Hair removal 155140 226116417 2008-07-16T21:58:43Z 86.134.153.181 /* As punishment */ {{Mergeto|Glabrousness|date=October 2007}} {{distinguish|Unhairing}} {{Human hair}} '''Hair removal''' describes any method of removing [[hair]], especially from the human body. *'''Depilation''' affects the part of the hair above the surface of the skin. The most common form of depilation is [[shaving]]. Another popular option is the use of [[chemical depilatory|chemical depilatories]], which work by breaking the [[disulfide bond]]s that link the [[protein]] chains that give hair its strength, making the hair disintegrate. *'''Epilation''' removal of the entire hair, including the part below the skin and is therefore longer-lasting. Some individuals may use [[waxing]], [[Sugaring (epilation)|sugaring]], [[epilator|epilation device]]s, [[laser hair removal|laser]]s, [[Threading (epilation)|threading]], [[intense pulsed light]] or [[electrology]]. Hair is also sometimes removed by [[plucking]] with [[tweezers]]. ==Reasons for removing hair== Hair removal has been practised for centuries in almost all [[human]] [[culture]]s. The methods used vary among times and regions, but [[shaving]] is the most common method. === Medical reasons === In [[Ancient Egypt]], many people depilated their entire bodies to prevent infestation by [[lice]], [[fleas]], and other parasites. Ancient Egyptian priests also shaved or depilated all over daily, so as to present a 'pure' body before the images of the gods. Patients' body hair was once shaved before [[surgery]] for reasons of [[hygiene]]; however, this turned out to be counterproductive <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.texmed.org/Template.aspx?id=4743 |title=Clip, Don't Nick: Physicians Target Hair Removal to Cut Surgical Infections |accessdate=2007-05-14 |author= |authorlink= |last=Ortolon |first=Ken |date= |year=2006 |month=April |format= |work= |publisher=Texas Medicine |pages= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> and, as a result, in many hospitals patients are no longer shaved. The shaving of hair has sometimes been used in attempts to eradicate [[lice]] or to minimize [[body odor]] due to accumulation of odor-causing [[micro-organism]]s in hair. Some people with [[trichiasis]] find it medically necessary to remove ingrown eyelashes. Incorrect shaving (shaving against the grain) can often cause [[ingrown hairs]]. Many forms of cancer require chemotherapy, which often causes severe and irregular hair loss. For this reason, it is common for cancer patients to shave their heads even before starting chemotherapy. === Social, cultural, or sexual reasons === [[Image:Bouguereau venus detail.jpg|thumb|right|A female body devoid of bodily hair, combined with luxuriant tresses was a 19th-century theme: ''Birth of Venus'' by [[William-Adolphe Bouguereau]], [[1879]].]] Hair is normally removed for social and sexual reasons related to the [[social role of hair]] in [[human society]]. Many cultures have an aesthetic "ideal" amount of hair for males and females. People whose hair violates such standards may experience real or perceived problems with social acceptance. Many men in Western cultures shave their facial hair, so only a minority of men have a [[beard]], even though fast-growing facial hair must be shaved daily to achieve a [[clean-shaven]] or hairless look. Some men shave because they cannot grow a "full" beard (generally defined as an even density from cheeks to neck), because beard color is different from scalp hair color, or because it grows in many directions, making a groomed look difficult. Some men shave because their beards are very coarse, causing itchiness and irritation. Some men grow a beard from time to time to change their appearance. In many cultures, particularly [[North America]]n and [[Western European]], it became increasingly common during the 20th century<ref>http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3_012.html</ref> for women to remove some or all of their body hair, due to societal values that consider it unattractive and/or not feminine (see [[gender role]]), or as a matter of practising good [[hygiene]]. People may also remove some or all of their [[pubic]] hair for aesthetic or sexual reasons. [[Adult film]] stars are well known for this practice. Men may also practice this, but not as commonly. In a sexual context, [[pubic hair]] removal is done to increase visual exposure