For decades, smooth skin was sold as the ultimate symbol of femininity. Beauty ads, Hollywood red carpets, and glossy magazines reinforced the same message: women must be hairless to be considered attractive. But history shows us that this is not a timeless truth—it’s a cultural construct born in the 19th century and pushed forward by commercial interests. Today, more and more women are rewriting that narrative, especially public figures with the power to challenge global perceptions. These celebrities decided they’d had enough of unrealistic beauty standards. By showing their natural selves, they’ve not only sparked debate but also inspired millions to embrace authenticity.

1. Drew Barrymore: Defying Expectations at Fashion Week (2005)

At the Fall Olympus Fashion Week in 2005, Drew Barrymore made a bold entrance in a deep V-neck dress, showing underarm hair without hesitation. The actress wasn’t trying to make headlines, but her appearance quickly became a cultural moment. By refusing to conform, she reminded everyone that glamour doesn’t need to come with a razor. Fans celebrated her authenticity, calling her radiant, confident, and unapologetically herself.

2. Julia Roberts: A Premiere Moment That Became Iconic (1999)

When Julia Roberts waved to fans at the London premiere of Notting Hill in 1999, she unknowingly sparked a movement. Her unshaven underarms became one of the most talked-about aspects of the event. While Julia later admitted it wasn’t an intentional statement, the impact was undeniable. Women around the world saw a global superstar simply existing in her natural state, and for many, it was liberating.

Julia Roberts breaks down 17 of her most iconic looks from 1978 to today in this video. Watch now to see how her style has evolved over the years!

3. Britney Spears: A Pop Princess Breaks Hollywood Norms (2003)

In 2003, Britney Spears stunned at the American Music Awards in a glittering cut-out gown. But it wasn’t just the dress that caught attention—it was her choice to skip shaving. The “Princess of Pop” turned the stage into a reminder that perfection is overrated. Her boldness sparked divided opinions, but it also gave her fans permission to be more comfortable in their own skin.

4. Gigi Hadid: High Fashion Meets Natural Beauty (2017)

Supermodel Gigi Hadid appeared in Love Magazine’s 2017 advent calendar with unshaven armpits, shocking the fashion industry that thrives on perfection. Critics debated whether it was a deliberate statement or a casual choice, but one thing was clear: Gigi’s influence brought the body hair conversation into mainstream fashion. Suddenly, “natural” was part of the aesthetic.

Gigi Hadid explains the armpit hair mishap in her Love Magazine video. Watch now to hear her side of the story!

5. Lady Gaga: Turning Shock Into Art (2011)

Never afraid of controversy, Lady Gaga brought turquoise-colored armpit hair to the MuchMusic Video Awards in 2011. Paired with bold patches of faux hair, the look turned heads and stirred conversations. For Gaga, it wasn’t just about rebellion—it was about performance art. By exaggerating what society labeled “unattractive,” she forced audiences to question why body hair carried so much stigma in the first place.

6. Madonna: The Queen Who Said “Long Hair, Don’t Care” (2014)

In 2014, Madonna posted an Instagram picture in lingerie, confidently showing her natural underarm hair. Her caption? A defiant “Long hair…don’t care!” The Queen of Pop has long spoken about refusing to conform to superficial standards. By sharing that photo, she became a role model for women of all ages, proving that confidence is the most powerful beauty tool of all.

Madonna’s recent armpit blow-dry video has left fans talking! Watch now to see the full moment and what all the buzz is about!

7. Miley Cyrus: Unfiltered Boldness on Stage (2015)

At the 2015 amfAR Gala, Miley Cyrus accepted her Award of Inspiration wearing a sparkling red dress. But when she raised her arms, she also raised eyebrows—revealing her unshaven underarms. Miley has never shied away from challenging norms, and this moment cemented her as one of the younger stars actively pushing body positivity forward.

