The fashion industry has historically held rigid ideals regarding beauty standards. Magazines have often presented models with smooth, hairless skin and minimal facial features as the ideal standard of beauty. For decades, this unrealistic standard has been perpetuated by magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Glamour, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, Seventeen, Esquire, Maxim, Sports Illustrated, and Vanity Fair, among many others. These publications have influenced how women view their bodies, which can lead to body dysmorphia, self-loathing, and low self-esteem.
However, 40 Magazine is breaking barriers by embracing natural body hair. The magazine's recent issue featured models who proudly displayed their natural eyebrows, armpit hair, leg hair, pubic hair, chest hair, arm hair, and head hair. By doing so, the publication challenges cultural stigmas surrounding body hair and promotes body positivity. This honest portrayal furthers its inclusive mission and encourages other media outlets to follow suit.
Body Hair in Society
In Western society, there are several reasons for the negative associations with body hair. Many individuals believe that women should be hairless, while men should be hairier. Historically, women were expected to shave or wax all hair from their bodies to appear more feminine, while men were encouraged to grow a beard or mustache to appear more masculine. However, these ideas are not universal. In some cultures, women sport full beards or body hair, while men may wear makeup or remove facial hair.
The negative attitudes towards hair stem from societal norms rather than biology. Hair on various parts of the body does not inherently indicate gender identity; it is simply a part of human anatomy. Additionally, research shows that hair removal practices predate the modern era. Ancient Egyptian women removed most of their body hair using tweezers, razors, and pumice stones. The ancient Greeks used depilatory creams made from lead, goose fat, honey, and other ingredients. Roman women also engaged in extensive hair removal practices.
The taboo around body hair has only recently emerged within the past century. The concept of the "Victorian Lady" was born during Queen Victoria's reign (1837-1901). She believed women should be demure, modest, refined, and well-behaved, which influenced social expectations surrounding female behavior. This ideal led to the adoption of corsets, long skirts, high necklines, and the practice of removing armpit hair with tweezers or lemon juice.
In the 20th century, Hollywood actresses promoted smooth skin as a sign of glamour. Actresses such as Marlene Dietrich, Lana Turner, Veronica Lake, Rita Hayworth, Jean Harlow, and Betty Grable were known for their flawless complexions and hairless bodies. Advertising campaigns reinforced this image by showing models with bare legs, arms, underarms, and sometimes even pubic hair. It became socially acceptable for men to sport facial hair while women were expected to remain clean-shaven.
Body Hair Today
Despite these pressures, there is growing body positivity today. Women are embracing natural body hair, leading magazines like Glamour to promote body positivity on Instagram. Men are also challenging traditional gender roles by wearing makeup and growing out their beards. More people are rejecting beauty standards and celebrating individuality. They recognize that body hair does not define them but adds character and personality.
40 Magazine has taken this one step further by featuring models who embrace all types of body hair. By doing so, it promotes body positivity and encourages individuals to love themselves regardless of what society deems "acceptable." The publication's decision to showcase natural body hair furthers its inclusive mission and encourages other media outlets to follow suit.