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

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

g string

5 Advantages of Wearing a G String in 2020

Women’s panties have gone through more than a dozen revolutions. From the traditional, full grannies to the skimpiest of bikinis, these helpful undergarments have become a massive and surprising industry in the world of fashion. The bottom wear that is always in the line of fire is the g string, which is a part of the thong family. It is a bit skimpier than a traditional thong but has more coverage compared to a regular bikini. The main undies’ fabric is light and soft, with thin elastic bands holding them up. There is a decade-long debate on this widely misunderstood bottom-protecting wear. (And to be honest, it may never end.) Most women find it sexy. Others find it uncomfortable. Some people see it as an affront to feminism. But at one point in time, most women dreamed of owning one because sporting these undies does have advantages. Here are 5 Advantages of Wearing a G String: Image Credit: Alibaba.com 1. G strings are comfortable: Feeling comfort is a gift. It makes you poised and assertive in your day-to-day life. So if you are not used to wearing thongs, you would probably think that having one on is like having a wedgie the whole day. But most wearers swear by their comfort, especially during hot summer days. Going almost bare-butted may feel awkward on your first try, but you will love it after a couple of minutes. 2. There are no visible panty lines: Are you fond of tight pants, skirts, and dresses? Then you know that wearing a full panty will always result in very noticeable lines, even for one that claims to be seamless. And worst of all, the textile bunches at the places you least expect. Regardless of the reason, there are times when you would want your behind to look perfect. A g string will help accentuate your bottom since there are no lines to dampen the view from behind. 3. It makes you feel fresh: Thongs are intended to be small pieces of fabric and are usually soft and breathable. It can be your best friend on a warm day, as it will allow your skin to breathe and sweat when necessary. You will be able to feel the breeze through your clothes, so it will make you feel relaxed and refreshed. 4. It protects your front while freeing your back: A woman wears undergarments to protect her genitalia. Wearing a regular panty will surely safeguard her private parts from anything. But a g string can also equally ensure that your front part is protected. And sometimes, too much cloth at the bottom will make you uncomfortable due to it gathering along your backside. So this also frees your butt from additional fabric. 5. It never goes out of style: Everything in fashion becomes passe for a time. But it always comes back after a few years as a new fashion statement. For instance, whale tails were a recurring problem for g-string lovers. It is when the bands of your thong become visible whenever you sit down or squat. But Bella Hadid recently sashayed the runway in a black ensemble with her thong strings out, sending out the signal that yes, bands out is trendy again. Wearing underwear should always be a personal choice. Whether you choose a g string, a bikini, or a granny panty, you should consistently feel comfortable in what you wear. Be confident, sexy, and ready to conquer the world as you always should. Read Also: Style Your Child: How to Find Comfy and Cute Clothing for Kids The Style Bible: How To Dress Up Like Millennial 7 Fashion Tips Exclusively for Men

