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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to have hairy legs this summer?

212 replies

Franklyfrost · 27/04/2021 14:37

I’m busy and don’t want to shave or wax my legs this summer but I do want to wear floaty dresses, short shorts and sparkly sandals.

My legs aren’t very hairy, just long thin patchy mangey hair from below knee an ankle. It would look better if I had a luscious thick black pelt.

Should I sod it and keep the hair or would it turn your stomach? I don’t want to scare small children or have people think I’m unkempt or dirty. But also I don’t want to act as if I’m ashamed of my leg hair (even if I am).

OP posts:
ViciousJackdaw · 27/04/2021 15:04

@katy1213

Do you need other people's permission for every minor decision?
It's not a minor decision for some though. Hairy legs on women are an outright challenge to social norms - they are a statement. I can see why some might need to discuss it first. Maybe OP is hoping to hear from others with 'statement legs'?
BagLadyy · 27/04/2021 15:04

They're your legs. Do whatever you like.

Doesn't effect anyone else.

I prefer mine shaved so that's what I do. I have friends with full on dark haired legs. Our legs all work the same.

HopeForTheBestExpectTheWorst · 27/04/2021 15:05

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn on request of the poster.

RozHuntleysLeftHand · 27/04/2021 15:06

@ShowOfHands

I don't shave my legs or armpits and I know why you're asking because some people are utterly disgusted. They will recoil in horror, wrinkle their noses and in one case, feel sorry for my DH. All the more reason to do it IMHO.
I've had this as well.

Women making blatant comments in the pool etc.

I just think if you are that pathetic that you judge other women on their body choices then you are not a nice person, and your opinion is worth fuck all.

It's a sad life where you have to be nasty for your own validation.

RozHuntleysLeftHand · 27/04/2021 15:07

@HopeForTheBestExpectTheWorst

It is absolutely your choice but I cannot imagine not shaving my legs. But then, I also cannot imagine going out not dressed properly eg in pjs or dressing gown, which apparently some people do. I don't recoile in horror but I would silently judge.
Please explain why you would judge a woman for not shaving her legs?

What is your thinking?

Angrypregnantlady · 27/04/2021 15:08

My legs haven't been shaved in months. I am 9 months pregnant though so would dare anyone to say anything. I really just cba. I'm not sure how visible it is to people, and nor do I care.

RozHuntleysLeftHand · 27/04/2021 15:08

Would you judge a man for not shaving his legs then, if not, why not?

MrsJackSpratt · 27/04/2021 15:09

@HopeForTheBestExpectTheWorst

Out of interest, why would you judge? What would you judge them for? What do hairy legs mean to you? (Like, does it mean you think they are less clean? Or slovenly?)

ShadierThanaPalmTree · 27/04/2021 15:10

Personally, I'm too self conscious. If I spotted it on someone else, would probably be surprised for a moment and not think much else on it! To be fair, if anyone did see they're probably too close given covid restrictions unless your seriously hairy 😳🤣

GoryGilmore · 27/04/2021 15:11

I personally hate body hair on myself and not shaving makes me feel weird, but I wouldn’t find it gross or care if other people grow theirs. Personal choice, whatever feels best for you.

wingsnthat · 27/04/2021 15:13

I feel like this! Every form of hair removal seems to cause me issues, aside from laser which is end game. I’m not sure if I want to start laser immediately or wait a few months…so in the interim I’m still removing my hair but not as frequently? I wax so the regrowth isn’t noticeable for a few weeks

araiwa · 27/04/2021 15:13

You've stated you care what other people think so you should get rid of the hair.

GrumpyHoonMain · 27/04/2021 15:15

@Zebraaa

How busy can you really be to spend 2 minutes shaving? 🙄
Lol how well are you shaving if it only takes 2 minutes? It takes at least 5 mins per leg to get a close shave
Original poster
Franklyfrost · 27/04/2021 15:15

@RozHuntleysLeftHand

I haven't shaved legs or underarms for years.

I don't give a tiny shite what other people think.

I'm clean (not shaving seems to make people think you don't wash or are unclean for some bizarre reason...never applies to men though!) and I resent the implication that women must use more of their time grooming than men, and I think it's ridiculous we impose random beauty standards that take time, effort and money.

