Everything You Need To Know About Hair Removal
History Of Hair Removal
Hair removal for the enhancement of women’s beauty has a long history and can be traced back to ancient Rome and Egypt. Here’s everything you need to know about hair removal. Egyptians are known for many beauty rituals and were also the ones who invested most of their time in hair removal.
Ancient Egyptian women removed all their body hair with tweezers, pumice stones, bees wax, and sugar-based waxes. They also used razors made of copper during 3000 BCE. In the 1400s during the Renaissance, lack of body hair was considered a sign of the classes. It was at this time that women and goddesses in art were depicted without pubic hair.
The year 1915 was when sleeveless dresses were in style and society felt that women needed hairless armpits to go with them. By the early 1900’s upper and middle-class American women associated smooth skin with desirable femininity. As hemlines rose and sleeveless garments gained popularity, exposed limbs pressurized women to shave their bodies.
In 1915, Gillette created the first razor specifically for women, the Milady Decolletée. The early 1900’s also saw ads for creams that gained popularity. In 1907 an ad for X-Bazin Depilatory Powder began circulating, promising to remove ‘the growth of hair on the face, neck, and arms’.
During World War II American women had no option but to shave their hair. Wartime meant that women couldn’t wear stocking every day and this urged more women to shave their legs. This was the time Remington released the first electric women’s razor in 1940.
During the 1950s, hair removal became more publically accepted. Women relied heavily on razors to shave their legs and underarms and tweezers to groom and shape their eyebrows.
It was in the 1960s that wax strips made their debut and become the method of choice for removing unwanted hair on the underarms and legs.
Laser hair removal methods hit the market in the mid-60s and electrolysis became reliable and safe in the 1970s.
By 1964 98% of American women were shaving their legs as a part of their routine, and hairless women became normal. Although feminists of the 1960s and 1970s turned their backs on the idea of the hairless body in favor of women’s natural beauty, the rejection proved to be short-lived. Brazilian wax had hit the mainstream. It was after this that the idea of waxing and hair removal became a norm. The women of today rely on various forms of hair removal in their everyday routine — waxing, shaving, threading, laser hair removal and many more. Hairlessness has become a norm and more and more women are now resorting to laser hair removal to eliminate the art of waxing.
When it comes to the Indian market, not only women but even men are resorting to hair removal methods. People in Indian consider a clean-shaven look to be more professional and hence males are transforming their looks to suit the same. Various players in India have made their mark in the industry including Veet, VLCC, and many others.
The Hair Removal Industry
The global laser hair removal market value is accounted for over USD 3.9 Billion by 2026 and is expected to grow at CAGR 15.4% during the forecast period 2019–2026.
The Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing market for laser hair removal owing to the presence of a huge population and changing lifestyle. Increased GDP, modern lifestyle pattern, the purchasing power of end-user and rising concerns about UV effects, aging and hair fall problems in the region have boosted the growth of the Asia Pacific laser hair removal market.
India and China hold the major share in the Asia Pacific laser hair removals market owing to the increasing spending power of the people and rising awareness and concern about beauty.
In India, revenue in the Hair Care segment amounts to US$2,706.4m in 2019. The market is expected to grow annually by 6.9% (CAGR 2019–2023). In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$1.98 are generated in 2019.
Hair Removal Methods
There are various hair removal methods present across the glob but some of the most common ones in India are — Laser hair removal and home hacks. Let’s throw light on each of these methods.
Laser Treatment:
What is it?
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a concentrated beam of laser to remove unwanted hair. It is a long-lasting form of hair removal that damages the hair follicle. During the process, the light is converted to heat, which damages the hair follicles that produce hair. This, in turn, delays future hair growth. Although it delays hair growth for long periods of time it doesn’t result in permanent hair removal. One requires multiple treatments for initial hair removal and maintenance treatment thereafter.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of laser hair removal are; skin irritation and temporary redness. It is also advised to use sunscreen lotion immediately after the treatment and avoid sun exposure.
Duration
Laser hair removal usually requires a series of two to six sessions when you begin the treatment. On areas where hair grows quickly, you may need more frequent sessions. The overall result is a reduction in hair growth and finer hair growth.
Home Remedies:
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In India, we believe immensely in home hacks, and they do work wonders at times. Here are a few home remedies to help you do away with unwanted hair.
Egg
It may not be your favorite food, but is extremely nutritious and also an inexpensive way and gentle way to treat unwanted skin. Egg creates a film-like surface on your skin preventing hair growth. Create a paste using egg, corn flour and sugar. Apply it evenly allow over your skin, peel off once dried. It not only pulls off the impurities from your skin but all peels off light hair.
Pumice Stone
This remedy was used in ancient times and why not give it a try? A 100% natural remedy, the rough texture of pumice stones clings onto the hair and pulls them out gently. Remember to use a pumice stone on dry, clean skin and moisturize the skin afterward. Not only does it remove unwanted hair but it also provides an exfoliating effect.
Papaya Paste
If you’re looking for a long-term solution, Papaya is a great option. Enriched with a special enzyme called papain it works over time to weaken hair follicles and prevent hair growth.
Turmeric
Turmeric is proven to have many beauty benefits and one such benefit is reduced hair growth. If used regularly as a paste it works wonders to remove unwanted facial hair growth over a period of time. The best way to use it, is to mix 3tsp of turmeric with 1tsp milk and apply onto the face until dry. Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.
IKF Desk on Everything You Need To Know On Hair Removal
With the above home hacks and medical procedures as a solution to hair removal there are other too that you can think of-
Bleach, tweezing and wax strips can save the day too. So get cracking and try some of these hacks! To know more such beauty facts head to Iknockfashion.com.
Source: https://www.iknockfashion.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-hair-removal/
