A few years back, I was out for a group run with some close friends, and as always, we used that time to catch up on our lives, share parenting stories, and indulge in some light-hearted gossip. While we jogged along the familiar routes, we shared our frustrations about our husbands, the quirks of our children, and the physical changes our bodies had endured over the years. That day, we were joined by my friend’s younger sister, who was ten years our junior, single, and fully embracing the dating scene.
As is customary with our running group, we dove into a conversation about body hair. With warmer weather approaching, we were all preparing to dust off our razors and tackle the task of managing our body hair for shorts and swimwear season. We grumbled about the time it took to shave our legs, underarms, and get everything bikini-ready.
My friend’s sister, however, was taken aback by our banter. She stopped mid-stride to express her disbelief that we had become “those women,” the ones who seemed to have given up on the rigorous upkeep of body hair. After a moment of awkward silence, we asked her what her generation—trending toward hairlessness—was doing these days. With a calm demeanor, she informed us that her friends referred to themselves as Generation Pubeless and took hair removal quite seriously.
We couldn’t help but laugh at the irony of this discussion happening on a street aptly named Beaver Lane. As we shared hilarious hair-removal mishaps, we recognized that body hair management is a personal choice. While I respect the commitment of Generation Pubeless, I have no intention of signing up for that regimen, as Brazilian waxes are not for the faint of heart.
Recently, I was reminded of this conversation amidst the uproar surrounding the new Wonder Woman film. Critics took to social media, questioning how actress Gal Gadot could manage to keep her underarm hair shaved while saving the world. Feminists voiced their concerns over the double standards in Hollywood, highlighting that male action heroes often don’t face similar scrutiny.
Honestly, I don’t care what anyone chooses to do with their body hair. Hair is a natural aspect of our bodies, and if someone prefers to embrace their natural state, more power to them. It’s absurd that women feel the need to justify their appearance when men with unkempt hair stroll freely on beaches. Not every woman aspires to resemble hairless models, and a woman’s choice regarding her body hair doesn’t diminish her attractiveness. If someone opts for armpit hair, let’s refrain from judgment until you’ve experienced the pain of having hot wax ripped from sensitive skin.
So why the obsession with hair removal? Hair serves various protective functions for the body, from keeping germs at bay to regulating temperature. And while scientists are still piecing together the evolutionary purpose of pubic hair, it’s clear that how I choose to maintain my own is nobody’s concern. If I want to let my leg hair grow to donate it, so be it.
Ultimately, hair is an integral part of our bodies, and we need to lighten up about hair removal norms. Wonder Woman has enough on her plate without us scrutinizing her grooming habits. Besides, my partner still finds me attractive, even when I skip the shave. Whether a woman decides to wax, shave, or go au naturel should be the least of our worries when there are far more pressing issues to focus on, like the economy and political matters. Well, except for those pesky chin hairs—I tackle those with determination.
For more on body image and choices, check out this insightful article from Modern Family Blog. And if you’re interested in fertility topics, you can visit March of Dimes for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
This article discusses the personal choices women have regarding body hair and the societal pressures surrounding it. It highlights the contrast between generational attitudes toward grooming and emphasizes the importance of respecting individual choices. In light of ongoing conversations about body image, it reminds readers that hair is a natural part of being human.