READ MOREDetails
Art Of Hair Regrowth

The Art Of Hair Regrowth: 3 Techniques For Restoring Your Crowning Glory

Thinning or balding hair can happen to anyone at any time. It can be triggered by genetics, stress, or a traumatic event. Regardless of its underlying cause, losing hair can be panicking. Whether your locks have thinned out all over or you have a noticeable receding hairline, you may feel compelled to action. Fortunately, there are a variety of hair regrowth options at your disposal. From taking medication to making lifestyle changes, here are three techniques for restoring your crowning glory. 1. Use Hair Growth Medication Hair loss has plagued humanity for many years, prompting researchers to come up with a solution. Unfortunately, there is still no instant cure for balding or thinning hair (beyond wearing a wig). However, there are medications that can help with hair regrowth over time. Two of the most popular are minoxidil and finasteride. Here’s what to know about these medications and how they can help you reach your hair restoration goals. Minoxidil Minoxidil is a vasodilator, which means it improves blood flow by relaxing the blood vessels. It is commonly used to treat high blood pressure, but it also shows great results for pattern hair loss. It works by stimulating the hair follicles and encouraging the regrowth of stronger, thicker strands. Topical 2% or 5% minoxidil solutions are FDA-approved for treating hair loss. Finasteride Like minoxidil, finasteride is approved by the FDA for treating hair loss. But it is only approved for use by males. Finasteride is not safe for females of child-bearing age because it can cause birth defects. Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, meaning that it blocks dihydrotestosterone. DHT is one hormone responsible for male pattern baldness. By blocking it, finasteride may prevent further hair loss. 2. Try Hair Loss Surgery Hair loss medication may not provide satisfactory results for everyone who tries it. If you need another solution for your hair-thinning problem, surgery may be a viable option. There are several different hair restoration surgeries out there. It’s important to understand how they each work so you can select the right course of action for your situation. Here is a brief overview of the different hair surgeries available to you. Hair Transplantation If you want the most natural-looking results, consider getting a hair transplant. You can choose between follicular unit transplant and follicular unit extraction. FUT, also occasionally called strip surgery, involves taking a strip of hair-covered skin from a donor area (usually the back of the scalp). Then, the donor skin is separated into tiny units of several hair follicles each before being transplanted into the desired area. FUE is a similar procedure. But instead of taking a strip of skin from the donor area, a surgeon removes individual follicles. Then, the surgeon transplants those individual follicles to the desired treatment area. This technique results in less trauma and scarring to the donor area. When FUE is performed by a skilled surgeon, the end results can be exceptional. Scalp Reduction Scalp reduction is a surgical procedure for balding that involves removing areas of the scalp impacted by hair loss. Then, areas of the scalp with dense hair are stretched and sutured to replace the removed pieces of skin. Scalp reduction may provide good results for some people. However, the surgery can be intense and comes with a heightened risk of cosmetic complications. There is also an increased risk of blood flow disruption and hair regrowth in unnatural directions after this surgery. Flap Surgery Flap surgery for hair loss involves relocating a large flap of intact scalp from the side of the head to the front of the head. This surgery quickly covers up signs of balding and may be a viable solution for those with a receding hairline. However, it is a risky surgery that could result in unnatural hair regrowth, extensive scarring, and potential death of the flap tissue. Your surgeon may recommend safer procedures such as FUT or FUE over flap surgery. 3. Make Lifestyle Changes You may have more control over the health and thickness of your hair than you realize. Depending on the underlying cause of your thinning hair, certain lifestyle changes may aid your hair regrowth journey. Diet One of the most important lifestyle factors affecting hair health is diet. If your daily meals mostly consist of fried foods and takeout, consider making a switch. Eating a nutritious diet that’s rich in B vitamins, vitamin A, and zinc helps ensure your body has what it needs to produce hair. If you struggle with nutrient deficiencies, taking a multivitamin may also help boost hair growth. Stress Stress is another major factor contributing to hair loss. If you are dealing with chronic stress, finding ways to reduce it can benefit your hairline. Consider deep breathing exercises, trying a new hobby, or spending more time with loved ones. Hair Care Practices The way you treat your hair can also contribute to loss. Cutting back on hair colouring appointments and other harsh hair treatments can give your hair time to heal. Avoid tight hairstyles that pull at the follicles. Wearing tight ponytails, braids, or cornrows can lead to hair loss called traction alopecia. Wear your hair naturally every once in a while, if you can. Healing any part of your body takes time. Therefore, you shouldn’t expect any of the above changes to immediately reverse hair loss. But with patience and persistence, the above lifestyle choices may eventually help you get your gorgeous locks back. Get Your Hair Back Losing your hair can feel like a helpless and hopeless experience. But for many people, it doesn’t have to be permanent. Whether you’ve developed bald or thinning areas due to genetics or some type of traumatic event, prompt action can make all the difference. Try one or more of the techniques to stop hair loss in its tracks and restore your hair. Read Also: How To Spot Hair Loss Early How Can You Let Your Hair Regrow Naturally? 6 Proven Ways to Deal with Hair Loss for Women  

