Acceptance is all the rage these days. Everywhere you look, social norms, beauty standards, and 'taboos' are being challenged. Especially in regards to body image and cultural expectations about the ways beautiful women present themselves in public.
“It's about time too,” I hear many of you say. After all, we live in a free, individualistic society, and there should be no pressure to conform to unnatural or unrealistic 'standards' that were consolidated under an outdated patriarchal system. However, for the more conservative among us, these changes and challenges are happening so quickly that it can become disorienting. Perhaps there are more pressing issues than body hair we should all be focusing on?
The latest example of breaking down barriers comes, naturally, in the form of a pithily-named month. From 'Veganuary' to 'Decembeard,' any movement worth its salt seems to be couched in a punny and easily achievable 30-day package, and 'Januhairy' is no different. “This isn’t an angry campaign for people who don’t see how normal armpit hair or any other body hair is, but more an empowering project for everyone to understand more about their views on themselves and others,” British student Laura Jackson, gal behind the anti body hair removal Januhairy, wrote. The campaign's aim is for women to grow out body hair for one month to support Body Gossip’s education program, which encourages everyone to be the best version of themselves and “to rock their own brand of gorgeous!” A week into the month, beautifully hairy women are already posting progress pics. You can scroll down below to check them out yourself, and let us know your own thoughts on the natural beauty initiative in the comments!
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eeeeek i’ve just learnt about januhairy!! it’s always so exciting for me to see new waves of this movement of body nonconformity. it’s gaining a lot of attention from the media which is EXACTLY what is needed. people need to be reminded over and over that what women choose to do with their bodies is THEIR OWN DAMN CHOICE. people need to see women who do not care to change themselves to fit our society’s bullshit beauty standards until seeing that becomes the norm. that is the only way we can change the standards
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shave or don’t, i don’t care or judge you either way, it’s your choice! but i do encourage all women to think about the changes they make to their bodies and think about why they do it. who they do it for
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personally, there are so many reasons i don’t shave my armpits and very few reasons why i would. but one of my biggest motivators not to is knowing that by not shaving i am actively choosing not to give money to companies, and the people who run them, that think that women’s bodies aren’t good enough the way they naturally are
If people don’t support woman showing hair then why did you click here!?
Hi I’m Laura, the gal behind Januhairy! I thought I would write a little about my experiences and how Januhairy came about... I grew out my body hair for a performance as part of my drama degree in May 2018. There had been some parts that were challenging for me, and others that really opened my eyes to the taboo of body hair on a woman. After a few weeks of getting used to it, I started to like my natural hair. I also started to like the lack of uncomfortable episodes of shaving. Though I felt liberated and more confident in myself, some people around me didn’t understand why I didn’t shave/didn’t agree with it. I realised that there is still so much more for us to do to be able to accept one another fully and truly. Then I thought of Januhairy and thought I would try it out. It’s a start at least . . .I have had a lot of support from my friends and family! Even though I had to explain why I was doing it to a lot of them which was surprising, and again, the reason why this is important to do! When I first started growing my body hair my mum asked me “Is it you just being lazy or are you trying to prove a point?” . . . why should we be called lazy if we don’t want to shave? And why do we have to be proving a point? After talking to her about it and helping her understand, she saw how weird it was that she asked those questions. If we do something/see the same things, over and over again it becomes normal. She is now going to join in with Januhairy and grow out her own body hair which is a big challenge for her as well as many women who are getting involved. Of course a good challenge! This isn’t an angry campaign for people who don’t see how normal body hair is, but more an empowering project for everyone to understand more about their views on themselves and others.This picture was taken a few months ago. Now I am joining in with Januhairy, starting the growing process again along with the other wonderful women who have signed up! Progress pictures/descriptions from our gals will be posted throughout the month. Lets get hairy
Actually, it's not just women who feel the pressure not to be hairy. Men are supposed to just have hair on their chests, for some reason, and those many who have very hairy backs often feel ashamed and go for waxing regularly. I think I have finally gotten my son to stop this nonsense and just accept how he is.
Don't force your son to stop shaving if that's what he feels comfortable with! It should always be a choice you make, not a choice made for you by other people/society
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It's what's on the inside that counts!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hate having to shave when boys don't even have to worry about it. It's really upsetting!
Aside from anything else, shaving or waxing body hair tends to lead to ingrown hairs and infections. It's more than worth the funny looks not to have to do it.
If I posted before-and-after pictures, I'm afraid they wouldn't be much different. At my age, I just don't seem to grow much hair anymore. But hey, whatever floats your boat, right?
I'm a man and i adore women who have armpit and pubic hair, for me the more the better. Such a turn on!! Steve
Keep promoting natural beauty Laura! You are a confident, strong, natural Queen! ♥
"There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty."~Steve Maraboli
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@i_am_morgie~ “…Imagine if everyone just decided that today was the day they loved themselves and embraced every part of them selves. Accepting and loving your body and your "flaws" because you know they are what makes you who you are. If you are focused on being true to yourself in every moment, you are less concerned what others think, which will lead to peace of mind. When you have nothing to hide and you can freely be yourself, there is a profound peace/confidence you will emanate to the world that will inspire others.”👏
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All the girls joining in januhairy are shaving off their body hair on New Year’s Eve (Monday 31st) ready to kick start the new year with a new challenge!
We have many women who have signed up for this charity project so far, from the age range of 16-60! ✨💃✨💃 Sign up and join in while you can!
