History of Hair Removal

Nobody wants to have unwanted hair on their body since from the old days. They would even use dull stones to get rid of them!

Although hair removal methods were different in the past, it can be fun to learn about the history of hair removal methods.

In this article, you will find out the ancient permanent hair removal methods. Women don’t want to have unwanted hair in armpits and legs. Men don’t want to have unnecessary hair around their beard because they will affect their beard style badly. 

5 Ancient Permanent Hair Removal Methods

As technology is changing, so does the styling tools. Hair removal methods used in ancient times are given-below:

 

  • Sugaring
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    In 1900BC, Ancient Egyptians invented sugaring. It makes me wonder if those hairless cats in Egypt underwent sugaring too. It is somewhat similar to waxing, but it is gentler on the skin.

    In recent times, it is also regaining popularity and used in some salons. Just like waxing, a warm paste is applied to the skin and after some time, removed with the help of a cotton strip. It is a relatively painless process because the mixture sticks to hairs instead of skin. It is safe for the skin and mostly preferred over the petroleum bases waxes. 

    Benefits of Sugaring

    • Hairs are pulled in the direction of hair growth, so there is less discomfort while using this method. 
    • It is a gentler hair removal method. 
    • In sugaring, you are creating a natural paste, so it is free from resins that can be adhesive to the skin. 
    • Unlike waxing, in this method, you are not pulling your skin, so the chances of redness and swelling are minimum. 
    • It helps to exfoliate dead skin cells so that the result will be smooth and soft skin. 
    • You will get long-lasting results. 

    When it comes to the price factor, it is not expensive than waxing. 

  • Abrasives
  • From 25BC to 500AD, similar to the modern razor, abrasives have been used for a long time to get rid of the unwanted hairs. Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians have used sharp volcano glass and dull stones like pumice to remove unwanted hair.

    This method was considered to be the least expensive and relatively painless. Pumice is still in use not only for hair removal but also for calluses and dead skin cells. Some gloves and mitts were also used as abrasives. Just rub the gloves on the area from where you want to remove hair, and it will also smooth your skin. 

     

  • Tweezing using clamshells
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    Around 1600AD, native Americans women used clamshells like a tweezer to pull selective hair off their skin. It looks more professional than using your fingers but definitely feels the same, painful!

  • Threading
  • This method of hair removal was originated in Persia. It spread very quickly in other countries like Pakistan, China, the US, and India. It is an effective method for those who have sensitive skin. You can practice this method on any part of your body. When it was originated, it was used by women on their special occasions like wedding days. But today it has gain popularity because it is said to be more tolerable than waxing. 

    It is yet another ancient hair removal technique, and it is gaining popularity again. In Arabic, it is known as “Khite” This method involves hair removal by using a looped thread. It is an effective method to shape your eyebrows. It is an effective method to get rid of unwanted hair. It is considered to be less painful than plucking. Your hairs wouldn’t grow back for at least six weeks. It is not an expensive hair removal method. Although this hair removal technique is ancient, it is still in use. 

  • Electrolysis 
  • If the ancient hair removal methods are not working well for you, then electrolysis is the best option for you. It can help you to remove hairs that are sticking around your neck. This hair removal method involves the use of a needle to remove the hair from the follicle and zapped with an electric current. It is considered as the best permanent hair removal method because it also prevents the future growth of hair. 

    It is not good when you want a large area to cover because it can be expensive. This method is time-consuming, and you will have to bear more pain as compared to other hair removal methods. It was used for the first time in 1875, and since then, it’s getting proven results. To achieve the desired results, make sure to hire a reputable and experienced technician. 

  • Laser
  • When you are looking for a permanent hair removal method, it is the best alternative to electrolysis. As it is clear by its name laser light will be used to remove unwanted hair. Laser light is used in the targeted area and heats the hair follicle. As a result, the hair follicle will permanently go into the resting phase. It came into practice in almost 1969. Most of the consumers have claimed that after using the laser hair removal method the growth of hair is rare. The laser technique is best suited for light skins with dark hair. 

    The laser effectively targets the dark areas on the body. Unlike electrolysis, large areas can be treated in no time. Along with benefits, there are some drawbacks also. If it’s not performed properly, you may even burn your skin. There are chances of patchy re-growth and skin discoloration. Laser removal technique can be expensive and you need an expert person to perform a job otherwise it can be worse for you. 

    Other Hair Removal Methods

    In Europe, to prevent hair from growing, women tend to use walnut oil. In ancient times, ammonia, walnut oil, feline feces, and vinegar-soaked bandages were popular hair removal methods. Both the American and European women started to remove hair only a hundred years ago or so. 

    Conclusion

    With the change of technology hair removal methods have also been changed. Hair removal methods have a long history starting from threading to laser removal. Different methods were used for different treatments. Each method has its own benefits and side effects.

    The above-mentioned methods have used for so many years and most of the methods are still in practice. So, we can say that whatever method you are going to choose, try to take the help of an experienced technician. Otherwise, you may affect your skin badly. 

    Efforts have been made to get the information as accurate and updated as possible. If you found any incorrect information with credible source, please send it via the contact us form
    Sky Hoon
    Hair Lover, Idea Starter. He started HairQueenie, which is ranked #27 in the FeedSpot Top 40 Hair Care Blogs and mentions in ManeAddicts and Tempest. Hair is not everything but something. He started Hairqueenie to share great hair products. Over time, he found there are more value to share answers to hair problems that cannot be found easily.
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