Why We Shave Legs and Arm Pits

Before World War I, no women ever shaved. Not her arm pits, not her legs, nor did she remove any facial hair (if existent). Why did we ever start it? There are not very convincing reasons to do so: it damages your skin, it takes up a hell lot of time and the hair only grows back faster and thicker. So why do we do it?

The answer to why we started shaving: advertisements. After the World War, manufacturers like Gilette placed advertisements for female shaving equipment in magazines like Harper’s Bazaar. There was not really a demand for razors for women, but suddenly there was a supply. Strange as it may be, from then on it became the standard for women to appear with hairless arm pits and - later on - smooth legs. Thanks, Gilette.

Photos via FilmNoirPhotos