I’m hairy and I like it.

Does anyone else remember how excited they were when they were little girls to shave their legs and underarms b/c it was so “embarrassing” that you had it? If I’m the only one then the cheese will stand alone.

I had literally been met with “ew” when I had hair on my legs or underarms, or “ouch” when I had stubble and someone would touch my leg and then they’d laugh.

Well, over the past year, I’ve truly been thinking about how I’m no longer removing hair for myself, but for the comfort of others. I remember a time in college when I would shave everything because guys liked it and all of my friends told me it was gross and unhygienic. Here’s the thing though, which you probably know or may not - it’s actually more dangerous to remove hair on your body b/c of the bacteria in the shower, on your razor, or even in the water…did you ever wonder why you get those bumps that itch or are painful after? Yep…

Hair removal on legs and underarms for women became a “thing” in the 1920’s when new fashion offered sleeveless shirts and skirts/shorts - well then that created a BOOM of patriarchal advertising shaming women into shaving as to not have unsightly hair on their legs and underarms where it grew naturally.

This very real advertising included slogans such as “You need not be embarrassed”, “Don’t be unloved, shave today”, “Shave yourself, it is pleasure”, “Did he mean…doggy legs”, “Summer dress and modern dancing combine to make necessary the removal of objectionable hair”, “Without embarrassment”, etc. - I’m getting pissed so I’m going to stop typing those. By 1964, 98% of all women 15-44 were removing hair from legs and underarms, along with other places.

Ok, so we got here so that advertisers could capitalize on selling goods by shaming women into removing their natural born hair. What a freaking nightmare. I unsubscribe.

I’m entering summer 2023 as Hairy Amy and I’m STOKED. I’m going to wear my leg and underarm hair with pride that my body is performing its natural function and celebrate a moment of gratitude that my body is healthy and hair is not only normal but beautiful!

I reclaim body hair this summer, you have nothing to be ashamed of, you’re natural and perfect!