25+ Female Celebrities Who Proudly Prove That Underarm Hair Is the Ultimate Show of Confidence

This article appeared in Ballercap and has been published here with permission.

YouTube // LOVE Magazine

Armpit hair has long been a taboo topic in beauty and fashion, with women feeling pressured to shave their underarms to fit societal norms. However, in recent years, many celebrities have embraced their natural body hair and proudly displayed their unshaven pits. From singers and actresses to models and comedians, these women break the mold and challenge traditional beauty standards. This list will look closely at some of the most notable instances of celebrities flaunting their armpit hair.

Becka Martinez

Becka Martinez, the former Bachelor contestant, and mother, continues to advocate for body hair acceptance, expressing her desire to create a world where her daughter can feel comfortable in her natural body. In a May 2020 Instagram post, Martinez shared a photo of herself and her daughter, with unshaven legs proudly on display.

Instagram // @bekah

She believes everyone deserves to exist in their natural body without feeling ashamed. Martinez promises to create a family where shame surrounding body size, hair, acne, or height is never passed down.

Ashley Graham

Ashley Graham has been a fearless advocate for women’s empowerment for years and has continued to do so. Graham recently shared a candid bathroom selfie on Instagram, showcasing her postpartum body a few weeks after giving birth to her son.

Instagram // @ashleygraham

In the photo, she wears a black tank top and gray disposable underwear while raising her arm and displaying her underarm hair. Graham’s caption highlights the lack of conversation around new mothers’ recovery and healing process, including the less glamorous aspects.

Emily Ratajkowski

Emily Ratajkowski posed for Harper’s Bazaar with her unshaven underarms on full display in 2019. In an inspiring statement, the model expressed her belief that a woman’s choice to shave or grow out her armpit hair should be entirely up to her.

HARPER’S BAZAAR // Miguel Enamorado

She believes that women should be empowered to make their own choices about their body hair based on how it makes them feel. She acknowledges that there’s no one “right” answer and that there should be no judgment based on their decision to embrace or remove their body hair.

Halsey

Singer Halsey made a statement on the cover of Rolling Stone in July 2019 by showing off her unshaven underarms. Although some fans criticized her decision, fellow musician Demi Lovato praised the image and supported her.

Reddit // u/LongClawww

Lovato wrote that there was “so much yes” about the picture and applauded Halsey’s choice to embrace her natural body hair. Halsey’s decision to showcase their unshaven underarms in a high-profile publication helped to encourage more conversations about body hair and body positivity.

Madonna

The pop icon’s decision to embrace her natural body hair by not shaving her armpits was a bold move that caught many people off guard. In 2014, Madonna shared a selfie of her unshaven armpit, accompanied by the statement that it’s long hair and she doesn’t care.

Instagram // @madonna

Madonna’s commitment to defying societal expectations is nothing new, as she has previously discussed her refusal to conform to traditional beauty norms, including wearing makeup and styling her hair. Her rebellious spirit and unwavering confidence continue to inspire generations of women worldwide.

Lourdes Leon

Madonna’s daughter, Lourdes, shares her mother’s stance on body hair. In a New Year’s Eve picture shared by Madonna in 2017, Lourdes proudly showed off her unshaven underarms. Lourdes has also been seen sporting hairy legs on various occasions, demonstrating that beauty standards are nothing more than societal constructs.

Twitter // @Madonna

Madonna and her daughter have used their platforms to challenge traditional beauty norms and encourage others to embrace their natural bodies.

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts made headlines at the 1999 Notting Hill premiere for flaunting her unshaven armpits. However, it wasn’t as much of a statement on her part as it was an oversight on her behalf.

Pinterest // @DazedMagazine

In an episode of Busy Tonight, Julia Roberts explained she hadn’t considered the length of her sleeves and how they would match her waving, leading to the unintended revealing of her unshaved armpits. Roberts added that it was simply part of her statement as a human being on the planet, not a separate statement in itself.

Paris Jackson

Paris Jackson shut down body hair shamers by posting a selfie on Instagram in September 2017. The picture showed her unshaven underarms and followed her leg hair post. She used the opportunity to advocate for women’s rights to choose their grooming habits and challenge societal beauty standards.

