image: Miley Cyrus Instagram
Article by BR Kellie
Armpit hair – it’s a love or loathe situation. People either embrace it and allow the hair to flow, or shave it religiously, fearful that anyone should see even a hint of stubble. But I wonder, what would it take for the follicle-free to change their minds and embrace their underarm hair? Would they do it if it became the hot new thing? Because… it has.
Late last year the fashion world was set alight by talk of pigmented pits – akadyed armpit hair - and it was deemed the new beauty trend for 2015. Where did this swing towards loving your pit pelt come from? And why?
It all started when Roxie Hunt, a stylist from Seattle, dyed her co-worker’s armpit hair blue to match the hair on her head. She took a photo of her work, posted it online, and from there the phenomenon took off. The #freeyourpits movement was created, with women all over the globe dying their armpit hair and sharing the results on social media.
It could be said this movement has been on the down low, as a fair few women I’ve spoken to (in a very unscientific survey) have never heard of it, but I believe that is about to end with singer, songwriter and actress, Miley Cyrus, holding her very own Pit Party on Instagram, and documenting the dyeing of her pit hair there. My guess it’s only a matter of time before even more women jump onboard the #freeyourpits party - putting their pretty pitted arms up in the air and waving them round like they just don’t care.
So, do you think it’s wonderful that women are embracing all their hair and showing the world it’s natural, normal, and theirs to do whatever they want with? Or are you fine with women choosing to express their right to do whatever they want with their body hair, but will be sticking to your shaver and keeping those pits soft and smooth? Or are you inspired? Will you be taking up the trend and colouring your pits a bright hue?
(And if you’re keen, Roxie Hunt’s how-to is here and her manifesto is here.)
Dye pit is not for me, but if it is for you enjoy.