At different times female celebrities display their hairy armpits
Body positivity is the new gospel, people around the world are becoming more open and comfortable with keeping hairy armpits. While this has received lots of backlash especially when a woman keeps hers, more people including female celebrities are not left out of this trend.
Madonna's daughter, Lourdes, got people talking after she exposed her hairy armpits at the Met Gala.
But, before Lourdes, several other female celebrities have made statements by displaying their armpit hair at public functions.
See some of the women below.
1. Julia Roberts.
At the London premiere of 'Notting Hill' in 1999, Roberts raised eyebrows with her hairy armpits.
2. Amandla Sternberg.
The actress ruffled a few feathers in 2018 at the European premiere of her film 'The Hate U Give' when she posed in a way that exposed her armpit hair.
The star later posted an image of herself from the red carpet, with the caption, "#drama #armpit".
3. Paris Jackson.
Michael Jackson’s daughter, Paris has walked the red carpet and attended functions without shaving her armpit.
She has also been known to share photos displaying armpit and leg hairs on Instagram.
Reacting to the backlash once, Paris said on Instagram: "'I didn't realize that people were going to get so upset over my armpit hair. I didn't realize that was such an issue. It is so funny.
"People are really mad.
"Some people think that it's like super disgusting, especially on girls, but every human body does it. It's natural. Get over it."
4. Miles Cyrus.
Miles Cyrus has attended multiple events with her armpit hair on display. She's also not one to shy away from coloring her armpit hair.
5. Drew Barrymore.
The actress stepped out for an event in 2005 in a dress that put her armpit hair on display.
In the early 2000s, she was constantly seen with her armpit hair in full view and it mostly made it into the newspapers.
6. Kelly Rowland.
The singer made headlines in 2008 when she attended an InStyle event with hairy armpits.
7. Bella Thorne.
The actress and musician is not one to shy away from keeping her armpit hair and she once gave credit to Julia Robert and Madonna for inspiring her.
She took to her Instagram account in 2018 to share photos of Julia Roberts and Madonna with their hairy armpits and she called them "beautiful in every way."
Bella was once pictured raising her arms at the crowd during a performance with her hairy armpits on display.
8. Madonna.
Before Lourdes began exposing her armpit hair, her mother, Madonna was already doing that.
In 2014, the singer shared a selfie of her unshaven armpit writing, "Long hair…… Don't Care!!!!!!"
"I saw how popular girls had to behave to get the boys. I knew I couldn't fit into that," Madonna told Harper's Bazaar in 2011. "So I decided to do the opposite
9. Lisa Bonnet in 1990.
10. Lola Kirk 2017 Golden Globes.
11. Lourdes Leon.
Her armpit hair display at the 2021 Met Gala isn't her first time.
The 24-year-old model attended the 2018 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Anniversary Event in New York City, in a short white dress with unshaved armpits and legs.
Also, she once took to Instagram to display her armpit hair in a photo taken with her mother.
Breaking the Mold: Hairy Armpits and the Evolution of Beauty Standards
Picture this: a woman with unapologetically hairy armpits confidently raises her arm, challenging the very fabric of societal norms. It's a scene that would have been met with shock and disdain just a few decades ago. However, in today's world, this image is gaining momentum as a symbol of defiance against conventional beauty standards.
Embracing Naturalness: A Historical Perspective
To understand the audacity of the hairy armpit movement, we must first take a step back in time. Throughout history, body hair has been seen as a natural part of human existence. From the ancient civilizations of Greece and Egypt to the Renaissance era, the presence of body hair was neither questioned nor stigmatized. It wasn't until the early 20th century that cultural shifts and marketing campaigns began to alter perceptions.
The Birth of the Hairless Ideal
As the 20th century dawned, a seismic shift occurred. Advertisers seeking new markets realized that by associating body hair with uncleanliness, they could create a demand for hair removal products. Thus began the era of the hairless ideal. Women's razors, depilatory creams, and waxing services became essential tools in the pursuit of smooth skin. Magazines and movies reinforced this image, perpetuating the notion that hairlessness equaled attractiveness and femininity.
Feminism and Defying the Norms
Fast-forward to the 21st century and a new wave of feminism emerged. Women started questioning why they were subjected to painful grooming rituals that had more to do with societal expectations than personal choice. The feminist movement ignited conversations about reclaiming autonomy over one's body. Hairy armpits became a canvas for self-expression and a bold rejection of patriarchal beauty standards.
Media's Role: Reinforcing and Challenging Norms
Media, in many ways, acts as both a perpetrator and disruptor of beauty norms. It's worth noting that while some platforms continue to uphold the hairless ideal, others have provided space for counternarratives. Social media, especially Instagram and TikTok, became battlegrounds for the "body hair revolution." Influencers proudly displayed their unshaven armpits, gaining followers and sparking discussions.
Cultural Attitudes and Identity
Cultural attitudes toward body hair vary widely around the world. In some cultures, body hair remains largely accepted, while in others, it's fiercely removed. Exploring these attitudes unveils the intersection of beauty standards with identity, ethnicity, and geography. This cross-cultural perspective challenges the notion that there's a singular definition of beauty.
From Rebellion to Runways: Impact on Industries
The hairy armpit movement hasn't only sparked conversations; it's also impacted industries. Beauty and fashion brands are beginning to notice the shift in consumer preferences. Some brands are now featuring models with body hair in their campaigns, acknowledging the changing beauty landscape. This shift highlights the economic influence of body positivity and self-acceptance.
Art as a Catalyst for Change
Artists have also embraced the hairy armpit as a means of challenging norms. Photography, painting, and performance art have all been used to explore the relationship between beauty standards and personal authenticity. These creative endeavors encourage viewers to question their perceptions of beauty and rethink their biases.
A Generational Divide
The acceptance of hairy armpits isn't uniform across generations. Younger generations, who have grown up in the age of body positivity, are more likely to view the movement with understanding and support. However, for older generations accustomed to the hairless norm, the shift can be more jarring. This generational divide prompts intriguing discussions about evolving ideals and changing mindsets.
Looking Forward: Redefining Beauty
The resurgence of hairy armpits symbolizes more than just a rejection of traditional beauty standards. It's emblematic of a broader movement that champions authenticity, diversity, and self-love. As conversations around body hair continue to gain momentum, they challenge us to question the beauty norms we've taken for granted and to consider what truly defines attractiveness.
Conclusion
In a world where beauty ideals have often been dictated by external influences, the hairy armpit movement reminds us that embracing our natural selves is a radical act of self-acceptance. It's a call to break free from the mold and celebrate the uniqueness within each of us. As society evolves, so does our understanding of beauty, driven by courageous individuals who dare to challenge the status quo, one hairy armpit at a time.