of the genitalia and/or facilitate access to the genital area by removing the barrier of hair. Some women in Western cultures choose not to remove hair from their bodies as an act of defiance against what they believe to be an oppressive ritual. Others choose not to remove hair simply because they have no desire to. Some men shave their heads, either as a fashion statement, because they find a shaved head preferable to the appearance of [[male pattern baldness]], or in order to attain enhanced cooling of the skull (particularly for people suffering from [[hyperhidrosis]]). A much smaller number of women also shave their heads as fashion or political statements. Some women also shave their heads for cultural or social reasons. In India, tradition required widows in some sections of the society to shave their heads as part of being ostracized, the outlawed custom is still infrequently encountered mostly in rural areas, the society at large and the government are working to end the practice of ostracizing widows.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/07/05/damon.india.widows/index.html Shunned from society, widows flock to city to die], 2007-07-05, [http://www.cnn.com CNN.com], Retrieved 2007-07-05</ref> In art paintings or carvings from ancient times, one can often see women portrayed with no pubic hair: pubic hair was linked to sexual acts and desires in the general mindset, and thus it was deemed improper and impure in a public painting. This may have influenced aesthetic views regarding the matter as well.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://remacle.org/bloodwolf/textes/courtisane1.htm |title=Body Hair In Art |accessdate=2006-12-31 |author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher= |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> === Male-to-female gender reassignment === Male-to-female [[transsexual women]] who are preparing for [[sex reassignment surgery]] usually remove their facial beard hair, typically either by [[electrology|electrolysis]] or [[laser hair removal|laser]], or a combination of the two procedures. While this is commonly done entirely before surgery, some patients will start the procedure before surgery, and finish a few months to several years afterwards, often due to cost. In addition, it is recommended by some surgeons that part of the pubic hair be removed prior to surgery as well, usually by electrolysis. Since the [[neovagina]] is created using the skin of the [[penis]] and part of the [[scrotum]], which usually has active [[hair follicle|follicles]], the hair is removed from these areas prior to surgery, in order for the [[genitals]] to be fashioned without the concern of [[hair growth]] inside of the neovagina. In some cases, the surgeon scrapes the underside of the skin to remove the follicles at or near the beginning of the surgery, eliminating any need for pre-surgical hair removal. === For religious reasons === Head-shaving is a part of some [[Buddhism|Buddhist]], [[Christianity|Christian]], [[Islam|Muslim]], [[Jainism|Jain]] and [[Hinduism|Hindu]] traditions. Buddhist and Christian [[monk]]s generally undergo some form of head-shaving during their [[ordination]]; in [[Thailand]] monks shave their eyebrows as well. [[Brahmin]] children have their heads ritualistically shaved before beginning school. In some parts of the [[Theravada]] Buddhist world, it is common practice to shave the heads of children. Weak or sickly children are often left with a small topknot of hair, to gauge their health and mark them for special treatment. When health improves, the lock is cut off. The [[Bahá'í Faith|Bahá'í]] religion explicitly prohibits head-shaving. In [[Judaism]], the shaving of certain parts of the head (peot) using a metal blade against the skin is forbidden, however, [[Shaving in Judaism|electric razors may be used]], since the actual cutting blade never touches the skin. [[Sikhism|Sikhs]] take an even stronger stance, opposing all forms of hair removal. One of the Sikh "[[Five Ks]]" is [[Kesh (Sikhism)|Kesh]], meaning "uncut hair". To Sikhs, the maintenance and management of long hair is a manifestation of one's piety. Muslim law ([[Sharia]]) puts hair in three categories: that which it is recommended to remove (pubic and armpit hair), that which it is recommended to keep (the beard), and that which is the object of limited recommendation (foot, hand, back, and chest hair). Removal of armpit