Craziest Hair Removal Methods (2024)

Craziest Hair Removal Methods (1)

Hair removal isn’t a new concept. I’ve talked before about how far back it dates - to our cave men and women ancestors. In fact, we still use some of their ancient methods today. But not all of their hair removal methods are viable, or even safe, today. Let’s dive in, shall we?

The ancient Egyptians and Mesopotamians both removed all of their body hair. The most popular forms of removal included sugaring, threading and shaving using sharpened stones or bronze. But they also made their own depilatory cream using arsenic and quicklime. While this combination did get rid of hair… it also burned off their skin. Not exactly as glamorous as it sounds.

Ancient Romans and Greeks also had hair removal traditions. However, unlike the Egyptians and Mesopotamians before them, it was really only the women who participated in removing all their hair. Both used sugaring and tweezing to get rid of unwanted hair, but they also turned to pumice stones and fire to get rid of unwanted hair. Yep, they just burned their hair away.

Moving into the Middle Ages, it was less about removing hair from the body and more about removing it all from the face. And when I say removing it all, I mean literally everything - brows, eyelashes and even some from the hairline. For this kind of removal, they relied heavily on tweezers, walnut oil and ammonia. Pretty normal right? Except that the ammonia was extracted from their feline friends... I’ll leave it at that.

Fast forward to the early 1800’s where we were looking for more permanent ways to get rid of pesky body hair. This is when the early versions of Electrolysis were born. But, it wasn’t like the electrolysis we know and love today. No, no - this was far more gruesome. In the 1800’s, they dipped bits of barbed wired into acid and then stabbed that into the base of the hairs. Compared to today’s electrolysis technology, this was highly ineffective. However, it was very innovative for it’s time.

Finally, moving up to the 1930’s. During this time, women were looking for ways to get rid of hair on their legs in the midst of a nylon shortage. However, razors were not widely available, so they had to take it into their own hands. Pumice stones and and sandpaper were the top choice of ladies to epilate away their hair (and skin, I’m sure).

So, if you thought waxing was crazy, what do you think now? Not only has it been around for a long time, but it’s come a long way since its humble beginnings. And hey, it doesn’t involve fire, cat feces or arsenic, so I think it’s safe to say it’s the least crazy method of hair removal!

Craziest Hair Removal Methods (2024)

FAQs

What is the most effective method of hair removal? ›

Laser hair removal is considered the most effective procedure to reduce hair.

What is the only permanent method of hair removal? ›

Yes, electrolysis safely and permanently removes hair from all skin tones. It is the only FDA-approved permanent hair removal treatment. Because electrolysis permanently destroys the growth cells in the hair follicles, the hair will not grow back.

What kills hair follicles naturally? ›

While these natural hair removal home remedies might not be a permanent solution, regular application on your face and body will ensure reduced hair growth.
  • Raw Papaya Paste With Turmeric. ...
  • Potato And Lentils Paste. ...
  • Cornstarch And Egg. ...
  • Sugar, Honey, And Lemon. ...
  • Baking Soda And Turmeric. ...
  • Oatmeal And Banana Scrub. ...
  • Oil Massage.
May 15, 2019

What chemical kills hair follicles permanently? ›

Potassium Hydroxide. This extremely corrosive chemical also damages cells responsible for hair growth.

What hair removal method do the Kardashians use? ›

The Kardashian-Approved Laser Treatments

Kim often does her treatments late at night and is believed to use at-home laser devices. Khloe and Kylie, on the other hand, visit Sev Laser for Candela GentleMax Pro treatments.

Which method removes hair permanently? ›

Electrolysis can permanently remove unwanted hair. Once your hair is gone, you won't need maintenance treatments. It works on all hair types, including light-colored hairs, which lasers cannot remove. There's no downtime.

What is the oldest method of hair removal? ›

The History of Hair Removal

In its most ancient form, men and women shaved using sharpened flint stone implements dating as far back as 30,000 B.C. This crude method of hair removal often scraped off as much skin as it did hair.

How to remove hair permanently from private parts? ›

The following techniques are apt if you've been thinking a lot lately about how to remove hair permanently:
  1. Electrolysis.
  2. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
  3. Laser Hair Removal.
  4. Prescription creams.

How to remove pubic hair without shaving a female? ›

If you want to avoid the stubbly look you can get from shaving, you can use depilatories or wax. A depilatory is a cream or liquid that removes hair from the skin's surface. Depilatories work quickly, are available at drugstores and grocery stores, and are painless.

Does baking soda remove hair permanently? ›

In some cases, the use of baking soda may even result in increased hair growth. Because of this, baking soda should not be used to get rid of unwanted hair. There has been no credible scientific research to support the widespread belief that baking soda may effectively remove hair.

How to remove peach fuzz permanently? ›

Laser Hair Removal or Electrolysis

Laser hair removal, which heats up the hair follicles to discourage hair growth and electrolysis, which destroys hair follicles permanently, can be done by a professional over several sessions to remove unwanted facial hair.

How to get rid of old lady facial hair? ›

No surprise there are many methods to get rid of it: you can epilate, tweeze, wax, sugar, thread, burn, shave or bleach; use creams, lasers, IPL, electrolysis or make-up. Surface removal methods like shaving are quick and easy, but stubble grows back fast.

How to go bald permanently? ›

What are your options for removal?
  1. Electrolysis. Electrolysis involves the use of shortwave radio frequencies distributed through fine needles placed directly into your hair follicles. ...
  2. Laser hair removal. ...
  3. Prescription creams. ...
  4. Professional tweezing and waxing. ...
  5. Chemical depilation.
Jun 26, 2019

Can salt remove hair permanently? ›

Turmeric, Milk, and Salt can be a great combination for unwanted hair removal. Salt, which is chemically referred to as sodium chloride can kill the hair follicles by drying your scalp resulting in hair loss. It is an active ingredient in most shampoos and hair creams.

Does turmeric remove facial hair permanently? ›

Turmeric

The results are slow and not dramatic like shaving or waxing, but it may be used alongside other hair removal techniques for its potential long-term benefits. Turmeric is safe for most people; it also reduces pigmentation and inflammation and has antimicrobial properties.

What is the least damaging hair removal method? ›

Threading. Threading is a hair removal option that uses a piece of thin, cotton thread that is rolled and twisted over hairs that you want to be pulled out. “If done correctly, threading is a great alternative for those with sensitive skin,” says Dr. Cheung.

What method of hair removal lasts the longest? ›

Electrolysis is permanent—and thus, longest lasting. Laser hair removal lasts up to six months and can be permanent with repeated applications, but works better on some people than others. Plucking hairs individually with tweezers lasts up to eight weeks.

What is the most efficient permanent hair removal? ›

The Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices Of 2024
  • Best Laser Hair Removal Device Overall: Braun Silk Expert Pro 5.
  • Best Value Laser Hair Removal Device: RoseSkinCo. ...
  • Best Laser Hair Removal Device For Coarse Hair: Nood The Flasher 2.0.
  • Best Laser Hair Removal Device For Large Areas: SmoothSkin Pure Fit.
May 25, 2024

Is electrolysis better than laser? ›

Electrolysis is considered a more permanent solution than laser hair removal (it stops hair growth completely while laser hair removal slows and reduces hair growth), but it requires more individual sessions (closer to 14), and the sessions can take longer. You might not see full results for nearly 18 months.

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