(video to come)

• hair

/her/

noun

1. any of the fine threadlike strands growing from the skin of humans, mammals, and some other animals.

• fem·i·nin·i·ty

/ˌfeməˈninədē/

noun

1. the quality of being female; womanliness.

The exact date of the normalization of body hair removal is unknown because the practice differs between cultures. However, the process of shaving and smooth skin for women in the United States started in the 1920s when fashion trends were changing with sleeveless outfits and shorter skirts. A 1915 advertisement, appearing in Harper’s Bazaar, completely bare underarms were deemed a “necessity” for women. This was reinforced in the 40s when the pin-up of Betty Grable was first introduced with stockings and shaved legs. In ads for hair removal at that time (and now), women were urged to remove “objectionable hair” from their bodies – namely their underarms. During the war, there was a shortage of nylon and women couldn’t wear stockings every day. That meant having to go bare-legged and, to be deemed socially acceptable, women shaved their legs.

Of course, amid this incredible turmoil, men didn’t have to shave a goddamn thing.

Your hair is so pretty is a documentation of the hair on my body that is regularly seen by others. The photos show the progress of the growth of the hair on my legs and underarms as well as the difference of hair styles of the hair on my head. This exploration is a way for me to document the process of hair growth and meditate on the femininity of the hair on different parts of my body. I have been complimented on my head hair since I was little and though I enjoy my hair with its color, length and volume, it is the only hair on my body that triggers a compliment about traditional beauty. I choose not to shave the hair on my legs and underarms and though it is a light color, it can and does cause a reaction within some people about my womanliness.

Video coming soon…