That’s great and all but number 7 is actually a woman who doesn’t shave and has been interviewed and blogged about it for years. That photo has been going in the web for ages and I bet the other photos are old as well since if you stop shaving in January, you don’t automatically get an amazing bush in weeks or even months! 😁💕
That's my photo, here's a description: "Well I've heard it's #januhairy now, so I decided to join. I had begun to shave in elementary school after I went to a swim class and one classmate asked me why I don't have shaved armpits. I still remember the feeling of surprise and humiliation that something is wrong with my body. At this age, you can easily get the impression that if you're not doing what everyone else is doing, something is wrong with you. I often heard in high school that I would be more attractive if I didn't have such hairy hands. With time, it gradually became clear to me that the main reason why I shave is mainly the inner pressure from this learned norm and the automatic expectation of the society. It sounds banal, but I think this pressure on women is really strong and unnecessary. Now I'm satisfied with all my hair because the hairs are normal. Peace out"
Hey, if men can have hairy legs/pits and still be sexy, why can't women?
believe In the #januhairy #hairyjanuary initiative because I believe women should feel #free to love their bodies and not feel embarrassed by their #natural #hair. A woman can be #sexy with#hairyarmpits #hairylegs As a man still looks masculine without #bodyhair Stop the stigma please ! I do not feel disgusting nor dirty for being a #human being.
Me and my best friend: "hey girl, what are you doing, do you have time for coffee?" "just brushing my leghair.. Sure, I'm on my way!"
Guys have noshavenovember girls have januhairy
The fact she rolled down one sock just to show her tattoo, is rather amusing. And before people rush to reply with something snarky, I don't mean that in a horrible way.
this girl looks exactally like the girl i met on suicide watch(we still talk)
I have hypothyroidism, so I can literally count the hairs in my pits! Not many at all, eyebrows fell out ago, and I can go without shaving my legs foo a year, before I need to do it again! Sigh... no pit hair, is a sorry state for me!
If you’re a woman - are you comfortable with your body hair? I try to be, but after almost 2 years of not shaving, I’m still insecure about it. I get really self conscious when wearing tops, and I usually opt for an option where my armpits are covered. I’m a little more confident about my leg hair, but not much. I wonder if it will ever be completely chill to show my body hair, or if I will keep feeling the pressure. I don’t think society is gonna change over night, but really hope to at least see some change in 2019. A girl can hope, right? For now I will just try to do my part in showing that body hair on women is ok ✨
Thank you for being honest about feeling insecure about it. I am the same way when I experiment with not shaving.
Great time with Freya a few weeks ago, during a brief parting in the stormy clouds in Plymouth
Just to let you you all know this is me and that i am happy letting my armpit hair grow and dying my head hair red. I do not do it for your acceptance or because you think I should dye my armpit hair too. I do it because sometimes i do not want to shave and like armpit fuzz :) Women do not have to have smooth armpits if they do not want to. You go girls!
I have never seen another woman with leg hair as thick as mine. It's such a blessing to know I'm not the only one. ♥
I was eating!!! For Christ sake... I didn't shave my legs for about a month, cause I am in a long term relationships and it's winter 😂 (yeah, I am lazy).. Do I have to post it on my Facebook for everyone to know too?
I'm removing hair regularly although I'm married and it's winter because I go to the swimming pool frequently and I can't mentally afford to look like a prehistoric specimen. *sigh* (no judgement for other women, just the way I see myself)
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I'm sad to read the comments below this article. Personally I shave (for a whole host of reasons), but I think it's important to normalize body hair for women, because too many people see it as disgusting (but not men's body hair, because double standards). Just like men are free to choose whether they shave their body hair or not, women should be too, without being shamed/degraded for it.
To be honest, I prefer men with less body hair. But i fully and wholly agree with what you say. Same here.
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So... haircuts is OK, hair dye is OK, makeup is OK, tattoos is OK, piercing is OK, nail polish is OK, bedazzling your stupid forehead is OK... But hair below your nose - do not touch that s**t - that s**t must be all natural...
This is not about being natural, it's about choices. They enhance the natural part of it as an argument to let females be. There is an unspoken common social pressure on females (yep, from underage girls to mature ladies) that obbligates us to remove body hair. I won't say it comes from men, no, not exclusively, women are guilty too in this story. Anyway, you get the point. I still prefer the hairless feeling for myself, but I wish I could care less than I do now, honestly. It should be a choice, not a rule.
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hairy legs don't bother me at all and i shave them irregularly, but armpits are different territory - i'm gonna keep shaving them as smooth armpits contains smell much less
MagicalUnicorn Yep, same, I don't mind having a bit of a fur on my legs but I hate hairy pits, it's just not a nice feeling. And in my opinion, if you don't shave, wear stronger deodorant, cause you're going to smell (I've smelled friends who've gone for months without shaving)
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just do what u like. why so many criticizing comments? it's just body hair. there are men and women, who get itchy and painful bumps from shaving. no matter what razor or cream they use. not shaving is just more comfortable for them. some shave because it makes them feel cleaner (less smelly). hairy, non-hairy, selectively hairy - how does it matter as long as you are confident and comfortable in your own hair? plus it's January. it's cold. not shaving just makes "natural" sense :P
True that! It hurts to shave my legs like every hair follicle turns into a tiny needle and swells up and looks gross like pox. Yes I've used every product out there. Only thing I haven't tried is laser removal, but I'm at risk of nasty scarring.
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I mean good for them, I'm glad they don't feel pressure to shave. However even if it wasn't the norm I still prefer shaving because I have really dry skin and having hair rub against my legs is irritating. I love the feeling of shaven legs
For me it's the other way around. Having no leg hair and wearing jeans is a really weird feeling and I hate it. I'd rather trim my leg hairs if they get really long and some of them dark.
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It's good to have a choice. I choose perfectly shaved smooth skin.
In 1916 a women's fashion magazine made armpit and leg hair on women "unsightly". Going to join you beautiful brave women and stop shaving.
Some people are uncomfortable seeing women comfortable with the choices they've made for their own bodies
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When we really stop and think about how much time men and women put into aggressively changing our appearances it is bizarre .. I love these articles about delving into the why of these issues.. it is about going past the visual and exploring the path that lead to these perceptions in the first place..
I haven't shaved in over 2 years. You can hardly tell on my legs, the hair there is very light and sparse. However, I do get self-conscious about my armpits. I do trim them occasionally, but I still don't shave because whenever I have they ITCH and I look like a gorilla until the hair has grown out.
Yeah trimming is a great thing. Some people seem to think that it's either no hair at all or it has to be totally "natural" with no interference.
