All Natural...????

[Amanda Mitchell]

So I know this is kinda really random, but I've been thinking...
Should Pagan women shave their armpits/legs...
or should we just go "all-natural"?
If you are a guy, what is your opinion,
and if you are a woman, do you shave or let it grow?
(and do you wish otherwise?)

[Caitlin.ann]

So I know this is kinda really random, but I've been thinking...
Should Pagan women shave their armpits/legs...
or should we just go "all-natural"?
If you are a guy, what is your opinion,
and if you are a woman, do you shave or let it grow?
(and do you wish otherwise?)

Should they? They don't have any obligation to be "all natural". Can they? Most certainly. Pagan women aren't obligated to do anything, look any certain way, etc. I personally find my hair annoying and shave it all off. My legs, arm pits, arms, etc. all remain shaved..I find it annoying and myself less attractive if I don't. Maybe its society's impact on women but really I think its just my personal preference. There are also those who don't wear deodorant and don't pluck their brows and don't bathe as much. I'm not one of them.

[BearDancing]

Shave in the summer...not in the winter...keeps me warm:giggle: but I do bath in the winter...Never have to justify oenway or the other...is a personal preferece

[Faelon_Moon_Hawk]

So I know this is kinda really random, but I've been thinking...
Should Pagan women shave their armpits/legs...
or should we just go "all-natural"?
If you are a guy, what is your opinion,
and if you are a woman, do you shave or let it grow?
(and do you wish otherwise?)

I don't think it's a choice in anyway related to paganism. It's just personal preferance. I personally do, because after a point it gets annoying and it does make me self concious, also i know my bf prefers it, so I do it to make him happy as well....besides makes me feel sexy ^^

[Astara Seague]

I don't think it's a choice in anyway related to paganism. It's just personal preferance. I personally do, because after a point it gets annoying and it does make me self concious, also i know my bf prefers it, so I do it to make him happy as well....besides makes me feel sexy ^^

:thumbsup:Yep I agree

[Shanti]

I dont think its a pagan matter but, its sure would be a personal choice!

I do sometimes, like in summer. Otherwise I mostly dont bother.
I hate the things we do for vanity.

I am conditioned to do it, its doesn't look nice in summer if your pits and legs are hairy.
Darn, I hate the fact that I cant get passed that conditioning.

My mate, doesn't care whether or not I do.
He doesn't alter is body for vanity. No shaving, no cutting his hair.
He just is clean and ties his hair back to keep it out of his way.

[Tanya]

Its not just about vanity.. we have patches of hair in places that sweat to hold our scent... now.. I'm a primal girl.. but I really prefer NOT to smell as primal as my body merrily will. so. .. arm pit hair for stinky ole me... NOPE

leg hair.. I frankly like it.. it feels pretty cool when the wind blows on it... hehehe. and I can't say I give a hoot what other women do so long as they don't smell offensive.

In the winter I don't shave leg hair too often.. but as my hubby has expressed a preference, I do more than I have in the past to humour him.

and as a pagan women, I AM vain... I EMBRACE my vainess... I grew up in a house where being good to yourself was "bad" and 'selfish' the only thing a "Christian' woman was allowed to do to treat herself well was eat... none of the ideas about personal care really fed the body OR soul in that house....... for me... giving my self a pedicure, time for yoga, or a walk, is a vain thing but what it REALLY is for me... is a telling of myself... "I have time for me.... I make time to give to myself as I make time to give to others all day...my needs are as important as everyone else's around here" It sounds stupid that I had to consciously LEARN that.. but I did...lol.

love of self for women is sometimes a hard to get commodity... and if you help give yourself that shaving... go for it....

[Caelestis ♥ Raven]

I agree it is just a personal choice.

lol good to see other women not wanting to shave during the winter lol! bleh I hate shaving, it is so annoying and a pain in the butt. but I love the soft silky hair free feel! I have to keep my arm pits shaved though I just cant stand hair there. I like my bikini area done too all bald everywhere though I am often just too lazy lol

Though at the same time I wish there wasn't so much culural emphisis on having to do it. Atleast in the USA if a woman were to run around with shorts and a tank top with hairy legs & arm pits it would surely cause a stir!

