Hair History Around The World: Fascinating Hair Removal Practices
Hair has always been a hot topic in societies around the world. For as long as humans have existed, they have sought methods to remove their hair. Whether for vanity, religion or even safety, there have been interesting beliefs about hair and some odd methods of removing it. In this article, we will discuss some fascinating hair removal taboos, tools, and techniques throughout history and the world.
Survival and Safety in Ancient Times
Contrary to contemporary times, hair removal has not always been about vanity. Throughout the caveman era in ancient Greece and Egypt, men believed that hair removal was essential for survival. They speculated that removing hair from their head and beard would protect them from any invading force that could potentially try to grab onto them during battle. They felt that hair removal was truly a shield of safety in war times. Hair removal has held other significance as well. In some Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, and Hindu traditions, head and eyebrow shaving has played a role in joining a monastic community or beginning school.
Women’s Hair Removal Practices
Women in a variety of cultures have also indulged in hair removal practices. In ancient Egypt, Greece, and the Middle East, women aimed to rid their bodies of all hair, from head to toe. Sometimes they would literally rid the hair on their heads! In the late 1500s, women began removing hair from their eyebrows and foreheads, which they believed made them appear more fashionable. Many women even used walnut oil on kids’ foreheads to stave off hair growth. Possibly, one of the strangest techniques of all, women created bandages of ammonia (cat feces and vinegar) to prevent hair growth.
The Early 20th Century Shift
In the early 1900s, societal beliefs about hair in the US and Europe took a turn. Ads claimed that hair on the face, neck, legs, and arms was “humiliating.” Models were featured in magazines with no armpit or leg hair. These types of media campaigns set the stage for the mainstream public’s acceptance of hair removal, which is still widely understood today. 
Historical Hair Removal Techniques
There have been many hair removal techniques throughout time. In the earliest of times, people simply used what they could find! According to History Undressed, this meant items like sharp rocks, pumice stones, flint blades, bronze, and seashells. Items like these were dangerous and, likely, pretty painful. Scraping at the skin with these tools was also time-consuming. It has been said that ridding hair in a single area could take place over the course of three years.
Modern Adaptations of Ancient Methods
Several historic techniques are still applied today, though many have been modified for safety and ease. Waxing was utilized in olden times by applying a beeswax paste followed by a thin cloth, pulling hair out in patches. In the Roman Empire, wealthy citizens used creams, razors, and tweezers. Another ancient method was threading, which involved weaving yarn through fingers and roughly rubbing it on the hair. This technique would pull the hair away from the body and is still practiced today.
Embrace Modern Permanent Hair Removal
We hope you enjoyed learning a bit about hair history. As this article illustrates, you are certainly not alone in your quest for a hair-free life. Men and women around the entire globe have sought silky, smooth skin for centuries. It is not always easy to find the best method that suits your goals. Of all the methods available in the market today, electrolysis is the ONLY permanent, FDA-approved hair removal method. If you are interested in exploring electrolysis or would like to book an appointment, please call us today.
References:
- History Undressed: The History of Hair Removal
- Elle: The History of Hair Removal
- Wikipedia: Hair Removal
