A few years back, I attended an event focused on ending violence against women. It was a powerful gathering, with various speakers shedding light on important issues. One particular moment struck me deeply: a young woman recited a passage from Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues, starting with the line, “You cannot love a vagina if you do not love hair.”
As she continued, she shared a candid story about how her husband pressured her into removing all her pubic hair, leading to discomfort and eventually infidelity. At the time, I didn’t think much about the implications of that message, mainly because I was relieved I hadn’t brought my daughter along. However, that line remained etched in my mind, particularly the idea that you can’t selectively love parts of yourself.
This brings me to the topic of Brazilian waxes. I first heard about them when celebrity Jenna Roberts mentioned them in an interview, declaring they had changed her life. Naturally, I was curious and did some research, which led me to believe this was yet another one of those trendy, perhaps eccentric, things celebrities do. However, I soon discovered that Brazilian waxes have gained significant popularity, and I still can’t understand the appeal.
It’s not that the thought of enduring the pain of hair removal frightens me—I’ve given birth to three children without anesthesia, so I can tolerate a bit of discomfort. What troubles me is the end result. Why would an adult woman want her vulva to resemble that of a child? When I think of a full Brazilian, I can’t help but feel uncomfortable with the implications.
Now, I’m not advocating for complete bushiness, either. A little grooming is perfectly acceptable, but I believe moderation is key. The idea of being completely hairless just doesn’t sit right with me.
I recently came across an enlightening article from The Atlantic that suggested my age plays a role in my reluctance. At 41, I’ve noticed this hairless trend seems to be more prevalent among those under 30, particularly in college circles, largely influenced by the adult film industry. As if the impact of porn on women’s self-image isn’t troubling enough, now it’s inspiring women to remove all their pubic hair to conform to an unrealistic standard.
There are several reasons why the thought of a full Brazilian gives me pause. First, let’s talk money. I’m not about to spend $50 to $100 on a painful experience when I could easily treat myself to a nice massage instead. Second, the idea of a stranger—who isn’t my doctor—being that intimate with my body is a hard pass. Honestly, who wants to perform such a personal and awkward job? Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that we rarely hear about men opting for similar grooming styles. If women are expected to conform to this beauty standard, why aren’t men subjected to the same scrutiny?
Everyone has their preferences, of course. To me, there’s a significant difference between a bikini wax, where you can still maintain some level of modesty, and a Brazilian, where it’s all on display. Grooming is one thing; complete removal is another. If you choose to go this route, it should be for your own comfort and enjoyment, not because you feel pressured to fit someone else’s idea of attractiveness.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve discovered a newfound confidence in embracing my own choices rather than following fleeting trends. You do you, but personally, I’ll stick with my naturally mature appearance, thank you very much.
For more insights on similar topics, check out this post on our site. If you’re considering home insemination, be sure to visit Make a Mom for high-quality kits. Additionally, Facts About Fertility is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination information.
In summary, the no-hair trend raises various questions about societal expectations and personal choices. While some women may feel empowered by Brazilian waxes, others, like myself, prefer to embrace a more natural look. It’s essential to make choices based on personal comfort rather than societal pressures.