Armpit hair. It’s something every woman’s got, and yet we rarely talk about it. In fact, whenever it does come up in conversation, it typically has to do with the best ways to get rid of it—from the best types of razors to waxing treatments and more. But have we ever stopped to wonder why we even get rid of the stuff in the first place?
Let’s back up—there’s nothing wrong with wanting to shave your armpit hair. Some women may get more of it than others, and might find it irritating or just not like the look of it.
In fact, one study published in The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality found that some of the most common reasons women shave their body hair include “People would look at me funny if I didn’t,” “Men prefer women without pubic hair,” “I think it’s cleaner,” and “It makes me feel attractive,” among many others.
And to that we say, you do you, girl!
But what about those women who don’t mind—or even like their armpit hair? Why do they have to succumb to society’s standards that tell them that they’re not beautiful unless they shave it off? They might keep it out of fear of judgment and insecurity, which isn’t fair. After all, men have armpit hair, and they don’t need to shave it to be accepted—why do women?
Well maybe these armpit hair-loving women have had to live in silence before, but recently, we’ve seen an uptick in women embracing their armpit hair. That’s right, they’ve finally begun to find their voice—and confidence.
Women from all over have recently been posting to social media showing off their armpit hair, and explaining why they’re into it. And the photos and stories are really, truly beautiful.
“To all the men who’ve asked me to grow my hair out for them, I’m sure this isn’t what you meant. But I live for me, not for you,” one woman posted, smiling with her hairy armpits raised.
“I’m very much still just learning how to embrace the discomfort with less resistance, how to soften the judgments/insecurities, and how to return to radical self acceptance & self love,” said another. “I’m doing this for me, because I want to. And truth be told, that’s the only reason I need.”
“Accept yourself for who you really are, don’t wait for others to accept you first… most of them can’t even accept themselves,” another woman wrote, flaunting the hairy pits.
The takeaway from it all? Don’t be afraid to embrace who you are just because society says one thing. If you don’t want to shave your armpits anymore, then don’t!
Join the conversation by using the hashtag #armpithair or #armpithairissexy on your Instagram or Twitter.
What are your thoughts on armpit hair? Would you ever grow your armpit hair to lengths like these? Tell us why or why not!