[Selba]

I voted for all natural, but I mean it in the sense for whatever feels natural for you. I shave regularaly because I like the feeling of being all smooth and silky and it cuts down on body odor. Guys rarely shave and yet I'm pretty sure we for the most part still find them attractive. It's just a societal thing that women have to be fur free.

[childofbast]

I didn't vote because my answer isn't there - "To each their own."

I do shave, but I know many women (Pagan and not) who don't. It's an intimate, personal decision and only each individual woman can make it.

I'm of an earth religion (ADF Druidry), and we are a bit on the reconstructionist side, but we also try to update for the times. If I didn't have shaved legs and wore a skirt to work (either my subbing or retail job) I know that I would be questioned and/or looked at strangely. Not to mention, I like shaving. And sure it could be "natural" to be hairy, but many of our Pagan ancestors shaved. Take the Egyptians for example.

~Melanie

[Sionnach le Fey]

Everyone to their own.

Call me vain, but I shave regularly. I hate the feeling of hairy legs, armpits and whatnot.

[Xentor]

I prefer hair. If I had wanted to date a child, I wouldn't have married a woman.

[Tanya]

I prefer hair. If I had wanted to date a child, I wouldn't have married a woman.

lol I feel the same. i once had a lover that got a little crazy with the hair clippers and ened up BALD.. everywhere...
I was freaked out for weeks and felt like a Pedophile.

[Chaos Hawk]

I think it's just personal preference. Personally, I don't like hair. If I had the funds I'd get laser removal done. No offense to anyone, but I think hairy pits, legs, privates (on women) are ugly.

Ironically I'm not one of those women who are obsessive about hair removal. I only shave my legs once or twice a week. I don't care if my legs get prickly (which shaving only once or twice a week means they are prickly more often then not). However, I pits and my girl parts I shave almost every day. I think it's like what Tanya stated. For me, those areas are about odor control. I just feel smelly if I'm hairy down there or have hairy pits.

[watersprite]

During World War 1, there was a large problem with American soldiers dealing with sexually transmitted diseases as WELL as body lice after visiting local prostitutes in Europe. So, the Upper Medical officers decreed to the local governments that the prostitutes MUST shave their body hair and bathe daily, including washing their hair. Of course the men still got the lice, but they began to enjoy the smooth look that we continue today.
I think it's a personal option. I shower daily and keep any body hair neatly trimmed, but don't shave a lot because of the blood thinners and the chances of getting an infection from a cut because of the diabetes.

[DayDreamer]

I think Pagan women like ALL women should decide for herself if she wants to shave, regardless of religious beliefs.

And as for the girly bits, I'm adamant about NOT shaving. Adults have hair. I don't want to look like a prepubescent child.

[sarabethv]

Don't think it has anything to do with Pagan or not. Like everyone else has said - its personal preference. Mine is hairless except for on my head.

[cheddarsox]

I don't shave. I'm sure it makes me less attractive to some and more to others, I'm sure many women think I'm yucky because I "go European". Oh well...

I don't do it to make some kind of statement, other than that I think it's OK to be what I am. I don't wear makeup either.

I practice hygiene so as not to offend others with odor or griminess, though I know some are scandalized that I don't shower every day and I sometimes wear the same jeans two days running.

My husband likes me as I am, so I don't see a reason to put time, energy and money into something that doesn't matter to either of us.

My daughter shaves her legs, pits and arms regularly. Never goes out without makeup on, and dyes her hair bright colors. That's her look.

I don't feel that anyone "should" go either way. Sometimes due to culture or a job or hobby one way may be preferred over another. Go with what best serves you in the life you live.

[Garnet Heart]

I'm agreeing with most that there's not moral or Pagan-related imperative here. Do what you want!

Personally, I'm too self-conscious to feel comfortable wearing a skirt, tank top or bathing suit with hair hanging out all over. I have dark hair, so it's not like I can get away unnoticed. And since I wear these items on a semi-regular basis, I shave on a semi-regular basis. No biggie for me :)

[Invidosa]

Personally, I shave my underarms and legs about once every two weeks in the winter (when I'm single. if I’m dating someone, I will shave more, its a self conscious thing) I can get away with it a little longer because I am very fair haired and fair skinned (redhead) However, I absolutely refuse to shave my naughty bits. My skin is just too sensitive, and I think it looks silly. But I can understand how it could be a "pagan" issue for some people, the concept of accepting our bodies the way that they are being central to the faith of some. I can relate to some degree, I'm a vegetarian for mostly faith based reasons, and reasonably speaking, I think that almost anything can be affected by your faith. Which I guess leaves me in the "to each his/her own" category.

