Do you really know? How did female body hair become taboo?
Feb 19, 2025
Explore the taboo of female body hair removal throughout history, from ritualistic practice to modern beauty standard. Discover societal influences and commercialization that perpetuate the taboo in contemporary times.
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History of Hair Removal
- Female body hair removal is not a recent phenomenon, but a practice dating back to ancient civilizations.
- However, its taboo nature specifically targeting women is a more modern development.
Shifting Perceptions
- The shift in perception started in the late 19th century, influenced by Darwin's theories and medical opinions.
- This was further fueled by 20th-century advertising campaigns that promoted hair removal products by associating body hair with negative connotations.
20th-Century Influence
- Gillette's first female razor in 1915 marked a turning point.
- WWII nylon shortages normalized leg hair removal due to the lack of stockings.