As December 1st rolls around each year, while some are eagerly opening their advent calendars or decorating for the holidays, a growing number of people are embarking on a different kind of seasonal tradition: Decembeaver. This playful movement encourages women to stop shaving or grooming their body hair for the entire month of December, serving as both a commentary on beauty standards and a celebration of natural body hair.
Origins of Decembeaver
Decembeaver emerged as a feminist response to Movember (or No-Shave November), the month-long event where men grow mustaches to raise awareness for men's health issues. The concept was initially popularized in 2012 through a satirical video by comedy group Daily Show alums Sarah Walker and Brian Janosch. While it began as a humorous take on gender-specific grooming expectations, Decembeaver has evolved into a meaningful discussion about body autonomy and beauty standards.
The Movement's Message
At its core, Decembeaver challenges the deeply ingrained societal expectation that women should maintain hairless bodies year-round. This expectation has historical roots dating back to the early 20th century when razor companies began marketing specifically to women, creating a new beauty standard that hadn't previously existed. The movement encourages participants to question why these standards exist and who benefits from them.
The timing of Decembeaver is particularly fitting. December's cold weather means most body hair remains hidden under winter clothing, potentially making it an easier month for those wanting to experiment with growing out their body hair. This practical aspect has helped make the movement more accessible to curious participants who might feel hesitant about visible body hair in warmer months.
Impact and Growing Popularity
What started as a comedy sketch has gained traction over the years, particularly on social media platforms where participants share their experiences and support one another. The hashtag #Decembeaver has become increasingly popular, with participants documenting their journey and sharing perspectives on body hair acceptance.
The movement has also sparked important conversations about the time, money, and emotional energy women invest in hair removal. Consider these statistics:
The average woman spends approximately 72 days of her lifetime shaving her legs, and the financial cost of regular hair removal can amount to thousands of dollars over a lifetime. Decembeaver participants often report being shocked by how much time they save when they stop their regular hair removal routines.
Beyond Hair Growth
While the premise of Decembeaver is simple – let your body hair grow naturally for a month – its impact often extends beyond the physical aspect. Many participants report experiencing a shift in their relationship with their bodies and their conception of beauty standards. Some discover a newfound appreciation for their natural state, while others gain insights into how deeply ingrained their grooming habits are.
The movement has also fostered discussions about intersectional feminism and beauty standards across different cultures. It highlights how beauty norms vary globally and historically, encouraging participants to examine their own cultural assumptions about body hair.
Criticism and Controversy
Like any movement challenging social norms, Decembeaver has faced its share of criticism. Some argue that it oversimplifies complex issues of gender expression and body autonomy. Others point out that the movement's winter timing might reinforce the idea that body hair should be hidden. However, supporters counter that any conversation about beauty standards and body autonomy is valuable, regardless of its starting point.
Participating in Decembeaver
For those interested in participating, Decembeaver is refreshingly simple: just stop removing your body hair for the month of December. There are no rules about which hair to grow, no registration required, and no pressure to share your experience publicly. Some participants choose to document their journey on social media, while others treat it as a personal experiment.
Many participants find it helpful to connect with others through online communities, sharing experiences and support throughout the month. These communities often extend beyond December, continuing conversations about body autonomy and beauty standards throughout the year.
Looking Forward
As we enter another December, Decembeaver continues to evolve from its humorous origins into a meaningful movement for body acceptance and questioning beauty standards. Whether participants choose to continue their natural hair growth beyond December or return to their regular grooming routines, the experience often leads to valuable insights about personal choices and societal expectations.
The movement reminds us that sometimes the simplest acts – like simply letting our hair grow – can spark important conversations about autonomy, acceptance, and the beauty standards we choose to follow or challenge. As another Decembeaver begins, it invites us all to reflect on these choices and the freedom to make them for ourselves.