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You know, before I read all these mean comments below the article I thought that Bored Panda was still one of those rare internet communities where people are respectful towards others and don`t make toxic comments. And I`m not going to shame those who were disgustingly rude and sexist, but if you don`t support women with body-hair then don`t read this. Come on Bored Panda`s. We are better than this. As your kindergarten teacher said, if you don`t have anything nice to say, don`t say it at all.
I really don’t understand why people see female body hair as such a disgusting thing.
saddest thing is, women are far more judgemental of other women than men are. Honestly, most men, especially those that are not stuck up their own a*s as hell, don't even notice those things, except if really excessive. But women... you will hear so much evil from other women. That is depressing.
I really started to be extremely annoyed by the women who want to be the "cool one's" and not like the other girls. As if "being one of the boys" is the best you can achieve in your life. Those power dynamics have a really weird impact on women, which makes them accomplice to this s**t. I guess it's one way to be treated as a real person aka a man.
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I stopped shaving too.....just lasered all my hair off. I just don't like how it feels when I rub my two legs together with hair or when I am in bed. When I grew out my hair on my legs I could actually feel the wind blowing my hair and my armpits looked black from so much hair even after I shaved, once I got them lasered it all went away. Best decision I ever made.
May I know how much you payed for it? I'd kinda like to try it out too, but none of the sites give precise information because it all depends on various factors, but I wanna know more or less what to expect.
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Back then it did not matter cus we all had body hair every where why now?
Back when? I am just curious as to what era you are referring to in your comment.
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Shave or don't shave... it won't change my opinion on what I prefer... which is... no ones business but my own and my significant other.
It's be cooler if their eyebrows were left natural too. And maybe no makeup. I don't really understand the point. You're trying to encourage women to make hairy stinky pits and bush popular, but plastering your face with makeup, dying your hair, and tweezing your brows. What part of that is "au naturale"?
This isn't about being natural, but about normalising body hair on women
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There's a point where removing hair seems to be about turning ourselves into a smooth confection sexual object. I know grooming and appearance can be empowering and fun for women, but having the choice without people grimacing or strangers coming up to tell me to shave (it's happened! and my body hair is 100% blonde) is something for all women to enjoy and get behind.
This movement is incredibly important. I have never shaved. I mean, I was taught how but I was never confident in it, couldn't stay consistent, hated it, and eventually stopped. I do shave occasionally to go swimming but it's painful growing back. I never wear shorts, because I'm not brave enough. I am embarrassed to go to the doctor or hospital unplanned. I do rock climbing and have occasionally been mortified to realize I'm wearing a shirt that rides up so my armpits are visible. I should not have to be terrified of simple situations like banging my shin on a table and then not being able to check whether I cut myself because people might see my legs. People do not realize how incredibly damaging this "perfect woman" idealogy is. I have come out of the closet with my mental illness, my bisexuality, and even as polyamorous. I only wish I was brave enough to have people know that I don't shave.
Honestly, that is so sad. You should be ashamed of being an a*****e to others, not of your unshaven body. Trust me, the perceived beauty of your body will never be as important as being kind, being honest, being real. you do you, let them stare.
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I think I'll scratch my legs to death...I personally find it hilarious! Don't get me wrong...is not about what people could say is about the way I would feel with so much hair...I 've never shaved for others but myself and my own comfort..
I will forever condemn anyone who shaves or does not shave for the sake of attaining attention for some stupid internet trend. Anything you do or do not do to your body should be solely for yourself, you think having body hair is gross? Shave it off! You're happier in a natural state? Do not shave! But stop doing this c**p because it is "trending". Be your own person and show you have your own thoughts.
I hope you're still aware that some women who shave don't want to do so, but they also aren't shaving for a trend, but because of pressure from society
Load More Replies... I am totally for being yourself and not feeling social pressure and all but posting pics of your hairy legs and armpits... This is just silly. This is the kind of thing that makes people believe feminists are crazy...
Feminists are crazy because women want to be able to have body hair and not get s**t for it...?
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We are so culturally conditioned that we think a woman should have endless cascading hair on her head, but not anywhere else on her body. We're a weird society. Me, I'm very fortunate, I guess, since the hair on my legs is so fine and so blonde, you can't really see it at all, so I've never had to think about whether to shave or not.
I love how smooth my legs feel after waxing..I do it myself to save money, and yeah, it hurts a little, but now that I'm pushing 67, there's not much left. Hardly any underarm hair either. I was so furry when I was younger, I'd seriously look like a gorilla if I did this..One of those Irish girls with a unibrow..But, I applaud these women for their confidence doing this!
This is important and does a lot for women. Thank you for sharing this post bored panda.
I honestly don't care who shaves or doesn't , another thing that just does not bother me in the least, that said.. lol (the big but here) BUT.. for myself I've tried going without shaving, about day 7 or 8, I start to not like it, it feels weird to me, then I break down and shave, ahhh that after feel is so nice, I freaking love it, so I guess I will remain a "shave--er" only reason being is I like the feel of having shaved better than not having shaved, and thats ok too ..
Heyy I'm back to fight the haters. Body hair, underarms or legs or arms or facial ANYTHING LIKE THAT, is a personal choice. Smooth, shiny women have been normalized in society, resulting in all the anxiety about body hair. If men have body hair? They're buff. They're sexy. Double standards much? We should start up again. Body hair on women should be accepted.
Ummmmm well...haha...to each her own I always say ..I personally shave for hygiene reasons up and down haha...deodorant works better and the part feels cleaner and fresher...not here to judge anyone for what they do with their bodies...if they like it I love it haha...
is it just my computer, or is it a coincidence that the running ad for this page is for a razor? probably just my computer
I really respect their way buuuuut I´d rather shave my legs and whatever needs to be shaved.
I don't really get the point much with this date... I mean, it's winter in the northern hemisphere, where I assume the great majority of possible "challengers" will be... and I'm pretty sure a lot of women already mostly don't shave in winter since nobody's gonna see anyway (or only family will). Doing the challenge in the middle of scorching summer wearing shorts and tank tops or light dresses would be a completely different thing... Or is the challenge to post the photos online?
