Body hair is natural, NOT gross: Striking images of women with unshaven underarms protest conventional standards of beauty



A striking photo series of women showing off their underarm hair is challenging the conventional standards of beauty.

London-based photographer Ben Hopper recruited dozens of models and actresses to grow out their body hair for the Natural Beauty series, with the aim of proving that women don't need to conform to society's expectations in order to be attractive.

'The whole point is contrast between fashionable female beauty and the raw unconventional look of female armpit hair,' the Israeli-born photographer told the Huffington Post.

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Exposed: London-based photographer Ben Hopper's Natural Beauty photo series features women showing off their underarm hair, with the aim of challenging conventional standards of beauty

Sparking a discussion: 'The whole point is contrast between fashionable female beauty and the raw unconventional look of female armpit hair,' said Israeli-born Mr Hopper

'I expect [the photos] will surprise a lot of people and I guess, in a way, that is one of my intentions.'

In one of the black-and-white photos, designer Alessandra Kurr strikes a pose with one arm bent over her head, revealing the hair underneath.

Another image shows performer Cassia Tsura holding her dreadlocked hair up with both hands.



Unexpected: 'I expect [the photos] will surprise a lot of people and I guess, in a way, that is one of my intentions,' he said. Pictured: Cassia Tsura, performer

Brainwashed: Mr Hopper revealed one model actually pulled out of the project because she was 'grossed-out' by her own body hair, proving that conventional beauty is ingrained in our consciousness

Real women: 'As I matured as a person and an artist, I realized I liked [armpit hair],' said the photographer, adding: 'I think it can be a beautiful look'

Mr Hopper explained that standards of beauty have been so ingrained in our consciousness that one of his models even pulled out of the project at the last minute because she was 'grossed-out' by her own body hair.

'I expect the photos will surprise people . A nd I guess, in a way, that is one of my intentions'

On the contrary, the photographer says he has no problem with a woman going au naturel - quite the opposite, in fact.

'As I matured as a person and an artist, I realized I liked [armpit hair],' he revealed.

'I think it can be a beautiful look.'

The models also appear to be wearing minimal make-up in the stunning portraits, further emphasizing their natural beauty.

Bare-faced: The models go make-up free in the portraits, further emphasizing their natural beauty

Taking a stand: Mr Hopper sees his project as a 'type of protest' against the beauty industry

Redefining beauty: 'By creating a contrast between common "fashionable" female beauty and the raw unconventional look of female armpit hair, thoughts are intrigued and a discussion is made,' he explains.

According to his website, Mr Hopper sees his project as a 'type of protest' against the beauty industry.

'Although armpit hair is a natural state it has become a statement. Why is that?' he writes.

'For almost a century we have been brainwashed by the beauty industry, encouraging hair removal. Natural Beauty could be classified as a type of protest.



'By creating a contrast between common "fashionable" female beauty and the raw unconventional look of female armpit hair, thoughts are intrigued and a discussion is made,' he explains.

Uncovered: Model Slant Array strikes a pose with her hands in the air, revealing her unshaven underarms

Open-minded: 'I don't want to say that I want women to start growing their armpit hair,' said Mr Hopper. 'I just think that it's a possibility'

Modern thought: 'Although armpit hair is a natural state it has become a statement. Why is that?' he asks

And while he hopes to spark a discussion, Mr Hopper adds that he doesn't want to enforce his personal views on anyone, only to open people's minds to the many varieties of beauty.

'Although armpit hair is a natural state it has become a statement. Why is that?'

'I don't want to say that I want women to start growing their armpit hair,' he said.



'I just think that it's a possibility and people shouldn't dismiss it.