If you don't want to shave, just don't and fuck what other people think, if they're shallow enough to judge on perfectly normal body hair then they are not worth giving head space to imo.

Some people might get the ick with leg hair but still be amazing humans in other ways.

OP posts:
MilduraS · 27/04/2021 15:16

I wish it was more acceptable as I have PCOS and am rather hairy. Sadly I don't have the confidence to go without shaving.

lljkk · 27/04/2021 15:19

I don't give a tiny shite what other people think.

Then why start this thread? Just to have an argument?
Why not make it less personal discussion?

I profoundly don't care how hairy any person's legs are in any context.

I doubt debate set in false personal context is best way to make people more tolerant. It's not an interesting way for me to engage either.

Original poster
Franklyfrost · 27/04/2021 15:20

@ RozHuntleysLeftHand

Would you judge a man for not shaving his legs then, if not, why not?

I want all my men to look pubescent to fulfil my beauty ideals so they have to shave their legs. If they don’t then they’re unclean, lazy, promiscuous slatterns.

OP posts:
ShinyMe · 27/04/2021 15:20

I stopped shaving anything last march, and I've been swimming and wearing skirts since then and not one person has said anything, or recoiled in horror, or pointed and laughed. I've saved time and effort and I like how my legs and armpits are warmer in bed on cold nights.

RogueV · 27/04/2021 15:20

Leave it who cares

Ginuwine · 27/04/2021 15:21

[quote Franklyfrost]@RozHuntleysLeftHand

I haven't shaved legs or underarms for years.

I don't give a tiny shite what other people think.

I'm clean (not shaving seems to make people think you don't wash or are unclean for some bizarre reason...never applies to men though!) and I resent the implication that women must use more of their time grooming than men, and I think it's ridiculous we impose random beauty standards that take time, effort and money.

If you don't want to shave, just don't and fuck what other people think, if they're shallow enough to judge on perfectly normal body hair then they are not worth giving head space to imo.

Some people might get the ick with leg hair but still be amazing humans in other ways.[/quote]

If you're so "fuck what others think" why are you posting this here for opinions?

Ginuwine · 27/04/2021 15:21

@Franklyfrost

@ RozHuntleysLeftHand

Would you judge a man for not shaving his legs then, if not, why not?

I want all my men to look pubescent to fulfil my beauty ideals so they have to shave their legs. If they don’t then they’re unclean, lazy, promiscuous slatterns.

Oh ok I get it now. Hmm

Original poster
Franklyfrost · 27/04/2021 15:22

@ lljkk

*I don't give a tiny shite what other people think.

Then why start this thread? Just to have an argument?
Why not make it less personal discussion?

I profoundly don't care how hairy any person's legs are in any context.

I doubt debate set in false personal context is best way to make people more tolerant. It's not an interesting way for me to engage either.*

I was quoting another poster. I care what other people think. That’s why I’ve asked.

OP posts:
Original poster
Franklyfrost · 27/04/2021 15:25

@ Ginuwine

Franklyfrost
@RozHuntleysLeftHand

*I haven't shaved legs or underarms for years.

I don't give a tiny shite what other people think.

I'm clean (not shaving seems to make people think you don't wash or are unclean for some bizarre reason...never applies to men though!) and I resent the implication that women must use more of their time grooming than men, and I think it's ridiculous we impose random beauty standards that take time, effort and money.

If you don't want to shave, just don't and fuck what other people think, if they're shallow enough to judge on perfectly normal body hair then they are not worth giving head space to imo.

Some people might get the ick with leg hair but still be amazing humans in other ways.

If you're so "fuck what others think" why are you posting this here for opinions?*

Oh gawd I do care! I was quoting someone else and am obviously not great at doing that clearly. (Also the phrase ‘tiny shite’ grosses me out more than leg hair).

OP posts:
1forAll74 · 27/04/2021 15:31

Your legs,your choice. I don't think most people go around checking if women have shaved their legs or not.

Weeedonkey · 27/04/2021 15:33

Isn’t it funny that arm hair is acceptable but leg hair seems a societal faux pas!

Do what you like OP Smile