Background

Hair removal is the process of taking off the threadlike covering that grows from the surface of the skin. Hair grows on all areas of the human body except for the palms of the hands, the lips, certain areas of the genitals and the soles of the feet. Hair usually is most noticeable in people in the following areas: the face, head, eyebrows, eyelashes, chest, abdomen, pubic area, legs, armpits and back.

There are two general types of temporary hair removal: depilation and epilation. Depilation is a generic term for hair removal that affects the part of the hair above the surface of the skin. Depilation may last several hours to several days and may be achieved by shaving or trimming, depilatories or friction. Epilation is removal of the entire hair, including the part below the skin. Epilation lasts several days to several weeks and can be achieved by: waxing, plucking, threading or rotary epilators. There are also permanent hair removal procedures. Methods have been developed that use chemicals, energy of varying types, or a combination to target the areas that regulate hair growth. Methods include: electrolysis, laser and flashlamp (also called Intense Pulsed Light or IPL).

Hair removal has been practiced for centuries in many cultures for aesthetic and hygienic reasons. Many cultures have a specific amount of hair for males and females that is considered as ideal and visually appealing.

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Effectiveness Effectiveness definitions

Natural Medicines rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Dosing & administration

Adverse effects

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

None known.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

None known.

Interactions with foods

None known.

Interactions with lab tests

Interactions with diseases