Super(hairy)woman*

Body hair on women is often made invisible today, as if it doesn't exist. The image of a hairless female body is ubiquitous – whether on the street, at the beach, during sports, in films, or in advertisements. Smooth skin is taken for granted, and there seems to be no alternative, which forces women and girls to regularly endure uncomfortable to painful practices. Many develop significant feelings of shame regarding the natural state of their bodies. If they do not remove their body hair, their femininity is often questioned, as hair is deemed "masculine." Why is body hair still a taboo? Why do hairs elicit different reactions of attraction or disgust depending on the gender of the person? Why can't we celebrate the diversity of body hair styles, whether wild growth, stubble, or hairlessness? "Super(hairy)woman" sensitively and encouragingly opens the discussion about female body hair and its stigmatization. At its core is a collection of diverse contributions in which female, male, and genderqueer individuals aged 12 to 81 share their personal stories, challenge societal norms, and demonstrate the various ways of engaging with idealized images. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive look into cultural history and examines the historical and sociological backgrounds that have led to today's hair removal norms.