Hair removal has been practised for thousands of years and is not a modern phenomenon. When the subject of hair removal comes up, it is only addressed to women. Hair removal is no longer just for women; it is now very common among men as well.
The book Encyclopedia of Hair: A Cultural History says that in ancient India Hindus shaved their faces and pubic area, and in ancient Egypt men and women would shave their heads as a practical way to keep cool and prevent lice.
While the practice of removing hair has remained the same, the method of removing hair has however evolved over the centuries. The methods have changed due to people’s various needs and the influence of technology.
So, regardless of gender, here are a few hair removal methods that everyone should be aware of:
Shaving
This is one of the simplest and most straightforward methods for hair removal. It is a lifesaver in an emergency because it is not time-consuming. Shaving is best for legs, arms, and facial hair, according to studies.
Pain: 1/10
Duration of regrowth: 3-5 days
Potential side effects: Ingrown hair, itchiness, razor burns, pigmented skin
Waxing
You can do it yourself at home or hire a professional to do it in a salon. Many women use this hair removal method to remove hair from the bikini area and the upper lip. Having your hair waxed by a professional may be a costly option to consider.
Pain: 6/10
Duration of regrowth: 2 – 3 weeks
Potential side effects: Temporary bumps, rashes, redness, allergic reactions
Threading
Initially, this method is a very common to remove eyebrow hair by professional. Many people are now doing it at home with the help of YouTube. Threading is also a hair removal method that appears to have originated in India and Central Asia.
Pain: 8/10
Duration of regrowth: 2 – 6 weeks
Potential side effects: bruising, swelling, bleeding, slight pain threaded region
Tweezing
Tweezing is a cost-effective and simple way to remove stray hairs. It isn’t always the safest or most effective way to get rid of unwanted fuzz on your face and body, though.
Pain: 8/10
Duration of regrowth: 2-3 weeks
Potential side effects: general pain, watery eyes while threading, redness, swelling
Hair Removal Creams
Hair removal cream, also known as depilatory cream, is one of the most underrated methods to remove your bushes. It has a creamy consistency which makes application easy and dissolves your hair cuticles, before removing them painlessly.
Pain: 1/10
Duration of regrowth: 4-5 weeks
Potential side effects: allergy reaction, skin damage, chemical burns, tingling sensation
Laser
Laser hair removal is aimed at many hairs simultaneously in an area. Before you see any difference in the amount of hair you have you might need several treatments. The removal of laser hair may be constant or semi-permanent. In some cases, hair can just be softened instead of removed.
Pain: 1/10
Duration of regrowth: isn’t typically permanent but may be long-lasting
Potential side effects: pain, discomfort or tenderness, scarring, crusting, blistering, bruising or swelling
Epilating
Epilation is a hair removal method that removes the hair from the root by using a bunch of small tweezers that work together when moving over the skin.
Pain: 8/10 (pain level might decrease over time)
Duration of regrowth: 2-3 weeks
Potential side effects: Bumps, Whiteheads, Swelling, Red Dots, Bruising, Pain and redness