Instagram // @parisjackson

The post received widespread praise and support from her followers. She also noted that some people find it disgusting, particularly women, but argued that it’s a natural aspect of being human.

Miley Cyrus

Say whatever you want about her, but Miley Cyrus knows how to stir the pot and make a statement. In 2015, the singer posted a picture of herself with unshaven underarms. A few weeks later, she documented the process of bleaching and dyeing her pit hair at a “pit party” with hair colorist Justin Anderson.

Pinterest // @DazedMagazine

The party was well-documented on Instagram, from the bleaching process to the final result: bright pink armpit hair. It was a bold statement in a society that often expects women to conform to specific beauty standards.

Amandla Stenberg

At the European premiere of The Hate U Give, actor Amandla Stenberg proudly displayed her unshaven armpit hair in a backless Valentino gown. In an Instagram post, Stenberg drew attention to the hair with the hashtags “#drama” and “#armpit.”

Instagram // @amandlastenberg

The actress has spoken about the importance of not conforming to social constructs, saying it’s possible to be valid and worthy without adhering to them. Stenberg hopes her actions will inspire others to be more comfortable in their identities and embrace their individuality.

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin made a statement in November 2020 when they appeared on the digital cover of GLAMOUR UK, proudly displaying their armpit hair. The Crown‘s star’s unshaven underarms were front and center in the photo shoot, challenging societal beauty standards.

Instagram // @emmalouisecorrin

The image was met with both support and criticism, but Corrin’s message was clear: embrace your natural self. By showcasing their body hair, Corrin added their voice to the ongoing conversation about body positivity and the importance of self-love.

King Princess

Singer King Princess is another celebrity who proudly flaunts her underarm hair. She frequently posts photos on social media and attends red-carpet events with unshaven armpits. The musician has been vocal about challenging societal beauty standards and embracing individuality, including body hair.

Facebook // King Princess

In an interview with Nylon, she stated it’s all about your relationship with your body. Freeing yourself from the constant pressure of shaving can be quite liberating and empowering.

Beyoncé

Who runs the world? Girls with armpit hair! Even Queen Bey knows how to slay with some underarm fuzz. Back in 2009, she rocked a stunning black gown at the premiere of Cadillac Records, but what caught everyone’s attention was the peek of her armpit hair.

Twitter // @MandyVJfan4ever

The sighting caused a stir on social media, with some criticizing the singer for not shaving. But boy, did she own it! Beyonce proved that embracing your natural body hair can be empowering.

Britney Spears

Oops, she did it again! Britney Spears made a statement at the 31st Annual American Music Awards in 2003 by showing off her unshaven underarms. The pop icon proved she’s not afraid to embrace her natural beauty and challenge beauty standards.

Twitter // @FiveSactown

Spears has always been a trailblazer, and her decision to bare her armpit hair was another act of rebellion against the status quo. Way to go, Britney — you inspire us to be unapologetically ourselves!

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore is a true queen in owning her natural beauty. She confidently showed off her underarm fuzz in a stunning black low-cut dress, proving that beauty norms are just societal constructs.

Instagram // @drewbarrymore

Recently, she took her body positivity to a new level by proudly announcing on Instagram that she’d gone three months without removing her armpit hair. Drew is a true inspiration for anyone who wants to break free from the pressure of societal beauty standards and loves themselves just the way they are.

Juliette Lewis

Juliette Lewis proved that armpit hair and beauty go hand in hand when she confidently flaunted her underarm hair in a plunging gown in 2002. Her bold move challenged traditional beauty standards and made a powerful statement that women can be beautiful and desirable regardless of whether or not they choose to conform to societal expectations.

Facebook // Juliette Lewis

Lewis’ fearlessness in showcasing her body hair sends a powerful message of self-love and acceptance, encouraging others to embrace their bodies and be proud of who they are.

Jemima Kirke

Talk about owning your look! Jemima Kirke brought her A-game to the CFDA Fashion Awards in 2015, proudly flaunting her unshaven armpits. Her flowing locks and underarm hair made a bold statement about embracing your natural self.

Instagram // @jemima_jo_kirke

The Girls star has always been a champion of individuality and body positivity, and her choice to show off her armpit hair only reinforces that. Kirke proved that confidence and self-love are the best accessories, and she rocked that red carpet like the queen she is.

