8 Reasons Why You Should Consider Quitting Hair Removal

Written by Niharika Nayak, BA (Media & Communication)  • 

As early teenagers, you must remember watching supermodels on TV walking with smooth, clear skin with not a speck of hair anywhere. It is natural to crave that kind of a pinnacle, but constant pressures slowly make us start looking at it as something gross. Body hair or not, it is more about what makes you feel more comfortable in your skin. This is because of society and what the media has shown us since we were children. Body hair removal only gained popularity in the latter half of the 20th century as women finally started shedding layers and wearing clothes that were comfortable to them. In the end, hair removal was all about societal narratives, and body hair on women was always advertised as disgusting or gross but encouraged on men. However, just as men need hair to protect their bodies, so do women! Body hair is natural and women are finally claiming it back by ditching their razors, epilators, and waxing strips. So if you’re looking for some motivation to stop removing your hair, here are eight:

1. Hair Can Prevent The Transmission Of Bacteria

Hair Can Prevent The Transmission Of Bacteria
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The hair that is present on our arms, legs, and body are some of our best defense mechanisms. They protect us from unknown threats such as bacteria, pathogens, and insects. In fact, hair is connected to tactile receptors all across our skin. This acts as a warning signal when some fly or insect is trying to use your body as a host. In a similar manner, nose hair can filter out germs that would have been inhaled through our nostrils if the hair wasn’t present. Even your pubic hair protects you from certain diseases and infections and protects your genitals from being exposed to outer elements (1). But one thing that you have to be extra careful about is hygiene. Make sure you keep it clean by using body washes and scrubs.

2. It Protects Your Skin From The Sun

It Protects Your Skin From The Sun
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This depends entirely on the density of your body hair, the amount of melanin that you produce, and the thickness of your hair. The more thick, dark, or dense your hair is, the more amount of protection from the sun you will have. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should skip out on using sunscreen just because you’ve stopped shaving.

3. You Can Avoid Ingrown Hairs

You-Can-Avoid-Ingrown-Hairs
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Ingrown hair occurs when dead skin clogs your hair follicles and can force it to grow inwards rather than outwards (2). If this happens, your body will react by swelling up and you will face itching, redness, and pain. More often than not, these symptoms will start to go away without requiring medical invention but if you keep running your razor over these areas, you will simply irritate the skin further and make it worse. While ingrown hairs are more common after you shave, this doesn’t mean that they won’t appear after you’ve epilated. No matter what method of hair removal you make use of, there is always a risk of ingrown hair occurring. Whether you wax your hair off, shave it off or use a depilatory cream, the risk is always going to be there.

4. Your Body Temperature Will Be Better Regulated

Your Body Temperature Will Be Better Regulated
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Do you know the feeling of your hair standing on its edge when a chill runs down your spine? Well, this is because body hair is supposed to help regulate your internal temperature. When the weather is hot, the hair on your body makes it easier for you to sweat and it helps cool you down. This is why it shouldn’t come as a surprise that your body hair can help regulate the temperature of your skin (3).

5. You’ll Save Up On Time And Money

You’ll Save Up On Time And Money.
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Another important reason why you should consider quitting hair removal is that you will genuinely save a lot of money. Besides buying razors and hair removal creams, you will also have to spend money on foam and other products like aftershave lotion. Just imagine everything you can do in the amount of money and time that you save from skipping out on hair removal. Some of these high-quality hair removal products like three-blade razors, epilators, and waxing kits are even more crushing on your wallet.

6. It Can Reduce Chafing

It Can Reduce Chafing
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The hair in your armpits is great when it comes to protecting your skin from getting chaffed. What exactly is skin chafing? It is a widespread skin issue that commonly arises from regular fabric rubs from our clothing combined with the humid weather. You can either develop burning rashes or small bumps which is very likely to make you feel unhygienic and uncomfortable at the same time.  Especially, when you perform certain movements like walking and even running. Your pubic hair can protect you from the friction caused by tight-fitting clothes and underwear.

7. You Will Be Less Vulnerable To Skin Infections

You Will Be Less Vulnerable To Skin Infections
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With fewer cuts, open pores, and bruises, your skin will become less vulnerable to skin infections and other problems. When you remove your body hair, especially through waxing or epilation, you leave the dermis directly exposed to bacteria and infections. It can cause sunburn faster and accumulate all dust particles, and thus, harming your skin.

8. Your Pheromones Will Be Stronger

Your Pheromones Will Be Stronger
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Pubic hair exists for a reason. Besides providing a barrier between your skin and your clothing, it also helps with attracting potential mates. Yes, as gross as it might sound, pheromones are responsible for attracting the opposite gender. This is because pubic hair basically traps the pheromones after you produce them and can hence be pretty useful in the sack (4). It is also a lot about the psychological response to something natural.

In the end, it is important to remember that you don’t have to feel the compulsion of removing all the hair from your body if you don’t want to do it on a regular basis. We understand special occasions and sexy dresses call for shaved legs but don’t overdo it every single day. It can also give birth to skin infections. Neither should you feel compelled to get rid of your body hair just because other people are quitting hair removal. Do let us know all of your thoughts on this in the comment section below.

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. The skin microbiome
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3535073/
  2. Ingrowing Hair
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4902536/
  3. Skin temperature: its role in thermoregulation
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4159593/
  4. Sex and the nose: human pheromonal responses
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1885393/
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