In a world where smooth, hairless skin is often seen as the gold standard for female beauty, a striking photo series is turning heads and challenging decades of social conditioning. The project, titled Natural Beauty, is the brainchild of London-based photographer Ben Hopper, who invites women to reclaim their bodies by celebrating what many consider taboo: natural armpit hair. Hopper’s unapologetic images present a bold contrast to the polished perfection often depicted in media and advertising, giving space for a more inclusive and authentic definition of femininity.
The practice of hair removal has deep historical roots, far predating the razors, waxing kits, and laser treatments that fill modern bathroom cabinets. In fact, it dates back to the Stone Age, when both men and women scraped hair from their bodies using crude tools like sharpened stones or seashells. Later, scientific theories like Charles Darwin’s concept of natural selection played an unexpected role in beauty standards. Darwin suggested that less body hair was a sign of higher evolution, an idea that quickly morphed into the belief that being hairless was more attractive. By the early 20th century, this idea had taken firm hold in society, especially for women. Hair became something to hide—an unwelcome sign of masculinity or poor hygiene—and so the pressure to remove it became less of a preference and more of a social obligation.
Heather Widdows, author of Perfect Me: Beauty as an Ethical Ideal, notes how deeply these ideals have become embedded in our psyche. In an interview with CNN, she pointed out, “Most women feel like they have to shave. Like they have no other option.” This highlights how grooming expectations have evolved beyond aesthetics into matters of identity and morality. But things are changing. A growing number of women are choosing not to shave, not as a protest necessarily, but as an assertion of autonomy.
This shift is exactly what Hopper aims to highlight with Natural Beauty, which he started back in 2007. Speaking to Bored Panda, Hopper revealed that his goal was to understand why something as harmless as armpit hair continues to be viewed with disgust. “The armpit hair is considered disgusting, non-hygienic, grotesque, very masculine,” he said. And yet, the fashion and film industries keep reinforcing a narrow, often unrealistic portrayal of femininity—one that excludes any deviation from perfectly hairless bodies.
Through his raw, black-and-white portraits, Hopper juxtaposes traditional ideas of glamour with what society deems “unconventional.” The result is powerful. These are not just photographs; they are visual statements encouraging reflection. Hopper told The Huffington Post that he hopes his work will surprise viewers and spark meaningful conversations.
The women who posed for the project shared their personal journeys and emotions tied to their decision to embrace body hair. One model, known as Kyotocat, described the experience of stopping shaving as liberating. “It felt like being able to breathe. I felt a confidence and boldness returning, like I was replenishing some kind of primal power,” she explained. Similarly, Sophie Rose called it “empowering” and even found humor in the reactions she received. “You feel stronger for not giving in to the way you’ve been told to be,” she added.
Another model, Gabriela Eva, grew her armpit hair specifically for the shoot. Initially, she felt vulnerable, but that feeling quickly shifted to empowerment. “I’ve grown accustomed to my armpit hair, and it makes me feel beautiful. If I removed it now, I’d feel a little bare,” she said.
Not everyone in the project saw their choice as a political statement. Sienna clarified that her decision was based on comfort, not rebellion. “I don’t think refusing to shave should necessarily be considered a radical act. I just don’t want my body to always be viewed as a political space,” she said. Emilie Bostdt, a Swedish actor who also participated, echoed this sentiment. “The fact that it’s seen as a statement is weird—and that’s exactly why I choose to grow it,” she remarked.
Hopper himself emphasizes that he’s not trying to convince anyone to abandon shaving altogether. Instead, he wants to offer an alternative perspective. “I just think it’s a possibility and people shouldn’t dismiss it,” he said. “I want people to question the standards themselves.”
As the conversation around beauty and identity evolves, projects like Natural Beauty play a vital role in broadening the cultural lens. They invite women to think critically about their choices—whether to shave or not—and recognize that beauty doesn’t have to come in one pre-approved package. While society may not be fully ready to accept natural body hair as mainstream, the growing dialogue is a step in the right direction. And thanks to photographers like Hopper and the brave women in front of his lens, that dialogue is louder than ever.
Would you reconsider your definition of beauty if you saw it through a more natural lens?
