From Flint to Lasers – The Evolving Techniques of Hair Removal

Published on: 27 June 2017 Last Updated on: 05 November 2024
hair removal

I hate having to go through the painful waxing sessions for hair removal!

There! I’ve expressed the sentiment that millions of women like me across the world feel every now and then when they look at themselves in the mirror after a shower.

My significant other refuses to shave on weekends unless he has a formal event he has to go to. Watching him lounge around the house unconcerned about the two-day stubble, I’ve often wondered how social paradigms developed to the point where having a hairless face and skin became essential.

I mean if nature didn’t intend us to have hair, we would have long eliminated the gene that gave us hair in the first place. Makes sense?

So, here I was, complaining and mumbling under my breath as I went through my phone looking for the number of my salon. (If I want to look anywhere near presentable in a swimsuit, I would have to schedule an appointment.)

Suddenly, it struck me. Who was this historical personality who invented hair removal anyway?

I decided to get to the bottom of the issue. It was time to find out if hair removal is really an essential of fashion or plain, good old hygiene. So, I set about doing a bit of research into the issue.

Hair Removal Has Been Around Since 30,000 BC

(There go my hopes of ushering in a social revolution where hairy faces and bodies were completely acceptable.)

As Livestrong says, people as far back as 30,000 BC used the sharp edge of flint to scrape off the hair from their scalps, faces, and bodies. At the time, it WAS a question of hygiene. No hair meant no lice, mites, and other infestations. I dug around a little more to find that everyone (including women) living in the warmer climates would shave off their scalp hair too.

Then came a time in the Middle Ages when going hairless (bald?!) was the height of fashion. (I think I am quite happy I don’t live in those times.)

The elite would remove all their hair (in the nether regions too) as a sign of quality. Think Romans and their statues and paintings of entirely hairless people. And, the court of Queen Elizabeth I where women removed their eyebrows and the hair on the front of their heads to show off high foreheads. (Phew!)

court of Queen Elizabeth I

 Hair Removal Techniques Haven’t Evolved All That Much

In fact, removing hair in those times was a lot more painful. My research showed that people mainly used tweezing to get rid of the fuzz. They’d use seashells as tweezers or pumice stones and metal blades to scrape hair. Egyptian women are credited with the art of threading. They were the first to use twisted strands to pluck hair in 60 BC. Apparently, they also invented sugaring which is very much like modern-day waxing.

And, yes, hair removal creams were also used. Only, women used a solution of quicklime and arsenic to burn off the unwanted hair. (It’s scary to think about what that did to their skins.)

Getting Back to the 21st Century

Having grudgingly conceded that I would have to get that waxing session, after all, the next step was to explore my options. I mean, doesn’t science and technology have an answer to the problem of unwanted fuzz? (and, a painless one, too!)

Look around and you’ll find that there IS one solution that the ancients didn’t have. It’s called removing hair with the help of lasers. But, the question still remains. Does laser hair removal hurt more than waxing? (Remember? We’re still stuck on the issue of pain here!)

So, It’s Back to the Internet!

I decided that it’s time to look for a more permanent solution (Given that I’m going to have to do this all through my life!). And, if lasers promised clean skin for good, it was worth a shot. Here’s everything I found out about the procedure. Some of the information is from the expert aestheticians who can perform the treatment on you and some other comes from hapless people like me. (If you’re looking for some authoritative details, check out the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory website.)

lasers promised clean skin

  • Medscape says that laser hair removal came to be first used in the year 1998 when some guys, Dierickx, and associates first released a paper after conducting 2-year research on the technique. Since then, you can find a whole range of equipment that can help you with unwanted hair.
  • Lasering is a solution that’s perfect for women with darker-colored hair. The deeper pigmentation seems to absorb the heat and directs it to the root. The heat effectively burns the root so that it cannot go back. In a fraction of a second!
  • You’ll probably need about 6 to 8 sessions spaced at intervals of about 6 weeks each. Weigh that against a lifetime of waxing sessions and the cost in terms of dollars (and, the pain!) and you’ll find that lasering is much more economical.
  • You won’t have to worry about ingrown hair with layering.
  • The levels of pain depend on your tolerance and the thickness of the hair. To some extent, the area under treatment is also a factor. So, if you’re working the more delicate sections, it could hurt a little more. Many users have talked about feeling a rubber band twanging against the skin.
  • You can prepare for the session by taking painkillers in advance and using topical numbing creams. Applying ice afterward also helps.
  • Avoid caffeine on the day of the procedure and time it far out from your appointment with Aunt Flo. You’ll save on some of the sensitivity.
  • You can expect that the treated area will look pink for a few days and since the hair will be falling out, you may have to exfoliate thoroughly. Some women have also talked about noticing a singed hair odor.
  • Laser treatments can be of two different wavelengths and doctors choose the appropriate one according to the color and texture of your hair and skin. As you go through the sessions, your aestheticians may work out a combination for you.
  • Avoid trimming the hair before your session for a week or so and the treatment will be much more effective.
  • Lasering doesn’t take a lot of time. You can get the session done during your lunch break.
  • Lasering is great for both and women.
  • You’ll be wearing protective eyeglasses all through the session so you needn’t worry about any potential harmful effects.

