More And More Women Are Embracing Their Facial Hair

Jan 10, 2018

How often do you shave your legs? How about your arms, back, or belly? Shaving and plucking unwelcomed hair is a norm for women, but what if it didn't have to be? Fuzzy armpits and unshaved legs are no longer just associated with French women or hippies as more and more women are starting to let their facial and body hair grow freely. 

The practice is still taboo, but according to the health awareness campaign We Can Face It, 40% of women have unwanted facial hair due to certain genetics, age, and pregnancy hormones. But now women are embracing their facial hair in an incredible fashion! 

In 2016, Instagram model, life coach, and body activist Harnaam Kaur won the Guinness World Record for being the youngest woman with a full beard, a title she holds proudly. At age 11, Kaur was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, which can cause women to develop excess levels of male hormones, have irregular periods, and even result in infertility. At 16, she became a Sikh, a religion that forbids cutting body hair, and Kaur felt freed from her obligation to keep her facial hair away.

Her attitude is inspiring women to embrace their facial and body hair, and not be ashamed of our body's normal processes. Kaur visits schools and businesses to encourage self-confidence, and shares insights from her experiences to help others overcome body shaming and strengthen their mental health.

“I hope those who read or see my record can take away positivity, inspiration and realise that no matter who you are or what you look like, you are officially amazing!” wrote Kaur on her Instagram. 

Joining Kaur on the quest for body confidence is Rose Geil, from Oregon, who says that the decision to grow her own beard has made her feel sexier and more feminine than ever. After over 20 years of shaving and plucking her facial hair, Rose completely stopped trying to maintain her beard and let it grow out. 

“I was emotionally drained from trying to hide it every day and feeling like I was failing miserably.”

Rose admits that people do call her "sir" occasionally, but she doesn't recall ever being bullied or called names for having a beard. She surrounds herself with friends who love and accept her for who she is, and has met other women who have let their beards grow freely. 

Watch the video below to hear more about Rose's story:

It's easy to admit that these women are definitely inspiring! In a world with strict beauty guidelines and society telling us constantly what's beautiful through social media and TV, it's refreshing to see women ignoring critics and embracing who they are! 

SHARE this article if it inspired you to be less self-conscious about your body and facial hair, and to help the women you know with a little confidence boost!