Your hair, your choice
After making plans with my friends to go to the beach, I walk into the bathroom. A razor and shaving cream sit on top of the bathroom counter. I view them as a necessity. Underarms, legs, forearms, bikini line — even barely visible knuckle hair is shaved off. The aftermath results in razor burn, red bumps, and a Band-Aid plastered on my leg. I’m virtually hairless.
The first hair removal advertisement targeting women debuted in 1914 in Harper’s Bazaar Magazine. They promoted the first razor designed for female body hair, describing female leg hair as “unsightly.”
Later, during World War II, there was a nylon shortage in the United States. Nylon was a key material in women’s stockings. This meant women could no longer hide their body hair through their pantyhose. Because of this unprecedented exposure, shaving became the norm for women, even following the war-time shortage. By 1964, 98% of women admitted to shaving regularly.
Women are pressured by society to shave, purely for aesthetic purposes. Those who choose to not shave may experience harassment and receive rude looks from others in public. Shaving, therefore, is standard practice for women and girls.
The American Laser Centers surveyed 540 women and concluded that the average female shaves 12 times each month and spends around $15.95 USD per shave. According to a Men’s Health survey and an article from The Daily Texan, approximately 85% of women consistently shave their leg hair while only 15% of men do the same — a staggering 70% difference.
It is unjust for women to be expected to frequently shave in order to be accepted by society. What we can do to reduce the stigma surrounding female body hair is simply learn to accept change, so that this inequality ceases.
A feature such as body hair shouldn’t be a detriment. Just as a man has the freedom to not shave, women should have the same autonomy without fearing scrutiny.
To all the brave women who choose to abstain from shaving, keep doing what makes you happy. Through your actions, other girls and women will follow in your footsteps. You should never feel ashamed or embarrassed for seeking personal autonomy. Personal care, self-love, and confidence are the top priority.
