The Evolution of Hair Removal Practices

In ancient Egypt, both men and women removed body hair for cleanliness and religious reasons. They used methods like sugaring and tweezers made from seashells. This practice laid the groundwork for future hair removal customs.

During the Renaissance, body hair was often hidden beneath clothing. However, paintings and sculptures from this era show women with minimal body hair, reflecting the ideal of smooth skin, which was associated with purity and beauty.

The 1920s flapper fashion, which featured sleeveless dresses and shorter hemlines, exposed more skin. This fashion shift coincided with a rise in advertising for hair removal products, influencing women to shave underarms and legs.

Nylon shortages during World War II made stockings scarce. Women began shaving their legs to maintain the appearance of smooth skin while going bare-legged. This wartime adaptation solidified shaving as a social norm.

Contemporary media and pop culture continue to reinforce hairless beauty standards. Celebrities, influencers, and advertisements promote various hair removal methods, making it a common practice for women to maintain smooth, hairless skin.

In medieval Europe, women used a mix of cat dung and vinegar to remove unwanted hair, believing it would ensure smoother skin.