Lady Gaga

Mother Monster herself, Lady Gaga, isn’t one to conform to societal expectations. In proper “Born This Way” fashion, Gaga shared a selfie on Instagram proudly displaying her unshaved underarms in 2017.

Twitter // @gagadaily

The pop icon has never been one to shy away from making bold statements, whether through her music, fashion, or body hair choices. And why should she? So, if you’re feeling inspired by Gaga’s armpit hair confidence, let those underarms be free!

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez, the Fast and Furious star, is the ultimate boss lady when embracing her natural armpit hair. She’s all about living her life unapologetically and flaunting her underarm fuzz in all its glory. Her confidence and carefree attitude toward societal beauty standards inspire us all.

Facebook // Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle has been spotted wearing bikinis, vest tops, and sleeveless dresses without a care in the world. She doesn’t let anyone’s opinion affect her choices.

Sophia Loren

Sophia Loren, the iconic Italian actress, turned heads in 1955 when she wore a white strapless dress with a hint of armpit hair peeking out. Her daring fashion statement challenged the societal norms of the time and set a new standard for women’s body positivity.

Instagram // @loverofthepast

Loren has always been confident and empowered, unafraid to show off her natural beauty. Her armpit hair display symbolized female empowerment and encouraged other women to embrace their bodies and live fearlessly.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is always one step ahead of the game, and her decision to show off her armpit hair at the Met Gala was no exception. Looking fierce in their Ralph Lauren ensemble, they confidently showed off their unshaven pits, proving that hair is natural and beautiful.

Instagram // @janellemonae

Monáe has always been a trailblazer in breaking gender stereotypes and embracing individuality. From her music to acting roles, such as in the hit film Hidden Figures, she consistently promotes self-love and acceptance.

Grace Jones

Grace Jones, the icon herself, is known for her avant-garde fashion and boundary-breaking style. She has always embraced her uniqueness, including her underarm hair. While some may have balked at flaunting body hair, Jones never shied away.

Facebook // TheRemoda

She showed the world that women can be powerful regardless of societal standards. Her fierce attitude and unapologetic approach to life make her an inspiration for anyone looking to break the mold.

Julia Michaels

Singer-songwriter Julia Michaels proudly displayed her natural armpit hair at the 2021 Grammys and took to Twitter to express her belief in embracing her body hair. Michaels fought against beauty standards and societal norms by creating her monthly digital cover, YOU.

Instagram // @juliamichaels

In an Instagram post, she revealed her frustration with people telling her how her body should be, what she should wear, how she should act, and what she should shave off.

Barbra Streisand

Singer Barbra Streisand has advocated embracing her natural body hair since the 1960s. Her iconic look of unshaven underarms at the time was a statement of personal empowerment and challenged societal norms surrounding femininity and beauty standards.

Wikimedia Commons //·Al Ravenna // CC0 1.0

So, don’t even try to rain on her parade because she’s been paving her path since the beginning of her career. From her powerhouse vocals to her fearless attitude toward body hair, she’s inspired generations of women to embrace their natural beauty.

Kalki Koechlin

Bollywood actress Kalki Koechlin is a fierce advocate of body positivity and self-love. She took to Instagram to flaunt her unshaved underarms in a vibrant, colorful photograph alongside her partner. She asked people to find somebody to grow hairy with in her caption.

Instagram // @kalkikanmani

The post garnered widespread support from her fans and followers, with many lauding her for breaking beauty norms and advocating for body hair acceptance. Kalki and her unapologetic stance on armpit hair serve as a reminder to love oneself in every way possible.

Lisa Bonet

Lisa Bonet has always been a true trailblazer for embracing her natural beauty. In 1990, the actress and model made a bold statement when she flaunted her underarm hair at the Emmy Awards.

Twitter // @bestoflisabonet

Her empowering move sparked a wave of discussion, challenging conventional beauty standards and inspiring women worldwide to embrace their natural body hair. Lisa continues to be an icon of authenticity and self-expression, inspiring generations to come.

Ani DiFranco

In 2000, singer-songwriter and activist Ani DiFranco proudly displayed her underarm hair while playing the guitar on stage. Known for her socially conscious lyrics and activism, DiFranco has never been one to conform to traditional beauty standards.

