Meet a woman who no longer shaves and who doesn’t hesitate to explain why.
If you’ve been following the ongoing societal conversations about gender and beauty norms, you might have noticed a growing trend. Today, many women are choosing to ditch their razors and stop shaving their hair. This change may come as a surprise to some, mainly because female body hair removal has been a well-established norm in Western societies for years.
So what motivation could be behind this trend?
We will discover the countless reasons why many women choose to give up the razor.
Meet Angelica, an Instagrammer Who Stopped Shaving
Angelic Abbey is a 20 year old from Leeds in the UK. She had the courage to document her experiences on Instagram and share them with the power of positivity. She hasn’t shaved her legs in six years or her armpits or bikini line in over two months. In an interview with the POP Teamshe explained why she chose to give up shaving.
His reason? Simply put, she felt better about herself when she got rid of the razor. Beautiful. Confident. Confident. She just loves her hair. Here is his explanation:
“I stopped shaving my legs because I wanted to feel more comfortable in my own skin. I realized that I didn’t need to follow traditional beauty standards to feel good about myself.
She also describes how most of her friends and family support her decision, even the women who still shave. If someone gives him a hard time, his answer is unwavering:
“I don’t shave for enemies, I shave to feel good for myself and for the people who love me. I don’t shave for others; I shave for me, myself and me. The more you tell me to shave, the less likely I am to do it.
She explained that her decision to grow out her body hair didn’t hurt her romantic relationships either. Now single, Angelica explained that her last partner made her feel appreciated and reassured, whatever her decision. She quickly explained that she would not let the opinion of a future partner sway her. Instead, she stands firm in her decision and won’t let others project their insecurities onto her.
Angelica also shared advice with other women who are hoping to throw away the razor for good.
“My message to any woman who wants to quit the razor is to take your time. Set goals and treat yourself to something you love to do! This journey is not easy but will be rewarding over time.
13 reasons why women decided to stop shaving
After consulting with many women who no longer shave (but declined an interview with us), we’ve put together the reasons why they quit.
1. Challenge societal norms
Many women choose not to shave primarily to challenge societal expectations and beauty standards. Hairless bodies have been promoted for too long as the epitome of femininity and beauty. But is it fair to hold women to a standard that demands such a routine? More and more women reject this notion. So instead, they’d rather break the rules and define beauty on their own terms.
2. Autonomy of the body
The decision not to shave is a powerful declaration of bodily autonomy. Many women seek to make a conscious choice to control what happens to their bodies, whether it’s hair removal, fashion choices, or sports tattoos and body art. It’s a way for some women to say, “It’s my body, and I’ll choose what to do with it.”
3. Save time and money
Shaving takes time. On top of that, it can get expensive over time. Consider the hours spent in the shower and the cost of razors, creams and lotions. Opting out of this routine can save a lot of time and money. These women decided to allocate their resources elsewhere.
4. Shaving is not environmentally friendly
Choosing not to shave is an environmentally friendly choice for many reasons. First, shaving often involves disposable razors, boxes of shaving cream and waxing strips, all of which contribute to landfill waste. Second, the act of shaving generally requires a significant amount of water. For those concerned about water conservation, letting go of the razor can be invaluable in preserving this crucial resource. Thus, some women who refrain from shaving see it as a pragmatic way to reduce their ecological footprint and support a more sustainable lifestyle.
5. Embrace natural bodies
Just as many people are learning to appreciate natural curves and so many body sizes, others can now appreciate body hair. It is natural, after all. By not shaving, women challenge the idea that they have to alter their natural state in order for others to consider them attractive.
6. Comfort and health
Shaving can lead to several problems. These can include skin irritation, rashes and ingrown hairs. Some women feel physically more comfortable without the results caused by these common shaving side effects. Also, some women will quickly remind you that pubic hair has a protective function, reducing the risk of infections.
7. Promote equality
Choosing not to shave can also be seen as a step towards promoting equality. Some women see it as a step back against double standards between the sexes. After all, men are generally not expected to wax. In fact, many companies value male beards. Some women are challenging this gap by choosing not to shave and promoting equality.
8. Promotion of mental health
Body image issues can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health. For some women, stopping shaving can be the first step towards self-acceptance and a positive body image. Thus, it contributes to the improvement of mental well-being.
9. Encourage Open Conversation
Some women aim to open up broader conversations about beauty standards, expectations, and the pressure to conform by challenging traditional expectations about women’s body hair. They hope to create a more open and tolerant society where self-care choices are seen as personal.
10. Stop shaving as a way to explore personal identity
Choosing to grow body hair can be part of exploring personal identity. Some women may choose not to shave to express their style or explore their femininity or gender identity outside of past societal norms.
11. Advocate for a change in media representation
Some women might leave the razor behind to advocate for more diverse media representation. The vast majority of women in the media appear with smooth, hairless bodies. Some believe that these standards increase the pressure on women to conform to them. Women can challenge this lack of diversity in media representation by choosing not to shave.
12. Normalize body hair in public spaces
Many women who forego shaving hope to normalize body hair in public spaces. They hope that by proudly displaying their body hair in places like beaches or gyms, they can help make body hair less taboo and make these spaces more welcoming for all women, regardless of their self-care choices.
13. Body hair related to aesthetics and feel
Some women are like Angelica Abbey. They find that they like the look or feel of their hair. They may enjoy the natural aesthetics of the hair or the feel of the hair against their clothes or skin.
Final Thoughts on Why Women Stop Shaving
The decision to shave or not is a very personal decision. In fact, there are as many reasons for making this choice as there are individuals. The most important thing is that every woman can make the right choice for her, without judgment or pressure.
Understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to body hair is crucial for acceptance by all. The choice to shave or not to shave should be entirely up to the individual. Most importantly, every woman feels empowered to decide about her body based on her comfort, beliefs, and desires. Whether it’s being soft like a dolphin or embracing the fluff, it’s all a matter of personal preference.
As this trend continues to gain momentum, we’re likely to see an even more diverse array of choices and attitudes towards women’s body hair. So to freedom of choice, to personal emancipation and to the wonderfully diverse ways in which women express their femininity!
As for Angelica Abbey, she remains open to changing her mind later while remaining determined to do what is best for her. “At the moment I don’t shave, but I might decide to shave again in the future!” I think it’s important for everyone to choose what they want to do with their hair.
Well said Angelique!