Bold photo project confronts societal expectations around women’s body hair
A Striking Photo Series Reimagines Beauty Standards and Embraces Natural Body Hair
A thought-provoking photo series is rewriting the narrative around female beauty by urging women to ditch the razor and reclaim something often stigmatized: their natural body hair.
Long before hair removal became embedded in modern beauty routines through razors, waxing, and laser treatments, it was already a familiar practice.
In fact, humans have been removing body hair since prehistoric times—back when seashells and sharp stones were the tools of choice.
An Ancient Practice
This age-old grooming ritual took on new meaning in the 19th century when Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution suggested that less body hair signaled higher evolutionary advancement.
According to this view, being hairless implied a greater level of attractiveness and human progress. Over time, this belief system cemented hairlessness as a mark of desirability.
A Social Expectation
By the early 20th century, the concept that women should be hair-free had become a social norm. Hair was no longer just hair—it was considered a flaw to be removed, not an element of natural beauty.
“It’s still heavily stigmatized,” says Heather Widdows, author of Perfect Me: Beauty as an Ethical Ideal. “Many women feel like shaving isn’t a choice—it’s a requirement.
That sense of obligation is concerning, even if attitudes are slowly shifting.”
Pushing Back Against the Norm
After centuries of conditioning, women are now pushing back against the narrow ideals that equate femininity with hairlessness and flawlessness.
London-based photographer Ben Hopper is among those challenging these expectations with his compelling photo series, Natural Beauty.
Hopper explains his intent: “I wanted to explore why female body hair, especially armpit hair, is treated as taboo. In the fashion and film industries, there’s a very rigid definition of beauty—and I wanted to contrast that with something raw and real.”
A Bold Aesthetic
His black-and-white portraits highlight this tension: styled, glamorous women confidently displaying their unshaven underarms.
“The goal is to create contrast between mainstream beauty and the authentic, unfiltered appearance of body hair,” Hopper told HuffPost.
“I hope the images challenge people’s expectations—maybe even surprise them.”
Personal Liberation
The project, launched in 2007, also includes firsthand stories and reflections from the women involved. Many speak of newfound freedom and empowerment.
“I felt free when I stopped shaving. Like I could finally breathe again,” said model Kyotocat. “It was so comfortable—like I was tapping into something ancient and powerful.”
Sophie Rose, another participant, described it as “empowering” to show her hair openly. “Not giving in to societal pressure felt bold.
Watching people react with disgust made me laugh—it showed me how deeply ingrained these norms are.”
Gabriela Eva, who grew her hair for the project, said the experience made her feel “natural, vulnerable—and eventually empowered.” She added, “Now, removing it would feel like losing part of myself.”
Not Always a Statement
Others, like model Sienna, noted that going au naturel wasn’t necessarily a political act—it just felt right. “I don’t think choosing not to shave should always be radical.
Sure, it pushes back against beauty norms, but I just want to feel comfortable in my body without it being a protest.”
Swedish actress Emilie Bostdt echoed that thought: “It’s strange that something as normal as growing armpit hair is seen as a political act. That alone is reason enough to let it grow.”
Redefining What’s Beautiful
While Hopper’s series encourages acceptance, he makes it clear: he’s not trying to convince all women to stop shaving. “I just want people to consider other possibilities.
I want them to question the beauty ideals we’ve all been handed.”
With projects like Natural Beauty and the voices of women willing to speak out, the definition of beauty is starting to evolve—toward something broader, freer, and more inclusive.