There you go – the results of my digging around for the perfect solution for unwanted fuzz. Come to think of it, humans have come quite a long way in their quest for the perfect hair removal solution. From flint and cuts and nicks to the permanent option of lasers!

(Who knows, over the next few hundred centuries, we might just mutate into humans without the need for lasers too. Um, they aren’t entirely painless, you know!)

 To know more: 6 Stunning Long Hairstyles For Oval Faces

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What are the Best Watch Brands to Buy in 2019?

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A number of celebrities and successful people alike sport this watch brand and even athletes have taken a liking to the manufacturer's all steel sports watch which was the first of its kind. Audemars Piguet has been producing outstanding timepieces since the late 1800s. You'd be hard pressed to find a watch brand that takes its craftsmanship more seriously. 2. Rolex: The most recognizable name on our best watch brands list is undoubtedly Rolex. Many people attribute Rolex's success to its bullishness on the marketing front. While the company's marketing efforts are indeed noteworthy, that truth doesn't take away from the excellence the brand exudes in its watch's design. Rolex is internationally acclimated, British made, and is one of the world's most powerful brands. There are few things you can wear on your wrist that would call more attention to you than a Rolex. 3. 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If you're the kind of person that wants to be on the forefront of watch design, you're going to enjoy Chopard's work. 5. Panerai: Italy adds a certain flair to everything that they do. This flair is so unmistakably Italian that when you look at something crafted in the country, immediately, you know its origins. Watches made by Panerai invoke those feelings in spades. Panerai is a Milan-based watch company that features degrees of boldness and simplicity that speak perfectly to the people that built its great nation. If you have a taste for sleek design that doesn't need to scream to be heard, look no further than watches made by Panerai. 6. Cartier: Cartier is one of the most recognizable watch brands on the planet and is perhaps only a drop or two less cemented in pop culture than Rolex. Cartier made a name for itself in the jewelry business by providing the rich and famous with jaw-dropping necklaces, earrings, and bracelets straight from their home base in Paris. 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Top 10 Different Types Of Scarves Names And Its Benefits

Scarves are not winter accessories anymore! Scarves have enhanced their appearance over time due to so much contact with fashion. However, there are different types of scarves available in 2021 that will transform your look completely.  A scarf is a must-have accessory in every closet, and people mostly use it during the winter seasons. The best part about this accessory is that it can be worn as a casual fall outfit as well as a professional look for work. On the other hand, there are various ways to tie a scarf that comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials. These scarves uplift your personality, according to fashion experts. What Are Scarves? Scarves are pieces of warm cloth that you can wrap around your neck and feel the warmth. This is the primary target of the scarves. But now, they no longer are only used for keeping your body warm. These are now becoming a fashion symbol for everyone. Men and women all like to wear scarves in different ways. And improve their overall look. Let’s see which are the trendy types of scarves. Unless you are a fashionista, you will never know how a piece of fabric will change your whole look. Scarves And It’s Benefits - A Comprehensive Guide A scarf is designed for both men and women. It is actually a piece of fabric that is wrapped around the neck, head, and sometimes even around the shoulders.  As already discussed above, there are various types of scarves available, and you can use them for various occasions. At the same time, you can use it to keep yourself warm during winter. Besides, it’s amazing to know how a piece of fabric has various roles. Isn’t it? Therefore, now let’s discuss the benefits of different types of scarves in detail. 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You can wear it any time. And your formal look is instantly converted into a casual one. The soft textures of the scarves make these scarves the best pick for people who have sensitive skin. The velvety texture of the scarves will look ravishing when you combine it with any type of outfit. Frequently Asked Question Q1: Is There A Name For Around Neck Scarf? Yes, a neck scarf around your neck is called a neckerchief. Q2: What Are French Scarfs? French scarves are thick types of scarves. Usually, these scarves are called wintry scarves. Q3: What Is a Snood Scarf? Snood scarves are a scarf that looks like a large cowl. More like an infinity scarf, the looped scarves sit around the neck. The advantages of having these scarves often act as the hoodie once. Q4: What Is An Infinity Scarf? When a scarf is formed and wrapped around your neck like a loop, then only you can call it an infinity scarf. This is a different kind of scarves than the traditional ones. 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