Pinterest // @gagadaily

She’s often used her platform to challenge societal norms and promote body positivity. Her decision to show her armpit hair on stage was just one example of her commitment to authenticity and self-expression.

Gaby Hoffmann

Actress Gaby Hoffmann proudly rocked her underarm hair at the 2014 Independent Spirit Awards. The Transparent star strutted the red carpet in a sleeveless shimmery black jumpsuit, flashing her natural armpit hair.

Pinterest // @popsugar

Hoffmann, a champion of body positivity, has long been vocal about rejecting societal beauty norms. Her choice to show off her armpit hair in public was a powerful statement that beauty standards are meant to be challenged.

Ryn Weaver

Ryn Weaver knows how to make a statement on and off the stage. In 2015, she rocked the red carpet at the MTV Video Music Awards with her underarm hair on full display. Not one to conform to society’s beauty standards, Weaver proudly showed off her natural body hair in a stunning black gown.

Twitter // @RynWeaver

She’s also known for her powerful lyrics and genre-bending music combining pop, indie, and electronic elements. With her unique style and fearless attitude, Weaver is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

Lola Kirke

Actress and musician Lola Kirke turned heads at the 2017 Golden Globe Awards with her stunning baby pink gown and underarm hair. The Mozart in the Jungle star’s bold fashion statement sparked mixed reactions, but she stood her ground, telling critics to focus on more critical issues.

Instagram // @lolakirke

In an Instagram post, she stated that it’s absurd that people are distracted by her armpit hair when it comes to her job. She also encouraged people to shift their attention toward political and social injustices instead.

Scout Willis

Scout Willis, daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, proudly displayed her armpit hair. Scout is often seen just casually hanging out and enjoying her life without caring about her armpit hair.

Twitter // @Scout_Willis

Scout has been known to speak out against societal beauty standards and norms, using her platform to promote body positivity and acceptance. The embrace of her body hair is just one example of her commitment to self-love and empowerment.

Penelope Cruz

Spanish actress Penelope Cruz made a bold statement in the fashion world when she graced the cover of Aie Magazine in 2014 with unshaven armpits. The stunning photoshoot showcased her natural beauty and challenged traditional beauty standards.

Gayarmenia // ARTMIKA

This wasn’t the first time she rocked her natural look — she’s been spotted on red carpets with unshaven underarms. Cruz is known for her beauty, acting talents, and advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment. Cruz proves women can be beautiful, talented, and empowered — with or without body hair.

Patti Smith

Punk rock icon Patti Smith’s 1978 album Easter features her sporting some serious underarm hair, all while looking fierce in a simple white tank. The album cover has become an iconic representation of Smith’s effortlessly cool and boundary-pushing style.

Reddit // u/a-patrick

As a pioneer of the punk movement, Smith’s disregard for societal norms extended to her fashion choices, and her unapologetic embrace of body hair helped to challenge traditional beauty standards in the music industry and beyond.

Sarah Silverman

Comedian and actress Sarah Silverman is known for her irreverent humor and sharp wit. She’s also known for embracing her natural body hair, including her armpit hair. In 2015, Silverman shared a photo on Twitter of her unshaven armpit, accompanied by the caption, “Got a haircut. Do you like it?”

Tumblr // Hairy Armpits

She’s also been known to joke about her body hair in her stand-up comedy routines. Silverman’s body-positive message and self-confidence have inspired many to embrace their natural beauty.

Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland, former Destiny’s Child member, dared to challenge beauty norms and caused a stir when she appeared at the 2008 InStyle Best Beauty Buys Awards with unshaved underarms. The singer rocked a sleeveless gown and confidently flaunted her natural body hair, breaking the conventional beauty standards that dictate women should be hairless.

Delovesto // Tony Payne

Rowland’s bold move showed that women could decide how to present their bodies and that conforming to societal pressures was unnecessary.

Mya

In 2006, Mya made a statement at the red carpet event by wearing a revealing gown and proudly flaunting her unshaven underarms. The R&B singer’s bold move sparked a conversation about beauty standards and body hair norms.

Instagram // @myaplanet9

Mya has consistently advocated for body positivity and self-love. Her decision to display her natural body hair was a powerful statement against the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards. She continues to inspire others to embrace their natural selves.

Joan Jett

Joan Jett, the Queen of Rock & Roll, has been a trailblazer in both her style and music. Her underarm hair has been displayed for decades, but it’s not what defines her.

