It is not possible to state an exact number of girls who shave their legs, but research suggests a high percentage of women engage in this practice. According to Basow's research (1991), approximately 80% of women regularly remove hair from their legs and/or underarms.
Understanding the Context
While the question specifically asks about "girls," the provided research focuses on "women." The age distinction is not specified. It's generally understood that the practice of shaving legs often begins during adolescence, which bridges the gap between being a "girl" and a "woman."
Key Findings
- High Prevalence: A significant majority of women, around 80%, choose to remove leg hair frequently.
- Social Norms: The primary motivations behind this practice are to feel feminine/attractive and to conform to societal expectations.
- Not Universal: It is important to note that not all women choose to shave their legs, and personal preferences and cultural backgrounds greatly influence this decision.
Factors Influencing the Practice
Several factors influence a woman's decision to shave her legs:
- Cultural Norms: Societal beauty standards often dictate hair removal practices.
- Personal Preference: Some women find smooth skin more comfortable or aesthetically pleasing.
- Social Pressure: The desire to fit in and avoid social scrutiny can also play a role.
- Fashion Trends: Clothing choices and fashion trends may affect leg hair removal decisions.
Conclusion
While pinpointing an exact number of "girls" who shave is not achievable based on the provided information, the reference confirms that a vast majority of women, approximately 80%, frequently remove their leg and/or underarm hair, motivated by societal norms and the pursuit of perceived feminine ideals. The term "girls" would likely mean adolescent women who may or may not participate in hair removal practices, but there is no research reference indicating a specific percentage of them, only an estimate of the women who do.
