The Hair removal reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004
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Hair removal

For people who check facts
Hair removal is the process of eliminating hair from the surface of the body. There are several types of hair removal procedures, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. There are both temporary and permanent methods of hair removal.

Hair removal has been practiced for centuries in almost all human cultures. The methods used vary among times and regions, but shaving is historically the most common method and is still prevalent today.

Many cultures have an aesthetic "ideal" amount of hair for males and females. People whose unwanted hair that exceeds this arbitrary standard may experience real or perceived problems with social acceptance.

Table of contents
1 Methods
2 Temporary Methods
3 "Permanent" Methods
4 Restricted methods
5 Doubtful methods
6 External Links

Methods

Hair removal can be achieved through depilation (removing part of the hair above the skin's surface) or epilation (removing the entire hair). For many consumers, temporary methods at regular intervals are acceptable. Right now my focus is on devices claiming permanence, but I'll be discussing temporary methods in the future.

Temporary Methods

Depilation lasting several hours to several days can be achieved by:

Epilation lasting several days to several weeks can be achieved by:

"Permanent" Methods

Permanent hair removal involves several imperfect options. A number of methods have been developed that use chemicals, energy of varying types, or a combination to target the areas that regulate hair growth. Permanently destroying these areas while sparing surrounding tissue is a difficult challenge.

Permanent hair removal for most

Permanent hair reduction for some Lasting hair inhibition for many (requires continuous use)

Restricted methods

Some methods are still in the experimental stage or have been banned for most uses due to adverse effects.

Doubtful methods

Many methods have been proposed or sold over the years without published clinical proof they can work as claimed.

External Links