Hair removal – the history and other important considerations

The fascinating history behind personal hair removal

The history of personal hair removal can be traced back to the caveman era. Prehistoric drawings show pictures of men without facial hair. At that time men removed hair using a sharp animal tooth or a flint axe. It was a tediously dangerous process, hence why not many men would bother with hair removal. In ancient Egypt most people removed hair from their entire bodies in order to avoid infestation by fleas, lice and other parasites. However, in modern society, hair removal became highly popular during the 20th century. The trend of hair removal was initiated with women and today even men are using various hair removal methods to remove unwanted body hair.

The ritual of personal hair removal was popularised through magazines and movies and soon spread among the rich and elite women. A hairless body was projected as a symbol of a well-groomed and sexually appealing body. Hair removal companies targeted the rich women as they knew that once the rich adapts to hair removal the middle classes would follow in suit. The strategy worked successfully. Today, women across the world practice personal hair removal to get rid of unwanted hair from various body parts such as the face (eyebrows, upper lips, chin, forehead and side burns), underarms, arms and legs, abdomen, back and chest. The practice of pubic hair removal has also become quite popular these days.

About hirsutism or excessive hair and its reasons

Hirsuitism or excessive hair is defined as a condition in which too much hair grows on the face or body. Though hirsuitism can occur in both men and women, it is considered to be a problem only by women since the modern day definition of feminine beauty includes smooth hairless skin. As against fine "baby" hair that some women have on their upper lip, chin, breasts or stomach women who have hirsutism develop dark, thick hair on their face, chest, abdomen and back. Please note that women of certain ethnic groups have more hair on their body. This does not mean they have hirsutism.

Some of the reasons for hirsuitism or excessive hair are -

• Abnormally high levels of male hormones (called androgens). Conditions that may lead to high levels of androgen include - polycystic ovary syndrome, Cushing's disease, tumors in the ovaries or adrenal gland.
  
• Hirsutism can also be caused by hair follicles that are overly sensitive to male hormones.
  
• Certain medicines such as birth control pills, hormones and anabolic steroids may also cause hirsutism.
• Hirsutism also seems to run in families.

How to keep your skin great after hair removal?

It is important to take care of the treated area properly after hair removal. Listed below are some steps you must take to make your skin appear smooth and gorgeous after hair removal - 

• Sensitive skin may particularly have problems after hair removal. After you remove the cream, wash it off thoroughly using a warm, soapy washcloth
• People who have moderately sensitive skin may experience a burning sensation after rinsing off hair removal creams or wax. To avoid this, use a good moisturiser to cool down the burning and redness.
  
• Those who have sensitive skin will need to take care of the area treated and should continue to take care of the area for at least 48 hours. Use a good hydrating lotion to keep your skin healthy.
  
• By just taking a little care you can use depilatory creams a painless and convenient alternative to conventional hair removal alternatives such as waxing, shaving or expensive permanent hair removal.