THE HISTORY OF HAIR REMOVAL: FROM ANCIENT TIMES TO STARPIL'S INNOVATION
30 May, 2024
The history of body hair in relation to appearance and aesthetics is truly remarkable. Hair removal dates back to prehistoric times, where sharp stones were found, likely used for trimming beard hair.
A Journey Through History: Prehistory to Ancient Civilizations
Starting in prehistoric times, abrasion was one of the first attempts to remove hair. This was done using sharp stones or jagged edges to scrape off the hair—a method that was effective but undoubtedly very painful. Hair was also plucked out either by hand or with sharp tools, which was effective but highly irritating. Another method involved burning, where metals or stones were heated and applied to the skin to burn off the hair, posing a significant risk of severe burns. Natural substances and certain plants were also used to weaken hair, making it easier to remove.
Across various cultures, there is a common thread in hair removal practices. For instance, in Egyptian and Roman cultures, hair was plucked out using fingers—a painful and inefficient method since the hair was merely cut and grew back quickly. In ancient Greece and Rome, hair removal with blades was common, though it was dangerous due to the risk of cuts and wounds.
Another option in ancient Greece and Rome was using pumice stone to rub and polish the skin. Tweezers were also used, though this method was slow and uncomfortable.
In ancient Egypt, the first formulations of sugaring paste, made from water, sugar, and lemon, were developed. Similarly, in Greece, a formula resembling modern wax, containing beeswax, essential oils, honey, animal blood, and resins, was used.
There is evidence that thread hair removal has been used since ancient times by Hindu and Persian women, and later by Muslim and Jewish women.
The History of Hair Removal from the Middle Ages to the Present
During the Middle Ages, while wax and depilatory creams were still used, the use of tweezers and razors increased. An interesting anecdote is that Queen Elizabeth I established depilation rooms in the castles of the courts and nobility. They also used a depilatory cream formula containing arsenic and quicklime, which was highly harmful to health.
The first razor was created in the 18th century by French barber Jean Jacques Perret, and later, in 1903, the first safety razor was introduced by Gillette.
The 20th century saw a significant rise in hair removal, driven by fashion trends. Sleeveless dresses led to the popularity of underarm waxing, and later, the mini skirt fashion spurred leg waxing.
Starpil has played a crucial role in this history of hair removal by inventing the roll-on system in 1991. This depilatory system is suitable for all hair types, offering controlled mechanical action that removes hair, with regrowth taking almost a month depending on the body area.
The roll-on system is a safe, hygienic, and quick method of hair removal, complemented by various application techniques and relaxing protocols that focus on both hair extraction and skin care. We recommend using roll-on for large areas like legs and low-melting waxes for more sensitive areas like the bikini line, underarms, and face. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of pre and post-waxing cosmetics to ensure proper hair removal and excellent skin care for our clients.
Being the creators of this system has driven our international expansion (to over 90 countries), the opening of plants, and continuous innovation over the years, solidifying our commitment to beauty professionals and our philosophy.