The rise of hairy young women: ‘I know people who dye their armpit hair, so it stands out more’

When Phoebe Bridgers appeared at Venice international film festival with unshaven legs this weekend, it shouldn’t have made headlines – but did.

What do young women make of the current expectations around depilation? In 2026, female body hair feels as if it should be the least of anyone’s concerns. But although we may think we’ve come a long way…