and pubic hair is a hygienic practice which was taught by [[Muhammad]] and which was enumerated as having been part of practices conforming to man's premortal ([[Fitrah]]) nature. On the other hand, shaving or removing part of the eyebrows is forbidden as the "modification of the creation of Allah and obedience to Satan in his work to fool men and bring them to modify the creation of Allah." Stray hairs between the eyebrows may be removed, but not the hairs of the eyebrows. A male may trim or cut hair on his head—however shaving of the head is forbidden in some branches of the religion. A male may trim hair on the chest and back but may not remove it, as this is considered to be imitating women. In contrast, women are permitted to remove hair from these areas.<ref>http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?cid=1119503543976&pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar%2FFatwaE%2FFatwaEAskTheScholar Islam on Line</ref> In the 9th century, the use of [[Chemical depilatory|chemical depilatories]] for women was introduced by [[Ziryab]] in [[Al-Andalus]].<ref name=Sertima>{{citation|last=Sertima|first=Ivan Van|year=1992|title=The Golden Age of the Moor|page=267|publisher=[[Transaction Publishers]]|isbn=1560005815}}</ref> === In military institutions === A close-cropped or completely shaven haircut is common in military organizations. In field environments, soldiers are susceptible to infestation of [[lice]], [[tick]]s, and [[flea]]s. Also, due to hectic operations schedules, time allowed for personal hygiene and grooming is highly curtailed or even absent. The practice serves to cultivate a group oriented environment through the process of removing exterior signs of individuality. In addition short hair is also more difficult for an enemy to grab hold of in hand to hand combat. In many militaries, head-shaving is mandatory for males upon induction training. However, even after the initial recruitment phase, when head-shaving is no longer required, many soldiers maintain a completely or partially shaven hairstyle (such as a "[[high and tight]]", "[[flattop]]" or "[[buzz cut]]") for personal convenience and an exterior symbol of military solidarity. Head-shaving is not required of females in military service, although they must have their hair cut or tied to regulation length. Many military organizations also require males to maintain clean-shaven faces because facial hair can prevent an air-tight seal between the face and breathing or safety equipment, such as a pilot's oxygen mask, a diver's mask, or a soldier's gas mask. However, the concerns of personal hygiene may also apply as above. Alternatively, [[French Foreign Legion|Foreign Legion]] Sappers have traditionally worn beards as a sign of their rank and experience, similarly the [[Imperial Guard]] of the [[Grande Armee]] were allowed to grow beards as a sign of their prized position. European armies before (and to some extent during) the [[First French Empire|Napoleonic wars]] allowed soldiers to grow and lacquer [[pigtail]]s, sometimes held in place by bone [[comb]]s or [[regimental]] colour [[ribbon]]s or [[bow (knot)|bows]]. In the pre-Napoleonic era, the wearing of [[Wig (hair)|wigs]], even within the [[ranks]] was commonplace, though impractical in such places as [[India]] and the [[Americas]]. [[Selous Scouts]], once through training and induction, were expressly forbidden from cutting their hair in any way that might indicate that they were soldiers, allowing them to engage in anti-insurgency warfare amongst the rural population of [[Rhodesia]] (now [[Zimbabwe]]). Tolerance of [[Sikh]] religious beliefs with regards to hair and beards has for some time been commonplace in most armies of former [[British Empire|British]] colonies. === As punishment === In some situations, people's hair is shaved as a punishment. Before [[World War II]], the [[Nazi]]s would cut off the beards of [[Jew]]s as a prelude to other forms of abuse. After [[World War II]], head-shaving was a common punishment in [[France]], [[The Netherlands]], and [[Norway]] for women who had collaborated with the Nazis during the occupation, and, in particular, for women who had "collaborated" sexually. <ref>Vinen, Richard. ''The Unfree French: Life Under the Occupation''. Allen Lane, 2006.