Hairless: Breaking the Vicious Circle of Hair Removal, Submission and Self-hatred

The passage from girl to woman is marked by initiation rites that include razors, tweezers, wax, and hair removal creams. Today, the only acceptable places for a woman to have hair are on her head, eyebrows, and eyelashes. Bel Olid's book dismantles preconceived ideas about the benefits of waxing and shaving and exposes the social penalties meted out to women who allow their body hair to grow. She calls on women to set themselves free from the urge to please everyone else and to focus on what pleases them.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2022
Publisher: Polity Press

Razors, tweezers, wax, and hair removal creams are the tools used in initiation rites that mark the transition from girl to woman. Nowadays, the only acceptable places for a woman to have hair are on her head (preferably long), her eyebrows (not too wild), and her eyelashes (not too sparse). The cosmetics industry is thriving to achieve the desired effect of localized luxuriance, offering a wide range of products to achieve this. At the same time, the industry of removing hair everywhere else on the body is advancing relentlessly. Hair has become more than just a sign of joy; it has become a battlefield of cosmetic surgery.

In her book, "The Hair Myth," the Catalan writer Bel Olid delves into personal experiences to challenge the perceived benefits of waxing and shaving. She exposes the social penalties faced by women who choose to let their body hair grow. With clarity and courage, Bel Olid highlights the contradictions and hidden costs associated with hair removal. She urges women everywhere to break free from the pressure to please others and focus on what pleases them.

Bel Olid's book is a powerful call to action that challenges societal norms and encourages women to embrace their natural beauty. It encourages women to question the societal expectations that dictate how they should present themselves and to prioritize their own self-esteem and happiness. By shedding light on the negative consequences of hair removal, Bel Olid empowers women to make informed choices about their body hair and to embrace their unique identities.

In conclusion, "The Hair Myth" is a thought-provoking book that challenges preconceived ideas about hair removal and encourages women to embrace their natural beauty. Bel Olid's personal experiences and bold statements make this book a valuable resource for anyone who wants to break free from the pressure to conform to societal norms and prioritize their own self-esteem and happiness.

Weight: 95g
Dimension: 190 x 125 x 5 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509550197