Photographer’s bold project redefines beauty by celebrating women’s natural body hair
A striking photo series by London photographer Ben Hopper is turning heads—and raising eyebrows—by celebrating something most ads tell women to hide: armpit hair.
For thousands of years, humans have removed body hair. Even in the Stone Age, people used seashells and sharp stones to scrape it off. But what started as a practical habit slowly turned into a powerful cultural expectation.
By the 1900s, being hairless wasn’t just about looks—it became a rule for women. Ads, movies, and magazines all pushed the idea that smooth skin meant beauty, hygiene, and femininity. Body hair, on the other hand, became something “gross” and “masculine.”
“It’s been deeply stigmatized—it still is,” said Heather Widdows, author of Perfect Me: Beauty as an Ethical Ideal. “Most women feel like they have to shave, like they don’t have a choice.”
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In response to these rigid expectations, photographer Ben Hopper launched his photo series Natural Beauty. The images, mostly in black and white, show women confidently revealing their armpit hair—something still seen as taboo in many parts of the world.
“The point is to contrast fashionable beauty with the raw, unconventional look of armpit hair,” Hopper explained. “It surprises people—and that’s the idea.”
But his goal isn’t to make a rule in the other direction. Hopper isn’t saying all women should stop shaving. He simply wants people to question why smoothness is seen as the only “beautiful” option.
Women share their stories of freedom and power
The women featured in Hopper’s project aren’t just posing—they’re sharing their personal stories. Many talk about how liberating it felt to stop shaving after years of pressure.
“I felt a confidence and boldness returning, like I was replenishing some kind of primal power,” said a model named Kyotocat.
Others, like Sophie Rose, felt stronger by going against what society expected. “I really enjoyed people recoiling in disgust—it was funny,” she said.
Swedish actress Emilie Bostdt said she wasn’t trying to make a statement. But the fact that letting her hair grow out was seen as political only proved Hopper’s point: “That’s a reason to grow,” she added.
Is the world ready to see beauty differently?
While body hair is natural, many women still face judgment for showing it. Some feel empowered by defying expectations, while others—like model Sienna—simply want to feel comfortable without their choices being treated as activism.
Projects like Natural Beauty are starting conversations that challenge old beauty rules. Hopper hopes this leads to more freedom and less judgment.
“I don’t want women to start growing their armpit hair just because of my work,” he said. “I just want people to question things.”
As more voices speak up and art like Hopper’s shines a light on outdated standards, we move one step closer to a world where beauty comes in all forms—including the natural kind.
Would you feel confident embracing your natural self? Share your thoughts and help others feel less alone.