8. Kelly Rowland: Feminist Energy at Instyle Awards (2008)

When Kelly Rowland showed up at the 2008 Instyle Best Beauty Buys Awards, she wasn’t just glowing in her sequined gown—she was unapologetically natural. The Destiny’s Child star has always identified herself as a feminist, and that night her body hair became a symbol of empowerment. She reminded the industry that beauty is not defined by painful grooming rituals.

9. Ashley Graham: A Model of Body Positivity (2021)

Supermodel and activist Ashley Graham has been an outspoken voice for body positivity. In 2021, she shared an Instagram post showing her armpits au naturel. Her philosophy is simple: “Shave what you want, wax what you want, leave what you want.” Her casual confidence resonated with fans, proving that authenticity and self-love are far more magnetic than rigid beauty rules.

10. Lourdes Leon: Carrying On Madonna’s Legacy (2018)

Madonna’s daughter, Lourdes Leon, proudly followed in her mother’s footsteps. In 2018, she appeared in a Converse campaign with unshaven armpits. Critics quickly voiced opinions online, but Lourdes stood firm. She showed that beauty is multigenerational—and so is the fight for women to live free from judgment.

Lourdes Leon, Madonna’s daughter, proudly flaunts her armpit hair at the 2021 Met Gala. Watch the video to see this bold fashion moment!

11. Michelle Rodriguez: A Hollywood Rebel’s Choice (2015)

Known for her tough roles in Fast & Furious, Michelle Rodriguez carries that same rebel energy into her personal life. In 2015, she posted a candid shot revealing her armpit hair, later followed by paparazzi pictures of her at the beach looking radiant and free. Michelle’s message was clear: strength and femininity are not defined by a razor blade.

12. Amandla Stenberg: A New Generation’s Voice (2018)

At the London premiere of The Hate U Give, Amandla Stenberg confidently lifted her arms in a glamorous gown, showing off her unshaven underarms. As a non-binary actor who embraces authenticity, Amandla used the red carpet as a stage for self-expression. For young fans, it was a reminder that beauty is about self-acceptance, not conformity.

13. Juliette Lewis: Fearless at the Red Carpet (2002)

At the premiere of Enough in 2002, Juliette Lewis arrived in a daring deep V-neck dress. Her underarm hair was visible, and she didn’t attempt to hide it. By simply existing in her truth, Juliette gave one of the earliest examples in Hollywood of refusing to bend to rigid beauty expectations.

14. Lola Kirke: Golden Globes Statement (2017)

Actress Lola Kirke turned heads at the 2017 Golden Globes when she stepped out in a strapless gown, underarm hair proudly on display. On Instagram, she thanked fans who supported her choice and joked about receiving death threats over her pits. Her humor highlighted just how absurd the backlash can be when women simply exist naturally.

15. Mo’Nique: Owning Her Natural Self (2010)

At the 25th Film Independent Spirit Awards in 2010, Mo’Nique accepted her award for Precious in a flowing white gown. What stood out wasn’t just her powerful smile, but her visible leg hair. She later admitted she’d only tried shaving once—and vowed never to do it again because it was painful. Her honesty was refreshing, her confidence undeniable.

16. Ryn Weaver: Music Meets Authenticity (2015–2017)

Singer Ryn Weaver performed at South by Southwest in 2015 without shaving, later doubling down with candid Instagram photos in 2017. For Ryn, the choice was personal, but the impact was cultural. By being open about her comfort with body hair, she contributed to a growing movement in music and beyond, showing fans that being yourself is always on trend.

Redefining Beauty Standards for the Future

As society continues to challenge traditional beauty norms, these stories show us that change is possible when visibility is amplified. Celebrities hold a megaphone in shaping cultural conversations, but the true power lies in everyday women who feel inspired to love themselves fully. Beauty, after all, isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about celebrating individuality. The razor may still dominate the aisles of beauty stores, but more women are realizing they have a choice. And that choice, like the 16 women who showed us the way, is both radical and freeing.