Recently, grown-out underarm hair has become another symbol of body positivity, following the trend of embracing the full bush. A recent study found that almost 25% of women under 25 have stopped shaving their underarms, and with the impact of lockdown, it's likely that more people have embraced a more natural look. A significant indication of this shift can be seen in Vogue’s August 2022 issue, where Emma Corrin, the magazine's first non-binary cover star, proudly displays their armpit hair in a Louis Vuitton tank dress.

The widening of beauty standards with more celebrities openly embracing non-binary identities is a welcome development. However, this overdue shift in society's ideals is not new, as many stars challenged conventional body hair norms in the past. In Old Hollywood, Sophia Loren and Grace Jones both rocked grown-out underarm hair in curve-hugging dresses. Madonna and Lisa Bonet were equally groundbreaking in the '80s, boldly shirking the razor.

We can't forget the iconic moment in 1999 when Julia Roberts revealed her unapologetic underarm hair in a sleeveless dress at the Notting Hill premiere. Or Lola Kirke, who proudly displayed her body hair at the 2017 Golden Globes. The European premiere of The Hate U Give saw actor and social-justice activist Amandla Stenberg sporting underarm fluff, and Janelle Monáe made a powerful statement at the 2022 Met Gala in a futuristic Ralph Lauren gown with fuzzy underarms. These moments all served to challenge beauty norms in a significant way.

Take a trip down memory lane with us as we revisit the trailblazers who broke beauty conventions and might just motivate you to embrace your natural underarm hair.

1. Sophia Loren, 1955 Photo: Getty Images

 

2. Grace Jones, Year Unknown Photo: Getty Images

 

3. Julia Roberts, 1999 Photo: Getty Images

 

4. KalkiKanmani

 

5. Lisa Bonet, 1990 Photo: Getty Images

 

6. Madonna, 1984 Photo: Getty Images

 

7. Drew Barrymore, 2005 Photo: Getty Images

 

8. Britney Spears, 2003 Photo: Getty Images

 

9. Ani Di Franco, 2000 Photo: Getty Images

 

 

Juliette Lewis, 2002 Photo: Getty Images