Growing up I used to see older women who didn’t shave their legs and was horrified. After all, what were they thinking. Didn’t they know that women are slaves to their razors and that underarm, bikini line and leg hair are a strict no no?
Well, the older I have gotten the more inconvenient this modern convention has become. After all, I’m not as nimble as I used to be and getting my legs up above my waistline to administer the razor treatment, is starting to be quite an effort and one that I, quite frankly, am starting to question.
It was this line of thinking that sent me on a crusade to find out exactly when it became vogue to shave your hair and why?
I was fascinated by a post on Wikipedia…
Removal of the hair from the underarms was part of a collection of hygienic or cosmetic practices enjoined by Muhammad (570-632) as consistent with Fitra for both men and women and has since usually been regarded as a requirement by most Muslims.[1]
In the West, the practice began around 1915 in the US and UK, when one or more magazines showed a woman in a dress with shaved underarms. Regular shaving became feasible with the introduction of the safety razor at the beginning of the 20th century. While underarm shaving was quickly adopted in English speaking countries, especially in the US andCanada, it did not become widespread on the Continent of Europe until well after World War II.[2]
Well for one, I am not a Muslim and their practices although respected by me are not something that I am going to be taking up in the immediate future. Further, I detest the thought that we are being manipulated by the fashion industry to serve their purposes, as in another place it inferred that we started shaving our underarms because a dress manufacturer wanted to introduce sleeveless dresses and it looked better with shaved armpits.
I can only assume the same was so when they introduced the miniskirt in the early 60′s! After all, what would be the point of shaving your legs if they were going to be covered in pantaloons and long skirts???
So this leads me to believe that this is simply a “fashion” decision, with absolutely no health benefits whatsoever. So like choosing not to wear stilletos which are bad for our bodies and deserting them for the flat and comfy sandles that they sell to grannies (who have learned to be wise about their bodies and opt for comfort), I am choosing to feel free not to shave my legs if I don’t want to.
In fact, I have some photo evidence that this week I am exercising my right to have hairy legs. After all, one article I read said…
Several psychologists and feminists have speculated that men like the shaven look because it makes women look prepubescent – young, innocent, and unthreatening. Diana Grunig Catalan of Rangely, Colorado, who subscribes to the prepubescent theory, speculate that “American woman, unlike their European counterparts, were not supposed to do anything with all those men they attracted with their revealing clothing. A childlike, helpless look can be a protection as well as an attraction”. – http://www.4to40.com/health/index.asp?id=19
I’d love to know what you think about this subject, so please comment. 
) Postings of your own legs – shaved or not – would be gratefully accepted as evidence of your case.
Interesting article! I feel like I have to shave my legs every day. It makes exercising more comfortable and my legs more soft. Buuuutttt… If my boyfriend is out of town and I’m not wearing any dresses, I do enjoy the occasional break from shaving
I so get what you’re saying Ashley. I think in life we do as we’re told or as we see others doing but rarely do we question the status quo. I mean, I was about 9 when I first shaved my legs. I remember stealing my dad’s razor and having a go. I ended up a knicked up bleeding mess, but it was my first forage into the world of “high maintenance” fashion.
As a woman of 43, I am starting to be more objective about things. Going against the flow is not always easy, but I am teaching my daughters that they have choices. They don’t have to do what everyone else is doing. After all, I don’t want to sell my girls into a life of slavery. If they choose to shave their legs then that’s fine, but they need to know that they have choices. Just like they have the choice not to expose all of their body just because it is the fashion.
Further, the resources I am saving by not shaving are large. I save money on razors, money on water (as I used to shave in the shower), time (which I can devote to other things). Economically it doesn’t make sense for me to continue to shave. LOL
Thanks so much for commenting. I’m sure there are a load of girls out there just like you and I.
I’m a man, and liking shaved legs doesn’t mean I like women to be “prepubescent”! Yikes. To me, smooth legs just looks and feels more feminine. I hope I’m not blasted here for being honest.
Hi Bryan
)
A male’s perspective is always welcome. I agree that running your hand along a lovely smooth surface just feels better. So why won’t my husband shave his legs so I can enjoy the same sensation? And while we’re on it, if my legs stayed smooth for more than 24 hours I might be more interested. I guess that’s the value of wearing silk PJ’s.
Never be afraid of sharing your opinion. Our diverse ideas is what makes us interesting and grows our understanding.
Thanks for sharing!
No sex… no shaving
Tell me if I am reading this right…if they don’t put out, you don’t shave?
After writing this article, I reached the conclusion that there are many opinions on hair, but one conclusive attitude: That women who have hair on their legs simply are not as attractive as women who do not.
Combined with the pressure of not liking the look myself, I have made the fashion decision that I will occasionally shave so that I satisfy my own desire to see legs that do not have black, long hairs on them.
However, I reserve the right to change my mind on this issue. After all, I am a woman and it is a woman’s perrogative after all!