– I felt so bad. I don’t want others to have the same feelings, says 18-year-old Vanessa Andrea Vågstøl Hilland from Knarvik, western Norway.
Already at the age of twelve, the upper lip began to grow. Vanessa kept the bad thoughts about her self-image and her body hair to herself.
– I didn’t dare tell anyone. It was embarrassing, because no one else talked about growing the upper lip. Nobody else got up. Nobody talked about body hair, he tells Dagbladet.
“You are more of a man than me”
During her three years in high school, Vanessa constantly received comments about her dark arm hair.
“You are more of a man than I am,” said the boys at school.
UNCERTAIN: Vanessa started growing her upper lip as early as the age of twelve. Photo: private
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When Vanessa was 15, she decided to shave both her arms. She was about to wear a short-sleeved dress and she was afraid of comments.
– I did it to “satisfy” the needs of others. Not mine. I didn’t really want to, but I was so worried about possible comments. All I wanted was to look good in the dress, says the 18-year-old, and she states:
– I didn’t feel better after doing this.
He recently had one published chronicle in Avisa Nordhordlandwith the title: “Everyone has body hair, so why did I feel abnormal?”
Was it scary to “stand up”?
– Yes, in a way. I think it was uncomfortable, but I want to stand up for girls who might feel the same way. Being able to help them overcomes the little fear I have.
I WANTED TO WEAR A DRESS: Vanessa shaved her arms at 15. She didn’t help her self-image. Photo: private
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– Crazy
Even today, Vanessa thinks she is “absolutely sick” that she felt that way Like this abnormal, when it really was rather normal.
– I came across ads and commercials for razors, laser treatments and shaving across social media. This was also promoted by influencers I admired. They described having body hair as something “disgusting”. Something that shouldn’t be there, explains Vanessa.
At one point, he thought about shaving his entire stomach.
– Luckily I didn’t. It is scientifically proven that you need hair. The hair is there for a reason.
Svein (55) killed a deer – sentenced to prison
– We need to talk more
Today Vanessa is sure of herself. She no longer cares about her hair growth comments.
It helped to finally dare to talk to the family.
– The maternal side of the family is very dark. They felt the same way when they were young. They showed understanding, but they said I had to have faith in myself and I found a sense of security in that.Body hair is natural!
– They brainwashed me
After reporting in Avisa Nordhordland, Vanessa received mixed feedback. Many older people say they don’t recognize the problem, while younger people express exactly the same feelings.
Regardless of whether it’s criticism or praise, the 18-year-old highly appreciates all requests.
– Regardless of what people have to say, it is important that this is taken up. All comments – whether negative or positive – only confirm that more needs to be talked about.
STAY CONFIDENT: Vanessa no longer cares about body hair. In the photo, she is twelve and unsure. Photo: private
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– What would you say to 12-year-old Vanessa?
– I would probably tell her that there is no shame in the fact that her hair is more visible than in others. It’s completely normal, the 18-year-old begins.
– It is important to accept yourself for who you are, whether you have dark or light hair. I would also recommend 12-year-old Vanessa to talk to those closest to her. One she trusts. Don’t go alone to think about yourself.