I think this challenge has less to do with letting the world see as much body hair as possible, but about growing comfortable in your own body and with your own body hair and trying to normalise it
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This is natural beauty, but a little gross for some people. (Just saying what everyone was thinking.)
Wow, I totally agree with all the men down there calling non-shaving women "lazy bitches" for not spending the time to shave :D!! You IDIOTS!! How dare you voice these kinds of opinions when you yourselves haven't spent excessive minutes, countless days shaving your legs and pits! Men with unshaven pits are just as "disgusting," as you call it, if not MORE. A man with hairy legs and pits gags at a pic of a woman with less hair than him. WHAT?!?! Why have I never seen an article about the other way around? Where's the article on leg and pit-shaving men? Oh, right, it doesn't exist! People don't look twice at a non-shaven man but if it's on a woman OH S**T ITS A BIG FRICKIN DEAL!! Hm? Funny how men have more body hair than these women and walk free without comment being put on them.
When people see guys walking around with armpit hair and leg hair, they don't question it. When women do it, it's 'gross' or 'unnatural.' Those people in the comment section suck a*s. I'm not a woman (nor a man, for that matter), but I haven't shaved in like... two years? It's been a while.
Hey, you do you... and I won't judge you for it. To each their own. But don't judge me when I WANT to shave my legs and pits because I like to.
Lots of people clicked on this post so they could hate on it. Just.stop.please.okay. It is their prerogative and these woman are brave
I sincerely don't care about armpit hairs... but the ones on the arms and legs (if they are too dark or long) are kinda ugly but it's just my personal opinion. Of course everyone can do what they want to but I shave completely even in winter :D I see a little hair and go like "ahhh spikes are growing again!"
Women can actually grow that much hair?! Jeez, I had no idea. My hair is very light and I grow very little every where, including the hair on my head is very thin unfortunately. But I actually enjoy having my pits shaved, I hate the feeling of hair under there. Same with pubes. I don't mind leg hair though, it doesn't get in the way of anything, just keeps me warm in the winter lol
Hmmm, haven't shaved in a week?!?! Most of them haven't shaved in much longer than that.
If they used razors to shave, then the hair is back within 3 days if you have thick or long body hair. No joke. And no shame in it.
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I love hairy women and find hairy pits and bushes super sexy. I especially like it on women who are not outwardly crunchy granola or trying too hard to be victims or pretending that women and men are the same and the same things are attractive or unattractive about each.
well media screwed up women's minds, i think a natural woman who dont shave, is a billion times more feminine at some point i thought something is wrong with me to like women who keeps themselves natural , then as u said f**k it , am single since a while now till i find such a woman and that would always reflect their personality not just looks , such women are actually genuinely natural in regards to their personality as well, so yeah am sick of women trying to look like barbie girls on their looks and on their personality, all women here are awesome dont let media or ppl make u change
Gee! That was fun. Now let's stare at 100 men's hairy arm pits! Said no one ever
"Look at us women, we are strong and independent! We do not shave and make a point about a topic that nobody cares about. Our next step is to grow a mustache, because why would such a thing be only for men? "
If you are ashamed of something, the problem is in your own head. Of course it is a choice for women whether they shave or not. As it is a choice to wipe your a*s after pooping. It just depends on what you feel comfortable with.
Also coincides with 'No-Sex-January' If I wanted to smell a musty armpit I'd be gay.
It doesn’t bother me at what someone chooses to do with her own body but I can’t help but think of how itchy I would be!
I never shave my armpits, I have like, 4 hairs on each, and they're so thin you can't even see them. My legs are a whole other story, but since I always wear pants I don't even bother.
Just arm pits? What a "statement"... NOT! Remove all of your body hair and then I'll support your cause.
I am a man and my first love was 35 ans I was 18, she ask me to shave the hair I had and till today I still do. I can understand if you want have sweet memories from the stone age.
How the f**k did they grow that much hair in 10 days!?!?! Or are they cheating like the arseholes in Movember.
Evolution should have phased this out already, Im hairy everywhere but my back (my dad is Completely hairy Everywhere.) it doesnt do a whole lot for me living in the Canadian North.
Personal choice here... I can't stand the thought of hairy legs and underarms. It actually makes me cringe to see it. I shaved all my teen/adult life and now that I'm of a certain age, I'm lucky enough not to grow it anymore. Yay for some things.
I’m all for the freedom of doing what the heck with your own body and face. People’s tattoos? Don’t care, they’re not on my body. Body hair? Whatever. But I can't help wondering what’s up with the hairy bodies and carefully maintained and plucked brows... But hey, you do you!
Yeah, it would be everyone's choice. If they want to pluck their eyebrows and shave their heads but have hairy pits and legs then that's their choice and no more wrong than any other choice
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I think Januhairy is wrong. Most of these girls are long term no shavers, and it shows. No way they grew out body hair like this in 8 days. Honestly, i do not like unshaved armpits on a woman. But i don't like men wearing tank tops and hairy pits too. So, you do you, but i am a little disgusted as well. And it bothers me that now i have to like it, or approve it because those girls see it as liberating. As a woman, shaved or no shaved arm pits are not liberating for me. Liberating for myself is equal wage, being less at risk for poverty when having to raise children alone, and seeing women in other parts of the world getting education, jobs and equal rights as well. This shaving movement is kinda irrelevant and snowflakey in my opinion. And really hipster-y and white. If you had real problems, you wouldn't obsess over your body so much.
"If you had real problems, you wouldn't obsess over your body so much" if you had real problems, you wouldn't obsess over these women's bodies so much that you felt the need to negatively comment on them, yet here we are
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1979 - women shave their underarms but let their pubic hair be natural; 2019 - women shave their pubic hair but let their underarms be natural
So are we gonna stop wiping after number 2's now because it's unnatural?
