Rudimentary methods of depilation can be traced back to prehistoric times, when cave drawings were discovered depicting beardless male figures, says Kirsten Hansen, author of "The History of American Women and Hair Removal." Depilation methods in the 21st century are safer and more sophisticated since primitive tools such as sharpened flint and animal teeth were used to remove hair, and a vast array of items are available on the consumer market; however, the basic principles of depilation have remained the same over the ages.
Temporary Methods
Andrea James, who maintains the consumer hair removal website Hair Facts, notes that there are two temporary methods of getting rid of hair on the body and the face: depilation and epilation. Depilation methods entail removing the hair shaft at the point where it meets the skin's surface. Methods of epilation, such as waxing, sugaring and tweezing, remove hair follicles entirely, resulting in a longer period of time during which you enjoy a hair-free zone. Depilation methods include shaving (with a manual or electric razor), applying of cream depilatories and the less common of technique of buffing.
Manual Shaving
Hand razors, both disposable and those with changeable cartridges, are now outfitted with multiple blades spaced closely together--as many as three and four--so you can get a closer shave. "Shaving is fine, but we all know the problems associated with it," states Paula Begoun, skincare expert and author of "The Original Beauty Bible." Nicks, cuts, razor bumps and ingrown hairs often occur, even with the safest shave. There are ways to treat your skin to mitigate these unpleasant side effects. The Mayo Clinic suggests that use of an electric razor, which can be set so that body and facial hair isn't cropped right down to the skin, is a safer option for those who want to avoid unsightly bumps and ingrown hairs.
Chemical Shaving
Cream depilatories use chemicals such as calcium hydroxide and sodium or calcium thioglycolate that dissolve the protein structure of hair at the skin's surface, explains Begoun. These topicals are applied to the part of the body or face to be treated in a uniform layer and left on for a certain period of time--between 4 and 15 minutes--after which they can be wiped off with a washcloth or rinsed off. Cream depilatories may be formulated for use on all parts of the body or certain areas, such as the face or bikini line. However, they should never be used anywhere around the eyes, Begoun cautions; nor should they be applied to skin that's irritated, chapped, sunburned or otherwise injured.
Infrequently Used Methods
Using friction as a depilation method is a viable way to get rid of hair. Consumer products, such as mitts outfitted with pads with a sandpaper-like texture, are available, but some people choose to use pumice stones and very fine sandpaper purchased from the hardware store to buff away hair. This technique is performed by applying light pressure to the skin and first buffing in small, circular clockwise motions, then using a counterclockwise direction. James notes that this method works best for those with fine body hair or as a stop-gap between waxing sessions. Also, it should not be used for hair on the bikini line, arms or face or on broken, irritated skin. Buff too hard and you can irritate healthy skin, cautions James.
Results
James points out that depilation methods are both inexpensive and expedient; they can also be done in the privacy of your own home. Depilation gives those with fair, fine body and facial hair an unfair advantage, however; people with dark, coarse hair often find that they still have an obvious "shadow" of hair clearly visible underneath the skin after shaving, cream depilatories and buffing. Depilation is also temporary--extremely temporary. Some people may not need to remove hair again for a few days, while others find that regrowth occurs in mere hours, says James. Epilation methods such as waxing, sugaring and tweezing give you smoother skin for several weeks.
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