</ref> During the [[Vietnam War]], conservative students would sometimes attack student radicals or "hippies" by shaving beards or cutting long hair. One notorious incident occurred at [[Stanford University]], when unruly fraternity members grabbed ''Resistance'' founder (and student-body president) [[David Harris (protester)|David Harris]], cut off his long hair, and shaved his beard. In [[Nepal]], shaving off ladies head-hair is sometimes used to shame and humiliate prisoners. During the [[witch-hunt]]s the alleged [[witch]]es were stripped naked and their entire body was shaved to discover the so-called [[Witches%27_mark|witches' mark]]s. The discovery of witches' marks was then used as evidence in trials<ref>[http://home.att.net/~wiccanhistorian/histories/devilsmark.html Devil's Mark<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. ==Body areas where hair is often removed== [[Image:Backhair.jpg|thumb|Body hair on an unusually [[hair|hirsute]] male]] Hair grows on all areas of the human body except for the palms of the hands, the lips, certain areas of the genital structure and the soles of the feet. But hair is most noticeable in most people in a small number of areas that are most commonly waxed, trimmed, plucked, or shaved: namely, the {| | * [[Abdominal hair|Abdomen]] * [[Armpit hair|Armpits]] | * [[Human back|Back]] * [[Chest hair|Chest]] | * [[Eyebrow]]s * [[Eyelash]]es | * [[Facial hair|Face]] * [[Leg shaving|Legs]] | * [[Hair|Head]] * [[Pubic hair|Pubic Area]] |} ==Hair removal methods== Many products on the market have proven fraudulent. Many other products exaggerate the results or ease of use. ===Temporary=== "Depilation", or removal of hair to the level of the skin, lasts several hours to several days and can be achieved by * [[Shaving]] or trimming (manually or with electric shavers) * [[Chemical depilatory|Depilatories]] (creams or "shaving powders" which chemically dissolve hair) * Friction (rough surfaces used to buff away hair) "Epilation", or removal of the entire hair from the root, lasts several days to several weeks and can be achieved by * [[Plucking]] (hairs are plucked, or pulled out, with tweezers or with fingers) * [[Waxing]] (a hot or cold layer is applied and then removed with porous strips) * [[Sugaring (epilation)|Sugaring]] (similar to waxing, but with a sticky paste) * [[Threading (epilation)|Threading]] (also called ''fatlah'' or ''khite'', in which a twisted thread catches hairs as it is rolled across the skin) *Burning off with hot wax can damage the cells and prevent hair from ever growing in the unwanted spot again. * [[Epilator]]s (mechanical devices that rapidly grasp hairs and pull them out) * Prescription oral medications * [[Enzymes]] (fx. the Epiladerm-Complex) that inhibit the development of new hair cells. Hair growth will become less and less until it finally stops; normal depilation/epilation will be performed until that time. Hair growth will return to normal if use of product discontinued. Products include the prescription drug [[Vaniqa]] (active ingredient [[eflornithine hydrochloride]] inhibiting the enzyme [[ornithine decarboxylase]]). ===Permanent=== 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. Methods include: * [[Electrolysis (cosmetology)|Electrolysis]] * [[Laser hair removal|Laser]] * [[Intense Pulsed Light]] (Flashlamp, EpiLight) The terms IPL and EpiLight are trademarks of Lumenis Ltd. ===Experimental or banned, currently not available=== *[[X-ray]] hair removal was an efficient, and usually permanent, hair removal method, but also caused severe health problems, occasional disfigurement, and even death.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hairfacts.com/methods/xray.html |title=X-Ray Hair Removal |accessdate=2006-12-31 |author=Andrea James |authorlink= |date=21 |year=2002 |month=4 |format= |work= |publisher=Hairfacts.com |pages= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> (illegal in the United States) *[[Photodynamic therapy]] for hair removal (experimental) ===Doubtful methods=== Many methods have been proposed or sold over the years without published clinical proof they can work as claimed. *[[Electric tweezers]] *[[Transdermal]] [[electrolysis]] *Trans[[cutaneous]] hair removal *[[Photoepilators]] *[[Microwaves]] *[[Food]]s and [[Dietary supplements]] *Non[[prescription]] topical preparations (also called "hair inhibitors," "hair retardants," or "hair growth inhibitors") *[[Finally free]] - despite marketing claims, does not appear to work<ref>[http://www.hairtell.