When I don’t shave my arm bits or down there , more bacteria is collected and more smelly these areas get. I shave because it’s hygiene for me but also because I feel more civilised. I love my husband unshaved because he looks like a sexy caveman but when his upper lip beard starts getting smelly I tell him to trim it. Life is more simple and less smelly with less hair .
I support non-shavers and all.... but I can't help that it grosses me out. On both men and women... I just can't help but feeling gross without shaving and when I see others aren't shaved. I don't know why.
You can't say "I support you" and "your decision is gross" in the same sentence, it's contradictory
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Rural women in third world countries have no access to to razor blades or affordable medicine/food and clean water but here we are giving attention to some self-absorbed idiots just because they didn't shave. 😐☕
Why spend your time shaving if you could build a well there in that time and why spend so much money on razors instead of giving it to organisations who provide medicine and food?
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It's nice and all but why do women still shave and draw their eyebrows if they think body hairs are okay?
I don't understand why this is such a big deal. If you want to shave, shave. If you don't want to shave, well, that's cool with me, too. Just be happy with yourself and everything else will fall into place.
I honestly hate armpit hair on anyone, l dont care if your a man, a woman, i dont care, armpit hair just is gross and weird to me, like it bothers me, leg hair is okay but armpit hair... No thanks
Yawn. Honestly this site has become boring lately. Hair, no hair. Grey hair blue hair. Bored panda I am indeed.
Ok, i`ve read comments. I just don`t understand 1 thing, why is it should be on boredpanda, facebook or elsewhere? Poop is natural, but thank you, you don`t post it on facebook. Is it your choice, then why are you so crazy about people around? Pressure? Judgement? Well... you are not afraid to do it together, but you are afraid of doing it in your life. If you decide not to shave your armpits, ok... even if I will meet such a woman on a beach or elsewhere, I will not pay attention, `cause I don`t care... literally. But if someone will come to me, raise her arm and make me look at it... that`s how I accept those actions in internet.
I believe in equal rights for women and men... That is why I like when men shave! Hairy armpits are disgusting in anyone! :P
Yet nobody, men or women, cares what you think and people should shave or not shave, it's not you place to judge their decision
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I get that it’s cost effective to stop buying shaving gel and razors but f**k this entirely. Being hairy is SO f*****g uncomfortable I can’t even understand why men just let their hair grow. If everyone shaved I guarantee they’d be more comfortable. Smooth legs and clean sheets? F**k yes! Bare armpits and a cool breeze? FUUUUCK yes. Be hairy all you want but you’re missing out. I’m a middle eastern woman and I’m hairy AS F**K and I shave my legs and pits almost daily. It’s awesome.
Then.... why did you click on the post....?
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Omg! Literally (almost) every single man doesn't shave, either! They have more hair than these women! So what are you, double-yetis? You're welcome for most of the women of the world shaving their legs, should we start criticizing men for not shaving, also? If this page was a bunch of men with the same amount of body hair, there would be nothing in the comments section. Do you not realize how time-consuming it is to shave, how much of a hassle it is?!
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Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think BP allows vag pics?
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"Women have a god-given right to be smug, self-righteous narcissists immune to any criticism whatsoever, while simultaneously entitled to spew hate and bile over every man for every single thing he does, or even thinks about doing, 24 hours a day" Oooooookay. You could've stopped after the first sentence. I'm a woman and I don't think I'm a "smug, self-righteous narcissist, entitled to spew hate and bile". I don't criticize "every man for every single thing he does." Neither men nor women fit this description. And don't EVER put a label to "women" or "men," like we're two separate species radically different from one another.
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Why do we gotta look at pictures of guys' beards then if they're not photo worthy?
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So if you think body hair makes is dirty do you shave your head as well? After all that's where you have the most hair. Or do you just wash it like every normal person who knows how to use soap and water?
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As if any of them would want to date a childish a*****e like you
Load More Replies... It's going to be a real shock the first time you touch a woman and realize they all grow hair.
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Tell me, exactly, how not showering and a woman letting her completely natural hair grow is the same? Please.
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I was eating!!! For Christ sake... I didn't shave my legs for about a month, cause I am in a long term relationships and it's winter 😂 (yeah, I am lazy).. Do I have to post it on my Facebook for everyone to know too?
I'm removing hair regularly although I'm married and it's winter because I go to the swimming pool frequently and I can't mentally afford to look like a prehistoric specimen. *sigh* (no judgement for other women, just the way I see myself)
Load More Replies... I'm sad to read the comments below this article. Personally I shave (for a whole host of reasons), but I think it's important to normalize body hair for women, because too many people see it as disgusting (but not men's body hair, because double standards). Just like men are free to choose whether they shave their body hair or not, women should be too, without being shamed/degraded for it.
To be honest, I prefer men with less body hair. But i fully and wholly agree with what you say. Same here.
Load More Replies... So... haircuts is OK, hair dye is OK, makeup is OK, tattoos is OK, piercing is OK, nail polish is OK, bedazzling your stupid forehead is OK... But hair below your nose - do not touch that s**t - that s**t must be all natural...
This is not about being natural, it's about choices. They enhance the natural part of it as an argument to let females be. There is an unspoken common social pressure on females (yep, from underage girls to mature ladies) that obbligates us to remove body hair. I won't say it comes from men, no, not exclusively, women are guilty too in this story. Anyway, you get the point. I still prefer the hairless feeling for myself, but I wish I could care less than I do now, honestly. It should be a choice, not a rule.
Load More Replies... hairy legs don't bother me at all and i shave them irregularly, but armpits are different territory - i'm gonna keep shaving them as smooth armpits contains smell much less
MagicalUnicorn Yep, same, I don't mind having a bit of a fur on my legs but I hate hairy pits, it's just not a nice feeling. And in my opinion, if you don't shave, wear stronger deodorant, cause you're going to smell (I've smelled friends who've gone for months without shaving)
Load More Replies... just do what u like. why so many criticizing comments? it's just body hair. there are men and women, who get itchy and painful bumps from shaving. no matter what razor or cream they use. not shaving is just more comfortable for them. some shave because it makes them feel cleaner (less smelly). hairy, non-hairy, selectively hairy - how does it matter as long as you are confident and comfortable in your own hair? plus it's January. it's cold. not shaving just makes "natural" sense :P
True that! It hurts to shave my legs like every hair follicle turns into a tiny needle and swells up and looks gross like pox. Yes I've used every product out there. Only thing I haven't tried is laser removal, but I'm at risk of nasty scarring.
