A few years back, I joined a group run with some good friends where we usually talked about our lives, our kids, and the latest gossip. As we jogged along, we shared stories about our husbands, reflected on how our children were turning us into our own mothers, and complained about how our post-baby bodies felt less than youthful while climbing the gentle hills in our neighborhood. Joining our run that day was my friend’s younger sister, who was a decade younger, single, and reveling in the dating scene. She fit right in with our banter.
During our run, no topic was too taboo, and we eventually found ourselves discussing body hair. With warmer weather on the horizon, we all lamented the need to dust off our razors and tackle the seasonal upkeep of our body hair—because shorts and bathing suits were calling. We grumbled about the time it took to shave our legs, groom our underarms, and prepare our bikini areas.
My friend’s sister, however, was shocked by our conversation. She halted in the middle of the road to express her disbelief that we had become “those women,” who had supposedly surrendered to letting their body hair grow unchecked. We exchanged glances and asked her what the trendsetters of her generation were doing regarding body hair. She simply informed us that her peers were practically hairless, referring to themselves as Generation Pubeless.
That led to our collective horror. The irony of our chat happening on Beaver Lane was not lost on us (the jokes practically wrote themselves). Yet, amidst our laughter and hair removal horror stories, we all agreed that the choice of how to manage body hair should be personal. While I respect Generation Pubeless and their approach, I am not ready to join their ranks; Brazilian waxes are not for the faint of heart, I assure you.
Recently, I was reminded of that conversation when controversy erupted over the new Wonder Woman film. People were outraged that Wonder Woman, portrayed by Gal Gadot, appeared to have time to shave her armpits between saving the world and flying in her invisible jet. The Twitter sphere erupted, with feminists claiming that Wonder Woman’s smooth armpits represented a double standard, as male action heroes didn’t face the same scrutiny.
Here’s the thing: I’m not here to debate anyone’s grooming habits because, honestly, I don’t care what’s happening beneath your clothes. Hair is a natural aspect of the human body. If you prefer to embrace your body hair, more power to you. It’s absurd that women feel pressured to justify their choices when men with wild body hair walk freely on beaches across America.
Not every woman aspires to look like the hairless models often glorified in media. Just because a woman chooses not to shave doesn’t make her any less attractive. Furthermore, until you’ve endured the pain of hot wax being ripped off your skin, perhaps it’s best to keep your opinions to yourself. Waxing is excruciating, and shaving can lead to irritation. We’ve all seen that hilarious scene in The 40-Year-Old Virgin where a man experiences waxing, yet Wonder Woman gets criticized for her grooming choices.
So, why is there such an obsession with hair removal? Hair serves essential functions, such as protecting the body from germs and helping to regulate temperature. And while the exact evolutionary purpose of pubic hair remains a mystery, it’s nobody’s business whether my own grooming choices lean towards a lightning bolt shape or resemble an overgrown field. My body, my choice. If I want to donate my leg hair to a good cause, that’s my prerogative.
Ultimately, body hair is a natural part of being human, and we need to chill out about grooming standards. Wonder Woman has enough on her plate without us nitpicking her personal choices about armpit hair. I can assure you that my partner still finds me attractive, even when my legs aren’t as smooth as they were when we first met. What really matters are the significant issues we face in the world today, like politics and economic challenges.
Except for those pesky chin hairs. I tackle those with the strength of a superhero.
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In summary, women should feel empowered to make their own choices regarding body hair without societal pressure. Whether one opts for a hairless look or embraces their natural hair, it’s a personal decision that deserves respect.