When And Why Underarm Hair Removal Became Popular
Underarm hair also called auxiliary hair or armpit hair refers to the composition of hair in the underarm area. Both men and women develop underarm hair during puberty. Though they are completely normal, in new times, many people consider underarm hair unsightly and prefer to have them removed through methods such as shaving, waxing or laser hair removal.
Development of underarm hair
The first appearance of armpit hair is noticed during puberty and growth is usually complete by the end of teenage years. They are thought to think the same hormone changes that cause pubic hair. In most girls, underarm hairs are detectable 3 to 6 months after pubic hair. Some people may have their underarm hair widespread on the armpit situation, while others may just have a small patch of hairs concentrated in the armpit hollow. Armpit hairs are generally longer and coarser than other bodily hair.
Underarm hair is said to serve various functions. Since the axilla releases pheromones, it is believed that the armpit hair is associated with sexuality. Underarm hairs collect pheromones which are chemicals that discreetly transmit messages of sexual readiness or prowess to other members of the species. Besides, armpit hairs also help to slice friction between the upper arm and the body during vigorous labour or motion.
History of underarm hair removal
The history of underarm hair removal is said to be thousands of years venerable. It is said that Prophet Muhammad (570-632) made underarm hair removal necessary for men and women for hygienic reasons. Hence, Muslim men and women support always keep their underarms hair-free. However, in the Western world, the practice of underarm hair removal began in the early 20th century. Around 1915, magazines in the US and the UK started showing relate of a woman with shaved underarms. Introduction of safety razor at the beginning of the 20th century made shaving of underarm hairs feasible. While the custom of shaving underarm hair became instantly popular in the US and Canada it became prevalent in European countries well after World War II.
Reasons for underarm hair removal in various cultures
In modern society, underarm hair removal is widely practised. It is more favorite for women to remove their armpit hair than it is for men. In fact, women with unshaven armpit are considered un-groomed in our society. Listed below are reasons for underarm hair removal in various cultures:
Hygiene - Removal of underarm hair makes a person feel cleaner and smell better. Because of excessive sweating in the armpit region the hair gets wet and stays wet longer.
These hairs may become smelly and cause discomfort.
Aesthetic – A properly shaved well-organized armpit is considered more aesthetic and sexually attractive. Pictures of sexually attractive models displaying hair-free armpit in magazines established this idea in the psyche of both men and women. Today, removing underarm hair has become a norm and any hair showing from the armpits is considered objectionable.
Religious – Islam has made underarm hair removal obligatory for men and women for hygiene reasons. In Islamic culture therefore, both men and women practice underarm hair removal for religious beliefs.
Professional – Swimmers and athletes take all body hair, including those on their underarms. The practice helps to make their bodies more streamlined before taking part in competitions. Body builders as well those who work for adult entertainment industry remove their underarm hair for aesthetic reasons.
Sociological - Many people refrain from removing underarm hair for sociological reason. For instance, hipsters in order to follow the hippies of the 60s prefer to let their underarm hair flourish and thrive. They even go to the extent of wearing dresses that expose their hairy armpits as an alternative fashion statement. Many women prefer to keep their armpit hair as a statement of feminism. By not removing their underarm hair, they try to break down social gender barriers.
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Filed under Hair Removal Cream For Men by on Dec 12th, 2011. 