[Bettie]

Didn't vote, because the options were limited.

I don't think hairy women are 'disgusting' at all - it is their personal preference, why the hell would I care whether people opt to remove their hair or not? Personally, I prefer to shave/wax, and that's my choice. I don't think it has anything to do with my spiritual beliefs.

[Infinite Grey]

With the exception of eyebrows (keeps sweat out of our eyes and is highly instrumental in communication), and in the purposes of attraction (facial and head hair) - body hair holds little morphological advantages - as a species we're growing less and less hairy.

Personally I find body hair to be unattractive, and there are physical attributes that tell me my misses is a woman over a girl :)

Nothing takes the steam out of my boat quicker than furry legs and arm pits... oh, and if I need a hedge trimmer to get to where I want to be... forget about it. :hehehehe:

[vikinggoddess]

Women should think for themselves and do what they want with their body hair.

[iceskater12]

For me, part of being spirtual in any path is to have self confidence, therefore, I shave because I feel clean, refreshed, and ready for anything.

[AlorelithRose]

I am a freak of nature. my arm and leg hair is so fine and light and slow growing that I only need to shave every 1-2 monts. Under arm i shave every day. I have really thing hair on my head. I dont shave just because I don't have to, but if I did i would shave everyday. It's a purely personal choice and I'll support any woman who decided not to shave. It's empowering in a way. Why should woman have to shave and not men? More power to you non shavers!

[cheddarsox]

With the exception of eyebrows (keeps sweat out of our eyes and is highly instrumental in communication), and in the purposes of attraction (facial and head hair) - body hair holds little morphological advantages - as a species we're growing less and less hairy.

Personally I find body hair to be unattractive

All this being the case, do you shave the hair off your own body?

[Infinite Grey]

All this being the case, do you shave the hair off your own body?

When I can. Thought I do grow a beard from time to time. Speaking of thus, I'm pretty much a yeti at the moment http://www.straferight.com/photopost/data/500/vomit-smiley-024.gif

[Nitefalle]

Yucky, I definitely shave. Hair is itchy and gets caught in clothing, making it unsightly (to me) and uncomfortable.

[LadyWinter]

I seem to be in a minority on this. I maybe shave my armpit hair once a year.....I hate doing it and dont see a need too. No one I have ever dated has had a problem with it. I shave my legs occasionally but dont freak out if they arent baby smooth. I am just not vain enough to care I guess.

[vikinggoddess]

I seem to be in a minority on this. I maybe shave my armpit hair once a year.....I hate doing it and dont see a need too. No one I have ever dated has had a problem with it. I shave my legs occasionally but dont freak out if they arent baby smooth. I am just not vain enough to care I guess.


Erratic shaver here too. I've been know to shave one leg and forget the other. Oops. How silly is that.

[Winter_wolf]

I will itch myself to death if I don't shave.

[banondraig]

However, I absolutely refuse to shave my naughty bits. My skin is just too sensitive, and I think it looks silly.

Me too.

I shave armpits regularly, and legs when I think about it. As it is not socially acceptable for a woman to wear a dress or skirt with unshaven legs, I don't, but I also don't think leg, arm, or pubic hair is disgusting. Armpit hair is nasty on everyone, man or woman, though. It just holds too much stink.

[Raxeph]

Why should woman have to shave and not men?

Precisely the reason why I started to shave in the first place. :hahugh:


All this being the case, do you shave the hair off your own body?

Yes, yes I do. :) I can't stand the feeling of facial hair, whenever it grows my skin feels dirty which drives me nuts, so I'm fanatical about removing it each morning. Besides, if I did grow it, it would look oddly patchy and stupid. Body-wise, I remove the hair from my armpits also. I've found it a lot more comfortable since doing so to have that smoothness there. If I had chest hair, I'd remove that too, but I don't, which is fortunate for me.

