Time to go au naturel, ladies... it’s ‘Januhairy’

WOMEN are being encouraged to go natural this month for a ‘Januhairy’ drive to help charity and learn to accept themselves.

Student Laura Jackson wants them to stop shaving body hair in a project inspired by ‘Movember’, which encourages men to grow moustaches to publicise male health issues.

Miss Jackson, 21, said she has had a ‘great response’ from women all over the world who have signed up to take part by letting hair grow on their armpits, legs and bikini line during January.

The third-year drama student at Exeter University came up with the idea after growing out her hair for a performance.

She told BBC News: ‘Though I felt liberated and more confident in myself, some people around me didn’t understand or agree with why I didn’t shave. I realised that there is still so much more for us to do to be able to accept one another fully and truly.’

Participants are sponsored to raise money for Body Gossip, which helps young people develop positive body image.

Miss Jackson, of Kineton, Warwickshire, said: ‘I just want women to feel more comfortable in their own beautifully unique bodies.

‘This isn’t an angry campaign for people who don’t see how normal body hair is. It is an empowering project.’

Among those taking part is fellow Exeter student India Howland, 22.

She said: ‘I think having body hair is one of many things women should never be made to feel lesser for. I’ve heard girls apologise for having hairy legs. You should be able to embody your femininity any way you want to. No one should feel pressured into shaving.’

‘Empowering project’