READ MOREDetails
T-Shirts Printed

Why Do People Want T-Shirts Printed Near Me In Brisbane

Clothing is a reflection of our personality. Each person likely has a signature style or at least one piece that sets them apart from everyone else, like maybe a custom set of glasses that showcase their originality. Or a pair of shoes that stand out in a crowd People everywhere, including Brisbane, prefer to highlight what they think in words or graphics printed in full visibility on their tees. The fashion statement can be worn in various ways, whether dressing them up under a blazer with a pencil skirt or with a pair of dark denim and loafers. Virtually any design personally created or available to the public can be transferred onto a shirt. For purchase, buyers can search print t shirts near me to find a shop responsible for the art. You can also find these at almost any event where a company or business, entertainer, or other entity promotes itself. Sometimes these are given away as a marketing tactic, but usually, in the celebrity or entertainment business, it's a component of the overall revenue for the attraction. Let's examine why people choose printed tees for their wardrobe and the message they want to send or maybe receive. Why Do People Wear Printed Tees In Brisbane How you dress silently showcases your personality to the public through your style. And then you can choose pieces that are a bit more blatant with that voice. Printed tees will either say what you're thinking or display a graphic to describe your thoughts. These shirts are a favourite in Brisbane, everywhere worldwide, whether you choose to have a personally created design printed on a t-shirt or choose one available for the public. How you wear these will depend on your mood and where you go. A t-shirt, even one printed, can be dressed up for an event by adding a suit blazer, some slacks, and dress shoes, or bring it down to business casual with a cardigan and pencil skirt. Learn the advantages of printed tees at https://techbullion.com/advantages-of-t-shirt-printing/ and then consider these suggestions on why people choose printed t-shirts for their fashion choice. The Tees Can Self-Motivate Or Inspire Those In Your Inner Circle Many printed messages are meant to bring motivational messages to inspire and encourage. People will wear these to uplift themselves or support others within their inner circle. The messages often help people start a conversation they want but have no idea how to initiate. That can be seen a lot with mental unwellness, including depression. Fortunately, there are a lot of images and expressions that you can print on shirts to bring attention to the struggle. A semicolon, for instance. Putting this simple symbol on the front of a t-shirt will make people question the image. You then have an opening to discuss surviving mental unwellness and strength in doing so; the semicolon represents that strength and survival, indicating your story's not over. Speaking to the public could inadvertently inspire so many who keep their stories hidden. You Can Say What You Think Or Feel Without Verbalising It People started wearing graphic tees because they spoke precisely what they were thinking and feeling without needing to utter a word. Some people have strong opinions but are less confident when the time comes to say the words; instead, they prefer to get a tee printed to express the idea. This can be exceptionally beneficial for individuals who are more introverted or shy. When close friends or people surrounding them understand where they stand on a topic, they can then be more sensitive when sharing their opinions. There's also, the opportunity to discuss the two sides constructively. Friends, co-workers, and neighbours might look at the subject differently when you give them insight into your perspective. That doesn't mean they'll change their perspective but opening with the words or image on a shirt is a good precursor. The Printed Message Can Serve As A Remorseful Message Some people are not good at apologies when they mess up a relationship or make a mistake in a friendship or with a family member. That's especially true if the other person has decided to avoid them. If that's happened to you, it could be difficult to figure out how to get back in their good favour. You might have tried calling only to get voice mails or texting without a response but draw the line at visiting. It's too difficult to admit fault when face to face with the person you hurt. But that doesn't mean you can't message them via a specially printed tee. Designing an apologetic message, quote, or sentiment that you can then have printed on a t-shirt and mailed or delivered to the individual will involve time and effort. That will speak volumes to the other as to the authenticity of your feelings and likely work in getting them to forgive you. How Should You Wear A Printed Or Graphic Tee The possibilities for wearing a printed or graphic tee are virtually unlimited. These can be worn inconspicuously with a dressed-up outfit or even in a business-casual style, and, of course, they're ideal for casual weekend errand runs or Sundays travelling from one thrift to the next. Most everyone in Brisbane, throughout Australia, and around the world have tees in their closet. It's the ideal staple for a wardrobe, even with printing. Let's look at a few ways to wear these under the radar and fully in view. For A Workout Under A Tracksuit If you don't want to start a conversation but prefer to keep a workout focused on fitness and feeling the burn, but you want the inspiration from the shirt, wear it under a tracksuit. This keeps the message privately inspiring and encourages you to carry on through the exercises. You Have An Interview And Need Your Favourite Shirt You have a favourite shirt with a favourite graphic image, but this is an interview. How can you combine the two? A cardigan and a pleated skirt are a win-win. No one will see the shirt under the button-up of the cardigan, but you'll know it's there, allowing you that calm, relaxed feeling to smash the interview. Casual Friday Doesn't Mean Printed T-Shirts, But It Can Include These When casual Friday comes around, you might want to wear the t-shirt that most fits your personality, but this is not the time or place. Casual Friday in the corporate world is more along the lines of collared button-downs or polos. What can you do to dress it up? Add a blazer and dark chinos with loafers. You might appear a bit formal for a casual Friday, but at least you won't look underdressed. The added sophistication will take the focus off the printed tee and put it on the extra frill. Final Thought Printed tees can be the optimum piece of a wardrobe. There are so many different reasons to design these, have them printed, and wear them. Go here for details on how to print a photo onto a tee. More people in Brisbane, Australia, and around the world include printed and graphic t-shirts in their wardrobes. And there is no limitation to how these can be worn, a reason, an occasion, purpose, solution, or just because it's your favourite shirt. Read Also: Dressing Up Your Babies: How Hard Is It? How To Dress For A Bridal Shower? Choosing a Dress for Winter 2021

READ MOREDetails