WHY YOU SHOULDN'T SHAVE YOUR ARMPITS

 The societal pressure to shave one's underarms has long been a contentious topic, with some people viewing unshaven armpits as a taboo. It appears as though in today's day and age, women have the autonomy to do as they please with their bodies - except when it comes to their hair. So the big question on everyone's mind is: "To shave or not to shave?"

The answer, my friend, is not as simple as one might think.

If you are shaving your underarms solely because you enjoy the sensation of smooth skin, then by all means, continue doing so - it's a valid excuse. However, if your motivations are rooted in social pressure or fear of judgment, it may be time to consider giving shaving a break, even if only temporarily.

Research shows that a growing number of women are choosing to opt-out of hair removal, leading some to speculate that it could become the new norm. This trend is not exactly groundbreaking, as the societal obsession with hair removal is a relatively recent phenomenon and one that may not be as sustainable as it once seemed.

In 2013, a staggering 95% of women aged 16-24 reported shaving or depilating their underarms. But by 2016, that number had dropped to 77%, indicating a shift in attitudes towards hair removal. Sales of hair removal products have also taken a hit, suggesting that the times they are a-changing - and that hairiness is slowly but surely becoming more accepted.

Researchers have posited a variety of reasons for this shift, ranging from changing beauty standards to a desire to avoid traumatizing the skin through shaving and depilation.

So why might someone consider putting down the razor and embracing their natural underarm hair? Well, for starters, there are some practical benefits:

1. Time savings. While shaving one's underarms may not take as long as shaving one's legs, those few minutes spent doing so every few days add up over a lifetime. Ask yourself honestly: do you really want to spend all that time shaving?

2. Cost savings. There's a so-called "pink tax" that results in female products being more expensive than their male counterparts. But even if you opt for men's razors or disposable razors, the amount of money you'll save over the course of a year can be substantial - and could be put towards more useful endeavors.

3. Rethinking your image. Are shaved armpits truly integral to your personality and image? If so, it may be worth considering why that is and whether there are other ways to express yourself that don't involve hair removal. Learning to love and accept yourself in all your natural glory can be an important step towards greater self-confidence and self-worth.

4. Rethinking your relationships. Are you really willing to endure the discomfort and expense of hair removal just to please someone else? If someone can't accept you for who you are, hairy armpits and all, then they may not be worth your time or energy.

5. Health impacts. While some may argue that unshaven armpits are breeding grounds for harmful bacteria, the truth is that shaving can actually be more harmful than beneficial. Shaving forces a coarse exfoliation on delicate and sensitive underarm skin, which can cause irritation, coarsening, and even darkening of the skin. In contrast, unshaven armpits harbor bacteria that are perfectly safe and can be controlled through regular hygiene practices like using deodorant.

Ultimately, the decision to shave or not to shave is a personal one that should be based on common sense and your own feelings. No one else should be able to dictate what you do with your body, and embracing your natural hair can be a powerful act of self-love and self-accept