Women are increasingly likely to embrace their body hair, with one in five now content to let their leg hair, armpit hair, and bikini lines grow. A poll of 2,000 adults suggests body hair trends have changed in recent years – with 22 percent of females now “more likely” to leave body and facial hair unshaved when it suits them.

And for some, this approach is liberating, as 14 percent said their body and facial hair allows them to express themselves.

However, the findings suggest many are keeping their body hair due to wider concerns around removal methods and painful past experiences.

Half are worried they’ll get skin irritation or allergic reaction due to hair removal, while 33 percent fear they’ll get spots, and 31 percent worry the process will hurt.

The research was commissioned by Philips, makers of the Facial Hair Removal 5000 Series – a new tool designed specifically for women, so they can gently remove facial hair – to look at changing attitudes towards body hair.

Junior doctor, Dr Kemi Fabusiwa, who is working with the brand, and has an interest in skincare, said: “Women today are much more concerned with finding the best hair removal tool for them, especially when it comes to their face.

“And rightly so, as incorrect facial hair removal can lead to hyperpigmentation, irritation and, in the worst-case scenario, even scarring.”

Of the 87 percent of women who said having facial hair bothers them, 19 percent choose to remove their “peach fuzz” because it prevents them from having a smooth base for their skincare and makeup.

But 62 percent of women have tried to physically remove hair from their face – with 73 percent using tweezers to do so.

The study, via OnePoll.com, also found 12 percent have risked injury using scissors, while 12 percent have attempted to pull it using their nails.

And a small number (two percent) have even resorted to using Sellotape to get rid of their facial fuzz.

Chloé Fallon, spokeswoman for Philips, said: “We know that every individual woman’s grooming routine is as unique as they are.

“And all women should feel able to express themselves via their body hair in whatever way makes them feel most confident.

“If, or when, they choose to remove their facial hair, we want them to feel confident in their method of removal – and not reach for the dangerous, painful, or unsuccessful techniques we know people have resorted to in the past.”

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