For as long as civilization existed, mankind has struggled with the issue of hair removal, for various reasons. In Ancient Egypt for example, total hair removal kept fleas, lice and other parasites away. Egyptian priests also believed that total hair removal symbolized purity in the eyes of the gods.

Currently in Western society, hair is usually removed for aesthetic or social reasons. Fashion dictates the "approved" amount of hair for women and men. The majority of people strive to meet this societal standard to feel accepted and confident.

Most women in Western society practise some sort of hair removal. Actually modern women usually remove pretty much all hair below their eyebrows. While the process is time-consuming, tedious and costly, women derive great satisfaction from their smooth, hair-free bodies. Recently, men have begun to feel some of the pressure women felt for decades regarding hair removal. Men routinely shave their facial hair, or at least groom it to some extent. Lately, overly hairy men have also jumped on the hair removal bandwagon; waxing, shaving or even undergoing laser treatments on their back, stomach or chest hair.

So what are the options? Hair removal is very common and widely practised around the world. Based on how permanent you want the result to be and how much you want to pay, there is a hair removal method for every need.

Shaving removes the hair above the surface of the skin. It is the cheapest form of hair removal but also the shortest lasting. Typically you will need to shave every 2-3 days to maintain the smooth appearance. People with particularly coarse hair might notice stubble sooner, even after a day. However, shaving is still the most popular method of hair removal, due mostly to its ease of use and cost-effectiveness. There are many razors and shaving creams or gels to remove hair effectively and condition the skin at the same time.

Depilatories are essentially a chemical solution for hair removal, usually in cream or gel form. The solution is highly alkaline, which dissolves the protein structure of hair and turns them into a jelly-like mass, which is then wiped off. Only slightly more expensive than shaving and still relatively easy to use, depilatories are also a popular hair removal method. Their success rate varies. Every hair structure is slightly different and sometimes you have to experiment with brands or products until you find the one that works for you. Depilatories are not recommended for people with extra sensitive skin or those prone to allergic reactions to chemicals. Before performing hair removal with a depilatory cream, it is wise to do a simple skin allergy test. Reactions can include a rash, blisters, burning skin and other irritations.

These methods pluck hair from the follicle under the skin, unlike the above ways of hair removal which only trim hair above the skin. The results are slightly more permanent, lasting for approximately two weeks (more or less, depending on type of hair)

Waxing is a form of hair removal which places melted wax over skin and allows it to cool and harden. Then the wax is pulled off the skin against the growth of the hair with a swift motion, taking the hair with it. This is usually performed at a beauty salon. However, many drugstores and department stores sell wax which does not need to be heated and is easier for hair removal at home. Waxes should not be used over varicose veins, moles, or warts. Waxes also shouldn't be used on eyelashes, the nose, ears, or on nipples, genital areas, or on irritated, chapped, or sunburned skin. As with chemical depilatories, it can be a good idea to do a preliminary test on a small area for allergic reaction or irritation.

Sugaring is a similar hair removal method to waxing, with the wax being replaced with a sugary paste and then ripped off the skin. Threading is an ancient hair removal technique, which involves a loop of thread being rolled on the skin, grabbing the hair and pulling them out. Since all of the above hair removal methods pose some sort of risk of breaking the skin, the risk of infection or irritation is present. Following hygienic precautions and using the products on healthy skin only lessens the risks.

The following claim to be permanent hair removal methods. However, some claims might be embellished and services and skill levels vary from provider to provider. Since these hair removal methods are costly and carry a significant risk factor, it's important to research the options carefully and check the hair removal clinic's reputation and references if possible.

Epilators use electric current to destroy the hair root at the bottom of the hair follicle. The loosened hair is then removed with tweezers. Although this method claims to be permanent, more research is needed to verify these claims. There are epilators available in stores for at home hair removal and these do not produce permanent results.

Electrolysis removes hair with a shortwave radio frequency, following the insertion of a thin probe into the hair follicle. There is significant data to support the claim that electrolysis is a permanent hair removal method, however the results are not instantaneous and multiple appointments are needed to produce the desired result. Side effects include infection from an unsterile needle and scarring from improper technique.

Laser removes hair with heat. Only licensed professional should be allowed the use of lasers. It is considered to be a permanent hair removal technique. Since the procedure can be painful (skin sensitivity to pain varies), a topical anaesthetic might be used. Be sure to be informed of its potential risks before consenting. Hair removal by lasers has probably the greatest probability of serious injury. Potential side effects can include blistering, discoloration after treatment, swelling, redness, and scarring. Sunlight should be avoided during healing after the procedure.