Flickr // C. Dastodd

Jett’s iconic black leather jacket, powerful vocals, and fearless attitude have all contributed to her status as a rock legend. In a world where women’s bodies are constantly scrutinized and judged, Jett’s unapologetic display of body hair is a powerful statement of self-acceptance and defiance.

Lily Allen

Pop star Lily Allen shocked the crowd at the 2014 Glastonbury Festival when she lifted her arms and proudly flaunted her hairy armpits. But this wasn’t the first time Allen made a statement with her body hair — in 2018, she posted a selfie on Instagram with the caption “Hairy lady,” showing off her unshaved legs.

YouTube // BBC

The singer has been vocal about rejecting traditional beauty standards. Her willingness to embrace her natural body has made her an icon for women everywhere who want to challenge societal norms.

Beth Ditto

Beth Ditto, the lead singer of the band Gossip, isn’t one to conform to societal beauty standards, and her album cover for “Music for Men” is proof. The photo features Ditto confidently flaunting her hairy armpits on stage. With her confidence, Ditto sends fans a message of body positivity and acceptance.

Instagram // @bethditto

The cover became an instant hit and was praised for its empowering message. Ditto has consistently advocated for self-love and body acceptance, proving that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and hairiness levels.

Phoebe Bridgers

Phoebe Bridgers is known for her hauntingly beautiful music, bold fashion choices, and unapologetic attitude. Whether performing on stage or attending a red carpet event, Bridgers never shies away from showing off her underarm hair.

Reddit // u/seeyouonyourbaddays

Her 2023 appearance at the iHeartRadio Awards was no exception, as she rocked a black outfit, proudly displaying her natural armpit hair. In a world where society often pressures women to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, Bridgers’ bold choice is a refreshing reminder that everyone should feel empowered to embrace their natural selves.

Rowan Blanchard

Actress and activist Rowan Blanchard broke barriers and challenged beauty standards when she posed for a photo shoot for Cultured Mag. The stunning black and white photos feature the young starlet wearing a white tank top and proudly displaying her unshaven underarms.

Instagram // @rowanblanchard

Blanchard has always advocated for body positivity and inclusivity, and her decision to show off her armpit hair further proves her commitment to breaking down societal norms. By embracing her natural body, Blanchard inspires young girls and women everywhere to love themselves just as they are.

Gigi Hadid

Gigi Hadid has always been a trendsetter, and in 2017, she proved it again by showcasing her armpit hair in the LOVE advent video. In the short film, the Victoria’s Secret angel flaunted her unshaven pits while boxing and showing off her toned arms.

YouTube // LOVE Magazine

The video was a hit, with fans praising Gigi for her confidence and bravery in bucking societal norms. Gigi’s bold move showed that women can be strong and beautiful, with or without smooth armpits.

Rachel McAdams

During an interview and photo shoot with Bustle, actress Rachel McAdams made a bold move by requesting minimal retouching of her photos. She proudly displayed her underarm hair and natural curves in the final images.

YouTube // Bustle

The Spotlight actress stated that her decision came from wanting to show the world how her body indeed was at that point and not a cleaned-up version. This was also a clear indication of her confidence and her desire to break away from societal beauty standards.

Cara Delevigne

Cara Delevingne, the model-turned-actress, surprised her fans when she posted on Instagram about wearing armpit wigs for her role in Her Smell. She revealed that she’d previously had laser hair removal and never thought she would need armpit hair again. However, the movie required her to have a full bush of underarm hair, so she had to resort to armpit wigs.

Instagram // @caradelevingne

The post generated mixed reactions from her followers, with some finding it hilarious and others wondering if armpit wigs were real. It seems that body hair is making a comeback, at least in the entertainment industry.

Blac Chyna

In a paparazzi photo leaked by Daily Star, reality TV star Blac Chyna was spotted flaunting her armpit hair. Some applauded her for challenging beauty norms and embracing her natural body hair, while others criticized her for not conforming to societal expectations of beauty.

Instagram // @blacchyna

However, Blac Chyna remained unbothered by the criticism and continued to showcase her armpit hair in future appearances. Her bold statement served as a reminder that women should be free to make their own choices about their bodies without fear of judgment.