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/19271.html nevershaveagain.com / Finally Free (WARNING!)] from HairTell.com forums</ref><ref>[http://www.hairtell.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/5749.html Ripped off by Finally Free!] from HairTell.com</ref><ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUDSZlAe1N8 Kalo,Finally free,Ultra hair away - my personal experience] from [[YouTube]]</ref> ==Advantages and disadvantages== There are several disadvantages to many of these hair removal methods. Many are not permanent, can cause medical problems, or have very high costs. Some of these methods are still in the testing phase and their methods have not been clinically proven. One should seek the advice of a doctor-supervised facility when choosing these hair removal methods. One issue, that can be considered an advantage or a disadvantage depending upon an individual's viewpoint, is that removing hair has the effect of removing information about the individual's hair growth patterns due to [[Genetics|genetic]] predisposition, illness, [[androgen]] levels (such as from pubertal hormonal imbalances or drug side effects), and/or [[gender]] status. ===Health risks=== A variety of [[staph infection]], known as [[Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus|"community-acquired methicillin-resistant ''Staphylococcus aureus''" (MRSA)]], was identified following an outbreak among gay men in [[Los Angeles]] in 2003. Among the risk factors for transmission of the infection identified by the [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] is "compromised skin integrity." Researchers with the [[Connecticut]] Department of Public Health determined that "manscaping" (hair removal, especially performed with a dry safety razor and powder) could produce micro-abrasions of the skin, compromising its integrity. Men who manscaped were six times more likely to contract the disease. This drug-resistant strain of ''S. aureus'' has been found prevalently among gay and bisexual men, athletes, prisoners and Native Americans. [http://www.ergogenics.org/mrsa.html] ==See also== * [[Bikini waxing]] * [[Hairdressing]] * [[Head shaving]] * [[Hirsutism]] * [[Trichotillomania]] == References == {{Reflist}} {{Refbegin}} *Aldraibi, M.S., D.J. Touma, and A. Khachemoune, Hair removal with the 3-msec alexandrite laser in patients with skin types IV-VI: efficacy, safety, and the role of topical corticosteroids in preventing side effects. J Drugs Dermatol, 2007. 6(1): p. 60-6. *Alexiades-Armenakas, M., Laser hair removal. J Drugs Dermatol, 2006. 5(7): p. 678-9. *Eremia, S., et al., Laser hair removal: long-term results with a 755 nm alexandrite laser. Dermatol Surg, 2001. 27(11): p. 920-4. *McDaniel, D.H., et al., Laser hair removal: a review and report on the use of the long-pulsed alexandrite laser for hair reduction of the upper lip, leg, back, and bikini region. Dermatol Surg, 1999. 25(6): p. 425-30. *Wanner, M., Laser hair removal. Dermatol Ther, 2005. 18(3): p. 209-16. *Warner, J., M. Weiner, and K.A. Gutowski, Laser hair removal. Clin Obstet Gynecol, 2006. 49(2): p. 389-400. {{Refend}} ==External links== * [http://www.hairfacts.com/ HairFacts.com], with information on several methods of hair removal * [http://www.webmd.com/content/article/76/90229.htm WebMD] article on Hair removal * [http://dermatology.about.com/cs/hairremoval/a/hair_removal.htm "Bleaching, Shaving, Plucking, Waxing, and Sugar Waxing"] from About.com *[http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/laserfacts.html Laser Facts (US Food and Drug Administration)] *[http://www.aad.org/public/Publications/pamphlets/laserhair.htm American Academy of Dermatology, Public Resource Center, Laser Hair Removal] *[http://www.asds.net// American Society for Dermatologic Surgery: search for: "Laser Hair Removal Fact Sheet"] *[http://www.aslms.org/ American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery] *[http://archderm.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/134/7/837?ck=nck/ Permanent hair removal by normal-mode ruby laser, from the Archives of Dermatology] [[Category:Depilation]] [[br:Disvleviñ]] [[bg:Обезкосмяване]] [[cs:Epilace]] [[da:Epilering]] [[de:Epilation]] [[el:Αποτρίχωση]] [[eo:Senharigo]] [[fr:Épilation]] [[it:Depilazione]] [[he:הסרת שיער]] [[nl:Epileren]] [[ja:脱毛]] [[ko:탈모]] [[pl:Depilacja]] [[pt:Depilação]] [[ru:Удаление волос]] [[sk:Epilácia]] [[sv:Epilering]] [[tr:Epilasyon]] [[zh:脱毛]]