Load More Replies... I mean good for them, I'm glad they don't feel pressure to shave. However even if it wasn't the norm I still prefer shaving because I have really dry skin and having hair rub against my legs is irritating. I love the feeling of shaven legs
For me it's the other way around. Having no leg hair and wearing jeans is a really weird feeling and I hate it. I'd rather trim my leg hairs if they get really long and some of them dark.
Load More Replies... It's good to have a choice. I choose perfectly shaved smooth skin.
In 1916 a women's fashion magazine made armpit and leg hair on women "unsightly". Going to join you beautiful brave women and stop shaving.
Some people are uncomfortable seeing women comfortable with the choices they've made for their own bodies
Load More Replies... When we really stop and think about how much time men and women put into aggressively changing our appearances it is bizarre .. I love these articles about delving into the why of these issues.. it is about going past the visual and exploring the path that lead to these perceptions in the first place..
I haven't shaved in over 2 years. You can hardly tell on my legs, the hair there is very light and sparse. However, I do get self-conscious about my armpits. I do trim them occasionally, but I still don't shave because whenever I have they ITCH and I look like a gorilla until the hair has grown out.
Yeah trimming is a great thing. Some people seem to think that it's either no hair at all or it has to be totally "natural" with no interference.
Load More Replies... You know, before I read all these mean comments below the article I thought that Bored Panda was still one of those rare internet communities where people are respectful towards others and don`t make toxic comments. And I`m not going to shame those who were disgustingly rude and sexist, but if you don`t support women with body-hair then don`t read this. Come on Bored Panda`s. We are better than this. As your kindergarten teacher said, if you don`t have anything nice to say, don`t say it at all.
I really don’t understand why people see female body hair as such a disgusting thing.
saddest thing is, women are far more judgemental of other women than men are. Honestly, most men, especially those that are not stuck up their own a*s as hell, don't even notice those things, except if really excessive. But women... you will hear so much evil from other women. That is depressing.
I really started to be extremely annoyed by the women who want to be the "cool one's" and not like the other girls. As if "being one of the boys" is the best you can achieve in your life. Those power dynamics have a really weird impact on women, which makes them accomplice to this s**t. I guess it's one way to be treated as a real person aka a man.
Load More Replies... I stopped shaving too.....just lasered all my hair off. I just don't like how it feels when I rub my two legs together with hair or when I am in bed. When I grew out my hair on my legs I could actually feel the wind blowing my hair and my armpits looked black from so much hair even after I shaved, once I got them lasered it all went away. Best decision I ever made.
May I know how much you payed for it? I'd kinda like to try it out too, but none of the sites give precise information because it all depends on various factors, but I wanna know more or less what to expect.
Load More Replies... Back then it did not matter cus we all had body hair every where why now?
Back when? I am just curious as to what era you are referring to in your comment.
Load More Replies... Shave or don't shave... it won't change my opinion on what I prefer... which is... no ones business but my own and my significant other.
It's be cooler if their eyebrows were left natural too. And maybe no makeup. I don't really understand the point. You're trying to encourage women to make hairy stinky pits and bush popular, but plastering your face with makeup, dying your hair, and tweezing your brows. What part of that is "au naturale"?
This isn't about being natural, but about normalising body hair on women
Load More Replies... There's a point where removing hair seems to be about turning ourselves into a smooth confection sexual object. I know grooming and appearance can be empowering and fun for women, but having the choice without people grimacing or strangers coming up to tell me to shave (it's happened! and my body hair is 100% blonde) is something for all women to enjoy and get behind.
This movement is incredibly important. I have never shaved. I mean, I was taught how but I was never confident in it, couldn't stay consistent, hated it, and eventually stopped. I do shave occasionally to go swimming but it's painful growing back. I never wear shorts, because I'm not brave enough. I am embarrassed to go to the doctor or hospital unplanned. I do rock climbing and have occasionally been mortified to realize I'm wearing a shirt that rides up so my armpits are visible. I should not have to be terrified of simple situations like banging my shin on a table and then not being able to check whether I cut myself because people might see my legs. People do not realize how incredibly damaging this "perfect woman" idealogy is. I have come out of the closet with my mental illness, my bisexuality, and even as polyamorous. I only wish I was brave enough to have people know that I don't shave.
Honestly, that is so sad. You should be ashamed of being an a*****e to others, not of your unshaven body. Trust me, the perceived beauty of your body will never be as important as being kind, being honest, being real. you do you, let them stare.
Load More Replies... I think I'll scratch my legs to death...I personally find it hilarious! Don't get me wrong...is not about what people could say is about the way I would feel with so much hair...I 've never shaved for others but myself and my own comfort..
I will forever condemn anyone who shaves or does not shave for the sake of attaining attention for some stupid internet trend. Anything you do or do not do to your body should be solely for yourself, you think having body hair is gross? Shave it off! You're happier in a natural state? Do not shave! But stop doing this c**p because it is "trending". Be your own person and show you have your own thoughts.
I hope you're still aware that some women who shave don't want to do so, but they also aren't shaving for a trend, but because of pressure from society
Load More Replies... I am totally for being yourself and not feeling social pressure and all but posting pics of your hairy legs and armpits... This is just silly. This is the kind of thing that makes people believe feminists are crazy...
Feminists are crazy because women want to be able to have body hair and not get s**t for it...?
Load More Replies... We are so culturally conditioned that we think a woman should have endless cascading hair on her head, but not anywhere else on her body. We're a weird society. Me, I'm very fortunate, I guess, since the hair on my legs is so fine and so blonde, you can't really see it at all, so I've never had to think about whether to shave or not.
