In a world where beauty standards are relentlessly pushed on women, a Copenhagen teacher decided to reject the norm, causing an uproar in her neighborhood.
Eldina Jaganjac (31) refuses to shave her mustache and the reasons for her defiance are much deeper than simple rebellion.
What began as a small personal choice has evolved into a statement about societal expectations, the power of self-acceptance, and a growing frustration with how women are forced to conform to shallow ideals.
Could her bold decision challenge more than just beauty standards? Here’s a closer look at why Eldina is embracing her natural look—and why people are taking notice.
31-year-old Dane Eldina Jaganjac made a conscious decision to embrace her mustache, believing it would help her think more clearly. Copenhagen teacher Eldina is increasingly frustrated by society’s, especially men’s, expectations of women’s appearance, specifically the pressure to conform to traditional beauty standards such as hair removal.
In March 2020, Eldina stopped shaving her mustache because she realized she felt just as feminine with facial hair. She no longer feels the need to care about her physical appearance and accept herself as she is. Elda’s facial hair helps deflect unwanted attention, especially from people she doesn’t want around her. As she says, it also acts as a shield, warding off “conservative” suitors and allowing her to connect with people who value her personality over her looks.
Eldina reflects on societal norms and recalls how she used to believe that women had limited options when it came to their appearance. It highlights the irony of how no one comments when men keep unshaven beards. “It’s not unusual,” she said in an interview with Unilad.
She went on to explain, “I used to be hard on myself, like a lot of women. I wouldn’t leave the house without making sure my brows were done, and I’d avoid the gym if I didn’t have smooth legs.” But her perspective changed when she began to focus more on her goals and tasks than how to achieve them .looked like.
“Now I care less about my appearance and don’t care what other people think.” I realized that if someone spends time criticizing strangers, it’s their business, not mine,” she said, adding that it was strange at first but ultimately empowering.
Eldina Jaganjac’s decision to embrace her natural appearance and reject societal pressures is a powerful statement of self-acceptance and letting go of limiting beauty standards. By choosing to prioritize her goals and self-worth over external expectations, Eldina challenges the norms that dictate how women should look and behave. Her journey of embracing facial hair and letting go of lonely standards of beauty is an inspiring reminder that true confidence comes from within and that we should all have the freedom to express ourselves authentically, regardless of society’s judgments.