Ever wondered why women started shaving their armpits?

Whether you wax or laser or rely on the trusty razor, chances are you defuzz your underarms at least a few times a month.  But did you ever wonder why we're so determined to rid ourselves of something that's essentially perfectly natural? Apparently, it's all down to a magazine article published in 1915. In the early 20th century, women didn't shave much of anything (which must have been amazing). According to a video made by Timeline News however, when a Harper's Bazaar piece warned readers about the advent of sleeveless dresses and and modern dancing, smooth 'pits became a necessity almost overnight. Suddenly, magazines were filled with advertisements for armpit hair removal products and we've been obsessed ever since. There have been rebellions down through the years (Julia Roberts' famous red carpet moment is but one example) but for some reason, most have been met with disgust by men and women alike - it seems we're so brainwashed by a little marketing on this issue there might be no going back. Now, in the latest rage against the erasing of aspects of the female body, women are taking to Instagram to post photos of their grown-out armpit hair using the hashtags #pithairdontcare and #freeyourpits.

This is the pic I show people when they ask what Joey thinks about my #pithair #pithairdontcare #hairypitsclub

A photo posted by Jennifer McKnight Gewin (@jennifermcknightgewin) on Aug 22, 2015 at 12:59pm PDT

Superb pic from the gorgeous Emma Evins (@theemmaevins): "Because I love double takes." _______________________________________________________ #naturalbeautyio #hairypitsdontcare #freeyourpits #girlswithhairypits #girlswithhairyarmpits #pithairisbeautiful #hairypitsarenatural #bodypositive #hairypitsclub #pithairdontcare #freethepit #freethepits #getyapitsout #pitkittens #girlswithtattoos #emmaevins A photo posted by Natural Beauty (@naturalbeautyio) on Oct 30, 2015 at 9:02am PDT

The lovely and inspiring @_snowbroth_ ?✨? . . #felinefringe #magical #feline #pitselfie #crystals #spiritanimal #positiveenergy #inspiration #spiritual #goodvibes #meditation #awakened #prettythings #beautifulthings #pixie #flowerchild #psychic #loveandlight #bodyhair #bodypositive #femalebodyhair #selflove #girlpower #femme #healingenergy #crystalhealing #loveyourbody #metaphysical #blessedlife #pithairdontcare

A photo posted by @felinefringe on Oct 24, 2015 at 11:32am PDT

And dyed armpit hair has become a thing...

it was bound to happen #purplepits #pithairdontcare A photo posted by @meduusalammikko on Aug 8, 2015 at 6:50am PDT

"Destiny Moreno, 17, dyed her underarm hair as a feminist stance. A video in which she showed off her new look has had more than 264,000 views on YouTube." From The New York Times. #pithairdontcare #TheBeautyMyth #feminist #SLAY

A photo posted by ????? (@king6a6y) on Jul 15, 2015 at 11:28am PDT

Super cute!!! *hugs* ???? @garbageslut Thanks too ?? #helloladies #pithair #bodyhair #sexylady #chicago #armpithair #eyes #red #princess #hairypitsclub #pithairdontcare #hermanita #meow #fresh #face #feminist #l #gorgeous ?✌ A photo posted by (ॐ) (@hairypitsclub) on May 28, 2015 at 8:21pm PDT

Are you a slave to the shave, or do you embrace the au naturale look? Let's talk armpits on Twitter! Follow @HerFamilydotie.  Here's the video in full... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwcCV1nEisQ