For decades, women have either hidden away or worked tirelessly to remove their body hair - while smoothly shaven legs have been long-considered a red carpet requirement. But now, this narrative appears to shifting, with growing numbers of women ditching the razors for a more authentic and progressive look.On September 5, actress Phoebe Bridgers made her debut at Venice Film Festival for her upcoming movie, Primetime. But while Phoebe enjoyed a seven-minute standing ovation for her work on the big screen, the 32-year-old actress also hit the headlines for her noticeable leg hair.Dressed in a glamorous Gucci skirt for the film's photocall, Phoebe's unshaved legs were praised for inspiring other women to unashamedly embrace their body hair.But as body hair slowly creeps back into fashion, how does one avoid ingrown hairs or a messy and unkept look?According to aesthetician Shantelle Clark, 'Phoebe's decision to showcase her natural body hair was definitely her making a statement'. She told The Daily Mail: 'Anyone hoping to do the same can achieve the same look by treating the hair on their body as they would the hair on the head. 'The key word here is “intentional”. Long and unshaved body hair highlights that the individual went after that look intentionally, while stubbly and unkempt body hair gives the impression that the person doesn’t care much for detail.'Read on to discover the essential tips and tricks that must be followed when caring for your grown-out body hair, and the absolute mistakes that should be avoided... On September 5, actress Phoebe Bridgers made her debut at Venice Film Festival for her upcoming movie, Primetime. Dressed in a glamorous Gucci skirt for the film's photocall, Phoebe's unshaved legs were praised as inspirational for other women According to aesthetician Shantelle Clark, 'Phoebe's decision to showcase her natural body hair was definitely her making a statement'Avoid patchy or uneven stubble According to Dr Ross Perry, Medical Director of Cosmedics, 'longer, well-maintained body hair can often look more intentional than very short regrowth'.'Stubble can sometimes appear patchy or uneven because the hair is at different stages of growth' he explained.'Shaving can also leave the skin looking dry, irritated or bumpy.'That doesn’t mean stubble is unattractive, it’s simply a stage of regrowth that can require a little more skin care if you want the area to look and feel its best.'Medical aesthetician Dr Gizem Seymenoglu added: 'When hair is allowed to grow out evenly, it can often look softer and more intentional than it does during the stubble stage. 'Short regrowth, on the other hand, can feel coarse rand appear less even simply because the hairs are at different stages of growth.' According to Dr Ross Perry, Medical Director of Cosmedics, 'longer, well-maintained body hair can often look more intentional than very short regrowth'. Pictured: Julia Roberts flashes her unshaven underarms In April 1999Prioritise skincare rather than 'managing' the hair itself Opting to embrace your natural body hair is a choice certainly to be celebrated, according to Dr Perry.However, the expert advises not neglecting your skin in the process. 'The main thing is to look after the skin rather than trying to "manage" the hair itself,' he said.'A gentle body wash followed by a moisturiser will help keep the skin hydrated, particularly on areas such as the legs, which can become dry. 'There’s no need to scrub aggressively or use lots of products.'Exfoliate to avoid ingrown hairs Aesthetician Sana Khan explained that a 'gentle exfoliant' can help 'keep the skin supple and slough off dead skin cells' which is key when choosing to leave your body hair natural. She added: 'This can also be particularly useful for those who get ingrown hairs. I personally use a plant based bristle body brush to help with gentle exfoliation. 'One word of caution is that over exfoliation or aggressive exfoliation may contribute to irritation and make things worse such as redness or peeling.'Meanwhile, Dr Perry noted that 'exfoliation can help with ingrown hairs'. 'Gentle exfoliation a couple of times a week can help remove dead skin cells and reduce the likelihood of hairs becoming trapped beneath the surface,' he advised. 'Avoid vigorous scrubbing immediately after shaving or waxing, however, as freshly treated skin can be particularly sensitive.' Aesthetician Sana Khan explained that a 'gentle exfoliant' can help 'keep the skin supple and slough off dead skin cells' which is key when choosing to leave your body hair natural. Pictured: Julia Mitchells showcases her body hair Moisturise at certain times for maximum effect While moisturiser may seem less important if you have chosen to embrace your natural body hair, the experts warn that it is the key to avoiding any pain or irritation.Ms Khan said: 'Keeping the skin well moisturised makes a big difference. Applying aloe Vera, or a moisturiser can tackle dry, flaky skin underneath body hair whereas moisturised and hydrated skin gives a much nicer overall finish.'Likewise, Dr Perry stressed: 'A gentle body wash followed by a moisturiser will help keep the skin hydrated, particularly on areas such as the legs, which can become dry. 'There’s no need to scrub aggressively or use lots of products.'Meanwhile, Dr Seymenoglu explained that moisturising can help 'keep the skin softer and give the hair an easier route to the surface'. 'You don’t need to scrub the skin aggressively - gentle exfoliation is enough. When moisturising, applying it after a shower while the skin is still slightly damp can help lock in hydration.'Invest in the correct shower gels and vitamins While an end to shaving may mean there is no longer a need to purchase pricey shaving creams or razors, experts warn that the products you use on your skin in the shower remain crucial. Ms Clarke explained that moisturising shower gels in particular are essential for avoiding irritation and can keep the skin clean in a sensible way.Alongside shower gel, she also noted that if you are looking to grow out your body hair, the correct vitamins are worth considering. She advised: 'Make sure your Vitamin D and B12 intake is sufficient for growth.' While an end to shaving may mean there is no longer a need to purchase pricey shaving creams or razors, experts warn that the products you use on your skin in the shower remain crucial. Pictured: Emma Corrin seen with unshaved underarms Trim the length and opt for loose-fitted clothes Edy Kurowska, founder of Edy London, said: 'Growing out doesn't mean doing nothing. A weekly spoolie brush-up and a tiny trim of anything overhanging gives fullness that still looks styled.'Likewise, Dr Perry stressed that if the skin below the body hair is feeling uncomfortable, the types of clothing could be playing a part. 'Loose-fitting clothing can also be helpful after waxing or shaving, as friction and sweating can make irritation worse,' he said.'One of the biggest mistakes is trying to make body hair look "perfect". Whether you have visible leg hair or completely hair-free legs, healthy-looking skin is far more important. 'Body hair is normal, and there has been a welcome shift towards people feeling less pressure to remove it simply because of social expectations. The key is choosing a method that works for them and taking care of the skin before and afterwards.'