It’s easy to assume that hair removal is a modern trend — that women and men used to go au naturel without regular grooming. Turns out, however, that this has been part of beauty rituals that are centuries old, with hair removal history dating back as far as ancient Egypt. Of course, the way we remove hair has transformed: from peddles to sugaring to razors to laser. Now, one of the most popular techniques to tackle hair, Laser Hair Removal has even changed by leaps and bounds since it was first introduced.
Let’s look at the hair removal history timeline and how it transformed throughout the centuries:
When Did Hair Removal Begin?
According to ELLE magazine, the history of hair removal began in Egypt. Women used pumice stones, beeswax, sugar-based wax, and tweezers made from seashells to remove hair all over their bodies. Proof can be found in Egyptian art, where women are seen sporting perfectly shaped triangles in their bikini area — something most of us likely assumed was a 20th-century fad. Fast forward to the Roman Empire, where wealthy women used tweezers, creams, stones, and razors made from flint to remove their body hair. The presence of body hair represented economic classes during this time, so the wealthy made their riches known by showing off bare skin.
The Introduction of the Razor
King Camp Gillette created the first modern-day razor for men in 1901, but the product didn’t hit store shelves until 1904. It wasn’t until 1915, when women could purchase their own version, called the Milady Décolleté, according to Refinery29.
When the bikini was introduced in the U.S. in 1946, naturally women started prioritizing their bikini area. What started as a modest trim would eventually pave way for the Brazilian; as bikini bottoms became smaller and smaller, the more women shaved and tweezed. Fast forward to 1987 when seven Brazilian sisters opened up a salon in New York City and brought the Brazilian wax to America. By the 1990s, the bare look was popularized — and the Brazilian wax became more desirable than ever.
Hair Removal Creams & Waxing Make Their Debut
Miniskirts became all the rage in the 1960s thanks to the mod movement, inspiring women to keep their legs immaculately groomed. Getting rid of leg hair with tweezers was too tedious to cover such a large area, and shaving every day caused too much irritation. This is when waxing strips were developed to make it easier for women to remove unwanted hair without worrying about the immediate appearance of stubble. Hair removal creams also become popular around this time, offering another safe and convenient option for women.
When Was Laser Hair Removal Invented?
If the practice of hair removal has existed for a very long time, when was Laser Hair Removal invented? In 1964, the YAG laser was FDA cleared, which was in some ways the start of using laser for hair removal. There was tremendous development and improvement throughout the 1980s and significant advancements in the 1990s. Then, in 2001, Ideal Image was started. While we certainly did not invent this process or the associated devices, we did create a space to foster the gold standard of permanent hair removal.
Benefits of Modern Laser Hair Removal
As technology keeps advancing, so do the lasers used to treat unwanted hair. Razors and wax can be tedious tasks, and while they’re definitely a few steps above pebbles and seashells, neither of them deliver results that last more than a few days, max. In comparison, Laser Hair Removal is designed to reduce hair growth significantly and it can be completely designed around the individual client experience.
What to Expect with Laser Hair Removal at Ideal Image
As the Nation’s Leading Aesthetic Brand, Ideal Image is honored to be the most trusted name in Laser Hair Removal. With over 20 years of experience and 20+ million treatments performed, we are true industry experts when it comes to modern hair removal, plus our leading laser technology is designed to target a variety of hair colors and skin types for smoother skin from head-to-toe. You can tackle areas that range from x-small to large—including the most popular areas like underarms, legs, upper lip and more—for a completely customized plan. Not to mention, our top medical professionals have mastered the art of Laser Hair Removal through an additional — and intensive —80+hours of didactic and hands-on training.
If you’re ready to embrace hair-free bliss and get started on Laser Hair Removal at Ideal Image, give us a call or visit us online to book your free consultation. Our team of medical professionals will get to know you, assess your hair and skin type and learn more about your personal goals.
What to Know Before Your Laser Hair Removal Appointment
Remember, if you’re wanting to ditch unwanted hair for a specific season or a special event, Laser Hair Removal does take time. Depending on the treatment area, we recommend up to 8 treatments for the best results. Ideal Image will help create a timeline made specifically for you to help achieve smooth, silky skin in the places you want to go bare.
And as far as time spent in the chair, Laser Hair Removal can take as little as a few minutes for smaller areas and up to an hour for larger areas. Always make sure to prep properly for your treatment to ensure the safest and most effective treatment possible. This includes avoiding direct sun exposure. The same is true for post-treatment, as minimal sun exposure will help decrease irritation. Not sure what steps to take before and after? No worries, our staff will walk you through everything you need to know. There’s absolutely no downtime following your session, so you can easily get back to your daily routine knowing you’re one step closer to razor-free days.
So, whether you want smooth skin for your favorite LBD or your annual beach trip – discover the beauty of no stubble, no bumps and no irritation when you book Laser Hair Removal with us!
To start your Laser Hair Removal journey, schedule a free consultation.
