began in 2007, includes personal stories and statements from actors and models that support this movement. Participants choose to unabashedly display their true selves while sharing their individual liberation journeys.
“When I let it grow out, I felt so liberated and relaxed. One of the models, Kyotocat, described it as “like being able to breathe.” It was also really comfortable. I had a renewed sense of bravery and confidence, as if I were recharging some sort of primordial strength.
Another of Hopper’s hairy subjects, Sophie Rose, described how not covering her body hair was “empowering”: “You feel stronger for not giving [in] to the way you’ve been told to be.” I thought it was hilarious when people recoiled in disgust.
Gabriela Eva, who grew her hair especially for the picture, said she was interested in how she would react to the criticism. Eva remarked, “It initially made me feel vulnerable and natural, but eventually it gave me a sense of empowerment.” I’ve come to accept my underarm hair, and it makes me feel lovely. I would feel a little exposed if I took it off right now.
A political declaration
According to Sienna, developing hair under her arms didn’t always make her feel powerful; it just made her feel at ease. Women who choose not to shave shouldn’t be viewed as radicals, in my opinion. Naturally, it’s a means for women to defy patriarchal ideals of beauty, but I don’t want my body to be constantly seen as a political arena,” she clarified.
In her clip, Swedish actress Emilie Bostdt states that women with underarm hair shouldn’t make political statements. “It’s strange that something as natural as growing hair under your arms is considered a political act or a statement in this society, and that’s a reason to grow,” she said.
challenges the ideals of beauty
Hopper made it clear that he doesn’t necessarily “want women to start growing their armpit hair,” despite the message of accepting body hair.
“I simply believe that people shouldn’t rule it out because it’s a possibility. He went on, “I want people to just question [beauty standards], the whole thing.”
The potential for a more inclusive definition of beauty keeps growing as more people join the discussion and initiatives like “Natural Beauty” gain popularity.
In order for us to hear from others, kindly share this tale and let us know if you believe that the world is ready to accept authentic natural beauty.