I love how smooth my legs feel after waxing..I do it myself to save money, and yeah, it hurts a little, but now that I'm pushing 67, there's not much left. Hardly any underarm hair either. I was so furry when I was younger, I'd seriously look like a gorilla if I did this..One of those Irish girls with a unibrow..But, I applaud these women for their confidence doing this!
This is important and does a lot for women. Thank you for sharing this post bored panda.
I honestly don't care who shaves or doesn't , another thing that just does not bother me in the least, that said.. lol (the big but here) BUT.. for myself I've tried going without shaving, about day 7 or 8, I start to not like it, it feels weird to me, then I break down and shave, ahhh that after feel is so nice, I freaking love it, so I guess I will remain a "shave--er" only reason being is I like the feel of having shaved better than not having shaved, and thats ok too ..
Heyy I'm back to fight the haters. Body hair, underarms or legs or arms or facial ANYTHING LIKE THAT, is a personal choice. Smooth, shiny women have been normalized in society, resulting in all the anxiety about body hair. If men have body hair? They're buff. They're sexy. Double standards much? We should start up again. Body hair on women should be accepted.
Ummmmm well...haha...to each her own I always say ..I personally shave for hygiene reasons up and down haha...deodorant works better and the part feels cleaner and fresher...not here to judge anyone for what they do with their bodies...if they like it I love it haha...
is it just my computer, or is it a coincidence that the running ad for this page is for a razor? probably just my computer
I really respect their way buuuuut I´d rather shave my legs and whatever needs to be shaved.
I don't really get the point much with this date... I mean, it's winter in the northern hemisphere, where I assume the great majority of possible "challengers" will be... and I'm pretty sure a lot of women already mostly don't shave in winter since nobody's gonna see anyway (or only family will). Doing the challenge in the middle of scorching summer wearing shorts and tank tops or light dresses would be a completely different thing... Or is the challenge to post the photos online?
I think this challenge has less to do with letting the world see as much body hair as possible, but about growing comfortable in your own body and with your own body hair and trying to normalise it
Load More Replies... This is natural beauty, but a little gross for some people. (Just saying what everyone was thinking.)
Wow, I totally agree with all the men down there calling non-shaving women "lazy bitches" for not spending the time to shave :D!! You IDIOTS!! How dare you voice these kinds of opinions when you yourselves haven't spent excessive minutes, countless days shaving your legs and pits! Men with unshaven pits are just as "disgusting," as you call it, if not MORE. A man with hairy legs and pits gags at a pic of a woman with less hair than him. WHAT?!?! Why have I never seen an article about the other way around? Where's the article on leg and pit-shaving men? Oh, right, it doesn't exist! People don't look twice at a non-shaven man but if it's on a woman OH S**T ITS A BIG FRICKIN DEAL!! Hm? Funny how men have more body hair than these women and walk free without comment being put on them.
When people see guys walking around with armpit hair and leg hair, they don't question it. When women do it, it's 'gross' or 'unnatural.' Those people in the comment section suck a*s. I'm not a woman (nor a man, for that matter), but I haven't shaved in like... two years? It's been a while.
Hey, you do you... and I won't judge you for it. To each their own. But don't judge me when I WANT to shave my legs and pits because I like to.
Lots of people clicked on this post so they could hate on it. Just.stop.please.okay. It is their prerogative and these woman are brave
I sincerely don't care about armpit hairs... but the ones on the arms and legs (if they are too dark or long) are kinda ugly but it's just my personal opinion. Of course everyone can do what they want to but I shave completely even in winter :D I see a little hair and go like "ahhh spikes are growing again!"
Women can actually grow that much hair?! Jeez, I had no idea. My hair is very light and I grow very little every where, including the hair on my head is very thin unfortunately. But I actually enjoy having my pits shaved, I hate the feeling of hair under there. Same with pubes. I don't mind leg hair though, it doesn't get in the way of anything, just keeps me warm in the winter lol
Hmmm, haven't shaved in a week?!?! Most of them haven't shaved in much longer than that.
If they used razors to shave, then the hair is back within 3 days if you have thick or long body hair. No joke. And no shame in it.
Load More Replies... I love hairy women and find hairy pits and bushes super sexy. I especially like it on women who are not outwardly crunchy granola or trying too hard to be victims or pretending that women and men are the same and the same things are attractive or unattractive about each.
well media screwed up women's minds, i think a natural woman who dont shave, is a billion times more feminine at some point i thought something is wrong with me to like women who keeps themselves natural , then as u said f**k it , am single since a while now till i find such a woman and that would always reflect their personality not just looks , such women are actually genuinely natural in regards to their personality as well, so yeah am sick of women trying to look like barbie girls on their looks and on their personality, all women here are awesome dont let media or ppl make u change
Gee! That was fun. Now let's stare at 100 men's hairy arm pits! Said no one ever
"Look at us women, we are strong and independent! We do not shave and make a point about a topic that nobody cares about. Our next step is to grow a mustache, because why would such a thing be only for men? "
If you are ashamed of something, the problem is in your own head. Of course it is a choice for women whether they shave or not. As it is a choice to wipe your a*s after pooping. It just depends on what you feel comfortable with.
Also coincides with 'No-Sex-January' If I wanted to smell a musty armpit I'd be gay.
It doesn’t bother me at what someone chooses to do with her own body but I can’t help but think of how itchy I would be!
I never shave my armpits, I have like, 4 hairs on each, and they're so thin you can't even see them. My legs are a whole other story, but since I always wear pants I don't even bother.
Just arm pits? What a "statement"... NOT! Remove all of your body hair and then I'll support your cause.
I am a man and my first love was 35 ans I was 18, she ask me to shave the hair I had and till today I still do. I can understand if you want have sweet memories from the stone age.
How the f**k did they grow that much hair in 10 days!?!?! Or are they cheating like the arseholes in Movember.
