Are you tired of constantly feeling like you need to shave? Well, you’re not alone! Many women have started questioning whether they really need to shave. It’s time to challenge societal norms and embrace our natural beauty.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement of women who feel liberated and empowered by not shaving. Influencers like Laura J and Kori O spread the message that having hair is okay and that you shouldn’t feel embarrassed because it is natural and you can still be beautiful.

Even major companies like Billie are joining the conversation. Their recent ad featured women with actual body hair under their arms. Billie’s co-founder, Georgina Gooley, says, “It’s okay to have body hair and if you choose to keep it, then great. If you choose one day, you wake up, and you want to shave it, that’s also fine.”

But despite this new movement, many women still feel pressure to shave. When I asked some South African women whether they shaved, I found that few people didn’t.

Some shave simply because it’s convenient, and they’re used to it. Others shave for beauty and hygiene, while some feel social pressure to conform. And then some enjoy the feeling of being hair-free.

Whatever your reasons, deciding to shave or not is entirely up to you. Let’s embrace our natural beauty and not judge others for their personal choices. So ask yourself, “Do I really need to shave?” and decide for yourself. Here are some responses:

Jade Constance (psudeonym), 26,  who works in insurance said,  “I do shave. It’s convenient and it’s just something that I’m used to and haven’t tried to change over the years. I’ve tried hair removal cream, but I feel like I don’t have the patience, and I prefer not to use it on certain parts of my body. I’m also too scared to wax, so I feel like it’s my only option. I guess I just do it because I feel like it’s what I’m okay with right now.”

Dorothy Dyer, 57, a programme manager said, “I don’t shave anymore. In the 80s I was influenced by feminism to make this choice – why should women be hairless? Shaving is a hassle as well, so it’s a convenient decision. But I do feel some sort of social pressure at gyms and parlours. It doesn’t feel like a common choice…Removing pubic hair is childlike and makes me feel like a little girl.” 

Claire Vimbanashe, 26, a recent counsellor graduate shared, “I would shave for beauty and hygiene. Like shaving pubic hairs for mainly hygiene and sometimes beauty. Shaving legs are definitely for beauty purposes but my partner doesn’t care. I do it for myself. Also to mention that I am going to be giving birth soon so I need to shave your private area in case any surgery is to be done. Not a complete shave because it will be uncomfortable but just a trim.”

Thandeka Mpata (psuedonym), 25, content writer shared, “I started shaving because of influence initially. I didn’t mind having hair anywhere on my body, and then a friend convinced me to try, and I wanted to wear more bikinis for summer. I tried it out and enjoyed it. I can’t explain it, but as a girl who has had a lot of hair, it feels better now not having any.”

Many women and girls may feel societal pressure, but on the other hand, many women just enjoy the feeling of no hair anywhere on their bodies, and that is okay too. We should not be judged for our decisions. To shave or not to shave, you decide. 

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Tell us: Do you shave? Why or why not?

Read more here on transitioning to womanhood.