Daring Photo Series Challenges Female Body Hair Standards
In an era increasingly focused on authenticity and inclusivity, a growing number of artists, activists, and individuals are challenging outdated beauty ideals. Among them is a London-based photographer whose ongoing project, Natural Beauty, has stirred conversation across social platforms by confronting long-held taboos about female body hair, particularly armpit hair.
The series, launched by Ben Hopper, is a bold, visually striking collection of portraits that aims to reframe perceptions of feminine beauty. Rather than promote a specific look, the goal is to invite dialogue, offering viewers a fresh lens through which to explore their own biases, social conditioning, and relationship with personal grooming.
A Look Back: The Cultural History of Body Hair Removal
The cultural practice of body hair removal, especially for women, dates back thousands of years. According to anthropologists, early humans used stone tools, seashells, or pumice stones to remove hair as part of hygiene and ritual practices. In ancient Egypt and Rome, hairlessness was often associated with social status, cleanliness, and attractiveness.
By the 20th century, especially in Western societies, the removal of underarm and leg hair became normalized through advertising and fashion trends. The widespread availability of safety razors and the rise of sleeveless garments prompted beauty companies to promote smooth, hairless skin as essential for femininity.
“Hair removal is now an expectation for many women, rather than a personal choice,” says Heather Widdows, professor of philosophy and author of Perfect Me: Beauty as an Ethical Ideal. “It’s seen as a beauty duty, not an option.”
Source: CNN
A Visual Statement: The “Natural Beauty” Project
Ben Hopper’s Natural Beauty photo series, which he began developing in 2007, presents a striking juxtaposition: elegant, fashion-forward images of women paired with their unshaven underarms. The contrast is intentional. As Hopper explained in an interview with The Huffington Post, the goal is to challenge audiences to rethink their assumptions about hygiene, femininity, and societal norms.
“The project isn’t about telling people to stop shaving,” Hopper said. “It’s about expanding the definition of beauty and encouraging people to question why body hair—especially on women—is often seen as undesirable.”
Source: The Huffington Post
The black-and-white images evoke both intimacy and strength, encouraging viewers to reconsider what natural, empowered beauty looks like—beyond commercially curated standards.
Diverse Perspectives: Voices Behind the Lens
The women featured in Natural Beautyshare a range of experiences and motivations. Some speak of liberation and empowerment, while others emphasize the desire to feel comfortable without needing to conform.
Kyotocat, a model in the series, shared: “I felt so relieved and free when I let it grow out. It felt like being able to breathe.”
Sophie Rose reflected: “It’s empowering to not hide. You feel stronger for not giving in to the way you’ve been told to be.”
Gabriela Eva, who grew her armpit hair specifically for the shoot, said: “It made me feel vulnerable at first, but eventually empowered.”
While reactions from the models varied, a common theme emerged: the process of unlearning societal conditioning and embracing body autonomy.
Source: Natural Beauty by Ben Hopper
Not Just a Political Statement
While some interpret growing body hair as a form of resistance against patriarchal standards, several participants emphasized that their choices were deeply personal, not necessarily political.
