Shaving armpits has become a common practice among women in modern times. However, it wasn't always this way. The history of women shaving their armpits dates back to ancient times, but the modern trend of shaving armpits began in the early 20th century.
The Ancient Times
Archeologists have found evidence that women in ancient Egypt and Greece removed body hair, including armpit hair. They used various methods, such as waxing, sugaring, and scraping with shells, to get rid of unwanted hair.
In ancient Rome, however, body hair was considered a sign of beauty and was not removed. It wasn't until the Middle Ages that women in Europe began removing body hair, including armpit hair, using tweezers.
The Early 20th Century
In the early 20th century, sleeveless dresses and shirts became fashionable, exposing women's armpits. This led to an increase in the number of women who shaved their armpits. Advertisements for razors and depilatories targeted women, encouraging them to remove their underarm hair.
During World War I, women who worked in munitions factories were required to shave their armpits to prevent hair from getting caught in machinery. This further popularized the practice of armpit shaving.
The 1960s and Beyond
In the 1960s, the feminist movement challenged traditional beauty standards, including the expectation that women should shave their armpits. Some women stopped shaving their armpits as a form of rebellion against societal norms.
However, the trend of shaving armpits continued to be popular among most women. Today, it is considered a standard part of personal hygiene for women in many parts of the world.
Conclusion
The history of women shaving their armpits is a long and complex one. From ancient times to modern times, women have used various methods to remove unwanted hair. While there have been periods of rebellion against societal norms, the practice of armpit shaving remains popular among most women today.