About Depilation
Depilation is hair removal on the surface of the skin. Shaving and the use of depilatory creams and lotions are the most common methods of depilation. Less common methods include friction depilation (rubbing). Does this Spark an idea?
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History of Hair Removal
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Throughout history, men and women have chosen to remove hair from different parts of the body for cosmetic and hygienic purposes. The ancient Egyptians believed that a hairless body was a cooler, cleaner body. They would shave the hair from the entire body to prevent problems with lice and fleas. Egyptian priests would shave their heads to present themselves as clean and pure for their service to the gods.
Throughout the 20th century, it became increasingly common for women to remove body hair from the legs, underarms and bikini/pubic region. A lack of certain body hair was often seen as essential to good grooming and feminine attractiveness.
Shaving
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Common types of depilation include shaving and the use of depilatory creams.
Shaving is the most common method for depilation of all areas of the body. Shaving removes hair by cutting the hair off at the surface of the skin. Both men and women use this method, which involves a razor and generally some type of shaving gel, cream or other lubricant.
Depending on the rate of hair regrowth and the area of the body, shaving must be redone frequently. Many men, for example, find that they have to shave their facial area daily. Women who shave their legs generally do so several times a week.
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Depilatory Creams
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Depilatory creams chemically dissolve the hair shaft at or just below the surface of the skin. Depilatory creams are most frequently used to remove hair from the legs, arms, underarms and bikini area. The user spreads the cream across the area from which she desires to remove hair, waits a few minutes and either washes or wipes the dissolved hair away.
Depilatory creams do not require daily use. The dissolved hair grows back in thin and fine, rather than rough, like the cut ends of shaved hair. Depending on the thickness of the hair, depilatory creams may not dissolve all the hairs in an area, leaving the user with a patchy appearance. The chemicals in depilatory creams may cause reactions in the user, especially if you have sensitive skin. Read all the instructions when using a depilatory cream to remove hair.
Friction Depilation
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In friction depilation, a rough surface is used to rub away unwanted hair. The most common surface used is that of a pumice stone. Other types of files, gloves and buffing pads are also available. To remove hair through friction, the rough surface is rubbed across the skin in a repeated, circular motion. This files through the hair shafts and gives the appearance of a hairless surface.
Friction depilation may not be recommended for sensitive areas of the body or areas where the skin is thin and may be scratched or scraped with the rough buffing surface. Many users of friction depilation find that the areas where hair has been removed show regrowth quickly, making it necessary to do the process daily or at least several times per week.
Where to Buy Products
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Most products used in home hair removal are available at drug, grocery and other retail stores. Specialty products for sensitive skin or removal of particularly difficult hair are available at beauty supply stores.
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