Despite the natural occurence of body hair, American culture does not support its existence.
Body hair can be characterized by long scraggly bushes or tendrils under the armpit, dark patches on arms, legs, torso and hair on the head. Unfortunately for those born with a unibrow, attention centers more on the unibrow than their personalities.
No wonder there are so many advertisements about laser hair removal and waxing products. There is big business to be made in both men and women’s shavers and shaving cream, waxing or threading for eyebrows and upper lip services offered at nail shops. Body hair is unattractive and people try to get rid of it even though one is born with it. A certain amount can be considered attractive, but only if it is trimmed and neatly maintained. Fortunately, people have the ability to use all kinds of removal systems to ensure smoothness.
Body hair is visually unappealing. Imagine a beautiful woman in a white dress, hairy legs and sandals. The hair on her legs takes away from the purpose of the outfit; attention is focused on the hairiness of her legs.
Groomed body hair emphasizes a clean and smooth appearance. Furthermore, a groomed look is essential for many jobs. For example, in the military, the first thing required from privates is a specific short haircut and shaved beard to incorporate a professional and clean-cut demeanor.
In today’s modern times, body hair can be more of a nuisance than a natural protection. It traps heat and moisture and causes one to perspire and itch. This is why people cut their hair and shave their beards.
Body hair can get in the way of many things. For example, one of the traits of a romantic relationship is caressing. Now, how attractive is it to run one’s hand down a woman’s hairy leg?
Our acceptance of body hair has evolved over the years. While hairiness used to be essential to keep warm and fight pathogens, it is now viewed as a repellent. What is attractive in our culture is smooth, silky skin for women and a moderate amount of hair for men. Men need just the right amount to make them manly.
With men, body hair on the chest is not attractive, because it feels rough and coarse and it is not a turn-on. Instead, it feels as if one is petting a carpet or a lamb.
Overall, body hair is not culturally accepted and the media emphasize this. Beauty can be painful. Which also means that to be considered attractive one must endure the pain of waxing, trimming, plucking, shaving cuts and the smell of Nair hair removal cream.
