Armpit has been a taboo topic for years, especially in women. There’s a standard to meet, people to please, and social norms to conform our whole life! There’s no room for flaws, for darkened underarms and unshaved armpit hair. You always have to endure all the body-shaming attacks, as well, only because you failed to meet their social standard. Yet, of course, why meet when you can exceed? Thanks to our empowered women globally who bravely started the new trend to challenge the norm. How can we use our platform to empower and influence other people toward the new armpit fashion?

Take Miley Cyrus, Madonna, Jemima Kirke, and Julia Michaels as an example. They posted a picture of themselves with an unshaved armpit on Instagram that gathered positive and negative feedback from other people. They are not the only influential woman who has done this. A feminist, Xiao Meili, started an armpit hair competition in China to ignite the “free to be hairy” movement. Numerous feminists all over the world participated, as well, in hopes of ending the stereotype. This movement encourages other women to break the social norms.

These are the popular armpit fashion that you might want to try on: 

UNSHAVED ARMPIT HAIR

Unshaved armpit hair is the most common type of armpit fashion posted on social media platforms. Some famous influencers like Miley Cyrus, Madonna, Jemima Kirke, and Julia Michaels have done this on their Instagram to empower, influence, and inspire more women who experienced embarrassment out of unshaved armpit hair. 

We have heard and witnessed degrading comments toward those people, not only women, who don’t regularly shave their armpit hair. Some people would even consider this as an unhygienic practice. It might be the case for some people, but not for everyone.

Some people try to style their armpit hair, as well, into either braid or ponytail. 

DARKENED UNDERARMS

It’s inspiring to see both women and men flaunting their darkened underarms online despite the possible hate in the end. Darkened underarms are normal. It appears when you have serious health complications. Shaving your armpit hair using razors might’ve darkened your underarms, as well. It’s okay to whiten your armpit if that will help you gain your confidence back. There’s nothing wrong with that. There’s also nothing wrong if you no longer want to whiten your darkened underarms. It’s all about your preferences! 

DYED ARMPIT HAIR

Growing your armpit hair is a bit boring. Why don’t you try dying it, as well? 

Dying is a form of self-expression, and despite its popularity over the past few years, some people still find dying one’s hair questionable. They say it’s inappropriate for teenagers. There are schools from Asia countries that still prohibit students from dying their hair. So, imagine, what would the reaction be if we dye our armpit hair this time? That’s indeed a brave act of feminism! 

If you’d like to try dying your armpit hair, here are the things you should consider first:

1. Why do I want to dye my armpit hair?

Purpose

Feminists are dying their armpit hair to challenge the beauty standard of society. It’s a form of self-expression that enables them to express themselves more. They are one of those brave people who are not afraid to fight for what they think is right. They are those people who are more than willing to empower others and break the beauty standard of society. 

Conformity

If you’re one of those people who would like to try dying your armpit hair only because it was a trend, then that means the movement is effective and impactful enough to trigger your curiosity.

Awakened

Do you want to dye your armpit hair because you’ve seen numerous posts about it that awakened your inner feminist? That’s good! 

Inspired

If someone told you to shave your armpit hair because it’s unhygienic or simply because you’re a woman, be reminded that you’re the reason why the movement started from the very beginning. Do not let anyone stop you from doing what you want as long as it does not deprive people of their rights!

2. How sensitive is my armpit skin?

Unlike head hair dye, you have to consider your armpit skin type first, especially if you have thin armpit hair than usual. Take special consideration of the product you will use and the method of application. If you have sensitive armpit skin, you can resort to natural-based dye to avoid complications underarms. 

3. What should I do before dying my armpit hair?

Do not use deodorant before dying your armpit hair. Make sure to cover the surfaces and wear a worn-out sleeveless shirt, as well.

4. How can I dye my armpit hair?

• Apply petroleum jelly first on your armpit. 

• Apply a thick layer of developer next.

• Keep your arms above your head ’til it dry.

• If you’re already satisfied with the shade, rinse it immediately.

• Re-apply petroleum jelly.

• Put on gloves to protect your hands.

• Prepare your dye brush.

• Apply the dye and leave it for 30 minutes.

• Rinse it after.

• If there’s dye left on your armpit skin, scrub it with soap and warm water. Let it dry right after.

5. Is there any professional who dyes armpit hair for real?

Although not popular at salons, it does not mean there are no professionals that perform armpit hair dye. It’s just unusual. Try asking salons if they are willing to dye your armpit hair. Maybe in some other years, armpit hair dye will be normalized.

6. Do I have to bleach my armpit hair first?

If you have natural dark armpit hair, you will have to dye your armpit hair first for the dye to appear. Yet, make sure your skin is not sensitive against bleaching to avoid armpit skin irritation.

7. Would I be at risk for dying my armpit hair?

If you’ve considered your armpit skin type from the very beginning, and bought products appropriate for your skin type, then you do not have to worry. Dying your armpit hair is risk-free. Avoid using deodorant, antiperspirant, and other armpit products for the next 24 hours to avoid armpit skin irritation.

FINAL THOUGHTS

As a feminist, this movement makes me happy. Looking back, I was one of those people who were embarrassed to talk about my armpit condition out of fear that they might only shame me for it. We were fortunate that in our generation today, we have a growing progressive community. A lot of people are more open and more understanding now. Armpit might still be a taboo topic for some people today, but there are people who are willing to educate, empower, and influence others to break the chained toxic social norms that hinder us from embracing ourselves for a long time. 

If you’re reading this, I want you to know that at the end of the day, whether you decide to grow your armpit hair or get rid of it, it’s your choice. It’s not because it’s a trend today, but because you have all the right to decide what you think is best for you. Again, do not let anyone stop you from what you want as long as it does not deprive people of their rights.

Continue to raise your arms, use your platform for greater use, and inspire more people!