Most of us have heard of “Movember.” You know, how every year in November men grow their facial hair to raise awareness of men’s health issues?
But what about women? Do we really have to be forced to shave our body hair for the sake of aesthetics? Not if you listen to these ladies.
Did you know that back in the early 20th century, women couldn’t care less about shaving their body hair? Oh, yes, that’s right.
Doesn’t that seem odd now? But it wasn’t until sleeveless dresses stormed fashion that advertisers started targeting women and encouraging them to shave their armpits.
After targeting the armpits, advertisers moved on to telling women to shave their legs.
And by the 1950s, women shaving their body hair became the norm. In today’s society, things go even beyond that. There are so many different techniques to get rid of so-called “unwanted” body hair.
This practice is a big business and makes lots of money.
Companies are constantly coming up with better ways to remove body hair. Who here has ever tried a Brazilian? Raise your hand. That’s an experience you’ll never forget. Am I right? Ha, ha!
So it’s no wonder that some women have had enough of that.
Collectively and personally, they’re making a stand to normalize women’s body hair again. Now there’s even “Januhairy,” where ladies forgo shaving for the entire month of January. Isn’t that so cool or what?
Have you ever heard of it? I have to admit I have not.
But I do like the idea. There are many ladies who admit to having been shamed for their body hair. I don’t think that’s right.
Nobody, whether you’re a man or a woman, should feel bad for the way they look.
This movement is all about body positivity and the effects of beauty standards on women’s body image. And, I, for one, am all for that.
This movement first started back in 2018 by a woman named Laura Jackson.
She created “Januhairy” to encourage women to ditch razor blades for a month and share their progress pictures on social media. Wow, talk about a bold move, huh?
Not surprisingly, the campaign took off.
And now every January, women from all walks of life show themselves rocking their unshaven bodies. It might even come as a shock to some to see these uncanny photos. After all, we’re not that used to them yet.
Did you notice I used the word “yet”?
If this movement continues, you might have to get used to seeing more pictures like these. Hearing the inspirational stories of why these ladies decided to ditch the razor is really wonderful.
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Many women who have participated in “Januhairy” have shared personal stories online along with their photos.
The month-long movement allows women to express their thoughts on issues related to body positivity, their experiences of racism, and how society’s unrealistic beauty standards have affected them.
One woman said that participating in “Januhairy” made her reevaluate her relationship with her razor.
“I keep thinking, why do I shave? For who? For society? For me? For men? I’ve never asked a man to remove anything from their body. What’s so offensive about my body hair?” said Instagram user @caleyholmboe .
Others opened up about their experiences being bullied.
Instagram user @queen_esie said she was bullied for her chest hair and it took her 10 years to finally accept herself.
While not shaving for a month can be a fun challenge, for many women, this movement reminds them that their body hair is beautiful!
Whether you’re prepared to stop shaving for only one month or commit yourself to it long term, I commend you for it.
It can’t be easy to bare your body and soul like this for all to see on social media.
So what do you think of this Januhairy campaign?
Do you think it’s a good idea? Would you be brave enough to take part in it for one month? Or would you consider ditching the razor for good? I want to know your thoughts on it.