Evolution should have phased this out already, Im hairy everywhere but my back (my dad is Completely hairy Everywhere.) it doesnt do a whole lot for me living in the Canadian North.
Personal choice here... I can't stand the thought of hairy legs and underarms. It actually makes me cringe to see it. I shaved all my teen/adult life and now that I'm of a certain age, I'm lucky enough not to grow it anymore. Yay for some things.
I’m all for the freedom of doing what the heck with your own body and face. People’s tattoos? Don’t care, they’re not on my body. Body hair? Whatever. But I can't help wondering what’s up with the hairy bodies and carefully maintained and plucked brows... But hey, you do you!
Yeah, it would be everyone's choice. If they want to pluck their eyebrows and shave their heads but have hairy pits and legs then that's their choice and no more wrong than any other choice
Load More Replies... I think Januhairy is wrong. Most of these girls are long term no shavers, and it shows. No way they grew out body hair like this in 8 days. Honestly, i do not like unshaved armpits on a woman. But i don't like men wearing tank tops and hairy pits too. So, you do you, but i am a little disgusted as well. And it bothers me that now i have to like it, or approve it because those girls see it as liberating. As a woman, shaved or no shaved arm pits are not liberating for me. Liberating for myself is equal wage, being less at risk for poverty when having to raise children alone, and seeing women in other parts of the world getting education, jobs and equal rights as well. This shaving movement is kinda irrelevant and snowflakey in my opinion. And really hipster-y and white. If you had real problems, you wouldn't obsess over your body so much.
"If you had real problems, you wouldn't obsess over your body so much" if you had real problems, you wouldn't obsess over these women's bodies so much that you felt the need to negatively comment on them, yet here we are
Load More Replies... 1979 - women shave their underarms but let their pubic hair be natural; 2019 - women shave their pubic hair but let their underarms be natural
So are we gonna stop wiping after number 2's now because it's unnatural?
When I don’t shave my arm bits or down there , more bacteria is collected and more smelly these areas get. I shave because it’s hygiene for me but also because I feel more civilised. I love my husband unshaved because he looks like a sexy caveman but when his upper lip beard starts getting smelly I tell him to trim it. Life is more simple and less smelly with less hair .
I support non-shavers and all.... but I can't help that it grosses me out. On both men and women... I just can't help but feeling gross without shaving and when I see others aren't shaved. I don't know why.
You can't say "I support you" and "your decision is gross" in the same sentence, it's contradictory
Load More Replies... Rural women in third world countries have no access to to razor blades or affordable medicine/food and clean water but here we are giving attention to some self-absorbed idiots just because they didn't shave. 😐☕
Why spend your time shaving if you could build a well there in that time and why spend so much money on razors instead of giving it to organisations who provide medicine and food?
Load More Replies... It's nice and all but why do women still shave and draw their eyebrows if they think body hairs are okay?
I don't understand why this is such a big deal. If you want to shave, shave. If you don't want to shave, well, that's cool with me, too. Just be happy with yourself and everything else will fall into place.
I honestly hate armpit hair on anyone, l dont care if your a man, a woman, i dont care, armpit hair just is gross and weird to me, like it bothers me, leg hair is okay but armpit hair... No thanks
Yawn. Honestly this site has become boring lately. Hair, no hair. Grey hair blue hair. Bored panda I am indeed.
Ok, i`ve read comments. I just don`t understand 1 thing, why is it should be on boredpanda, facebook or elsewhere? Poop is natural, but thank you, you don`t post it on facebook. Is it your choice, then why are you so crazy about people around? Pressure? Judgement? Well... you are not afraid to do it together, but you are afraid of doing it in your life. If you decide not to shave your armpits, ok... even if I will meet such a woman on a beach or elsewhere, I will not pay attention, `cause I don`t care... literally. But if someone will come to me, raise her arm and make me look at it... that`s how I accept those actions in internet.
I believe in equal rights for women and men... That is why I like when men shave! Hairy armpits are disgusting in anyone! :P
Yet nobody, men or women, cares what you think and people should shave or not shave, it's not you place to judge their decision
Load More Replies... I get that it’s cost effective to stop buying shaving gel and razors but f**k this entirely. Being hairy is SO f*****g uncomfortable I can’t even understand why men just let their hair grow. If everyone shaved I guarantee they’d be more comfortable. Smooth legs and clean sheets? F**k yes! Bare armpits and a cool breeze? FUUUUCK yes. Be hairy all you want but you’re missing out. I’m a middle eastern woman and I’m hairy AS F**K and I shave my legs and pits almost daily. It’s awesome.
Then.... why did you click on the post....?
Load More Replies... Omg! Literally (almost) every single man doesn't shave, either! They have more hair than these women! So what are you, double-yetis? You're welcome for most of the women of the world shaving their legs, should we start criticizing men for not shaving, also? If this page was a bunch of men with the same amount of body hair, there would be nothing in the comments section. Do you not realize how time-consuming it is to shave, how much of a hassle it is?!
Load More Replies... Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think BP allows vag pics?
Load More Replies... "Women have a god-given right to be smug, self-righteous narcissists immune to any criticism whatsoever, while simultaneously entitled to spew hate and bile over every man for every single thing he does, or even thinks about doing, 24 hours a day" Oooooookay. You could've stopped after the first sentence. I'm a woman and I don't think I'm a "smug, self-righteous narcissist, entitled to spew hate and bile". I don't criticize "every man for every single thing he does." Neither men nor women fit this description. And don't EVER put a label to "women" or "men," like we're two separate species radically different from one another.
Load More Replies... Why do we gotta look at pictures of guys' beards then if they're not photo worthy?
Load More Replies... So if you think body hair makes is dirty do you shave your head as well? After all that's where you have the most hair. Or do you just wash it like every normal person who knows how to use soap and water?
Load More Replies... As if any of them would want to date a childish a*****e like you
Load More Replies... It's going to be a real shock the first time you touch a woman and realize they all grow hair.
Load More Replies... Tell me, exactly, how not showering and a woman letting her completely natural hair grow is the same? Please.
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