Memoirs of a (Sorta) Ex-Shaver
by Carolyn Mackler

My mind begins to reel when I ponder the whole de-hairing ordeal...

Eyebrows: Pluck into symmetrical arches, or at least interrupt the unibrown over the bridge of the nose.
Mustache (more genteelly referred to as upper lip hair): Bleach, wax or zap it with electrolysis.
Chin hair: Tweeze out ASAP, even if it means using the rearview mirror at an intersection.
Random very long arm hairs: Yank.
Rest of arm hair: Bleach if too dark.
Nipple hair: Tweeze or fry with electrolysis.
Underarm hair: Shave, of course.
"Bikini line" hair (deemed so vile, only a euphemism can be used): Shave (and get a lovely rash), fantasize about being able to afford electrolysis, wear granny-style skirted bathing suits or shorts to the beach.
Leg hair: See Underarm hair.
Toe hair: Pull out while talking on the phone — owww!

Why has body hair become such a nemesis for women? It poses no health risks. It is not hygienic to remove; it is not cleansing to shave. Rather, the complications arise during the eradication: cuts, infections, rashes, ingrown hairs, dry skin, burning.

Chewing on this question, I returned to campus in the fall and began to test-drive not shaving. I would make a firm decision to quit cold-turkey, toss all my razors, and let the hair do its thing. For the first few weeks, I could pass on the bad-shaver-stubble ticket. Okay, fine. But after a month or so, I found myself eager to answer a question in class, yet halted in my tracks by the horror of exposing my tank-topped hairy underarms to the cute guy across from me. Ay! I would settle for wagging my hand around on my desk and vow to stick to T-shirts from then on. But I love tank tops! And here began the eternal debate: Should I shave or should I let it go and feel awkward?

Carolyn Mackler (www.carolynmackler.com) is the author of the acclaimed teen novels, The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things (Candlewick Press, 2003), and Love and Other Four-Letter Words (Delacorte, 2000), an American Library Association Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, and an International Reading Association Young Adult's Choice. Her third novel for teenagers will be published by Candlewick Press in 2004. Carolyn regularly contributes short stories to Girls' Life, American Girl and various fiction collections. She has also written for Glamour, Teen People, Seventeen and Shape. A graduate of Vassar College, Carolyn lives in New York City.