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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insights INSIGHT
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.
insights INSIGHT
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.
question_answer ANECDOTE
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.
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According to Healthline.com, the human body has around 5 million hair follicles. Now you might not have guessed, but that figure is around the same for both men and women. And our body hair has a lot of important functions.
It helps regulate body temperature by keeping us warm or retaining sweat to cool us down. It also protects sensitive parts of our bodies from infection, like the eyes and genitals. And yet, women often go to great lengths to have their body hair removed, and there’s a taboo around having hairy armpits or other body parts. It’s in no small part down to gendered social control.
Is body hair removal a recent development? When did that become the case? What about pubic hair? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!
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