My preference? Um, much the same as me, clean shaven under the arms. I couldn't really care less about anything else. Perhaps it's because I've got a thing for wearing long pants 24/7. They can do what they want, really, as long as they smell clean and are clean. I love it when people smell clean, and odors in general repel me greatly. :(

[~*Sacred*~]

I would gross myself out if I didn't shave. At the same time, I realize this belief stems from being conditioned to think this way :lol: FTR, I don't think those who don't shave are wrong or gross or strange.

[Myrr]

As long as she's clean and her hair isn't too corse I don't have a problem.

[Malcolm]

Depends on the woman. Some can pull it off some can't. Like some guys can grow a full beard that looks okay...and some guys just look like they should be working as a manager at a fast food joint...

[Flux]

I'm late to this post, but I think it's personal preference.


I shave when I wanna.

[Sequoia]

You were missing the option I'd choose, which is, "Whatever makes you happy...!"

I shave my underarms and legs. Everyone I know shaves at LEAST those places. Frankly, I think it's more hygienic to shave under your arms. (Helps the deodorant work better, doesn't tend to smell as much, etc.)

For a period of time I was "all natural" at least with regards to my underarms, and I found that it just wasn't as hygienic as being clean-shaven. Not to mention that you can't exactly get away with wearing bathing suits or sleeveless shirts if you are "all-natural". :lol:

I personally don't think that shaving the pubic region is very comfortable, though. I could never really get a close shave there, so it always ended up spiky and itchy and irritated (TMI Sequ. TMI.) There is also no way in hell that I would wax that particular region. Besides that, I'm perfectly comfortable in my natural state there.

But, you know, I'm certainly not a nazi on this topic. Whatever makes you happy. In the end, it's YOUR body, after all. Your aesthetics. Puppies aren't being kicked because of your choice on whether or not to keep your pubes/arm hair/leg hair/etc. :p

[Teresa]

I am not a very hairy person. My body hair is very slow to grow and is very fine. I either shave my under arms about every 3 months sometimes 4 depends on when it is needed and that varies. My legs get waxed every now and then as needed less often than the underarms cause if I had never shaved them in the beginning to be like everyone else I would have never had to shave my legs at all.

[Corvus]

Count me in as another guy who shaves. Face, sideburns, back of neck, chest, underarms, and the backs of my hands, though I've been known to do the whole arm as well. I also recently decided to try the pubic region and found I liked it. I might even try my legs. I do all this daily.

Why? Being hairy just drives me bonkers for some reason. I'm a highly-evolved sentient being; no dishonor to my primate ancestors, but I don't want to look like them. My hair is dark and quite noticeable. I also believe in practicing what I preach, and I prefer that women shave (also men who go shirtless for any reason). I do not believe that hairlessness means infantilization. Like Infinite Grey, there are other characteristics that mean "adult" to me. Hairy is just hairy. I feel more confident about my appearance when I shave.

[Louisvillian]

Should Pagan women shave their armpits/legs.
Yes.


or should we just go "all-natural"?
No.


If you are a guy, what is your opinion
I have a full beard, and am very hairy below the neck. I like it like that...on me.
On a chick, it just kinda weirds me out for some reason. I don't care if they do or not, it's their choice; but I would not date that person, most likely. Just a personal preference, like how I like redheads.

Or, in pun form, this ewok will not mate with a wookie. :p

[IceLupa]

It's a very personal decision. Some don't mind. It's mainly the fashion for women to shave everywhere but on top, except leaving some. Not interested in that deep of fashion when it comes to my body, as I go all natural, but I will shave my legs.

[LadyLuthien]

I have to shave or I go nuts x.x; I hate body hair.

[electricpeppers]

Hair isn't so nice in terms of armpits and the like... I prefer to shave thanks!

[David19]

I'm a guy and gay, so, my opinion may not matte, but, I don't think this is a Pagan issue, it's an issue you have to decide youself. As for me, personally, I do shave the hair I get on my legs, just 'cause I prefer it that way and I feel more confident in myself (my body is pretty smooth anyway).

[Willow Rosette]

I didnt vote because my reason wasnt up there. I shave because if I dont my pits and legs itch. I could care less what someone else thinks of why I shave...its all for comfort!