Taboos, Tools, Techniques in Hair History
Hair History Around The World
Hair has always been a hot topic in societies around the world. For as long as humans have existed, they have been on a search for methods to remove their hair. Whether for vanity, religion, or even safety, there have been interesting beliefs about hair, and there have certainly been some odd methods of removing it. In this article, we will discuss some fascinating hair removal taboos, tools, and techniques throughout history and the world.
Contrary to contemporary times, hair removal has not always been about vanity. Throughout the caveman era in ancient Greece and Egypt, men believed hair removal was essential for survival. They speculated that removing hair from their head and beard would protect them from any invading force that could try to grab onto them during battle. They felt that hair removal was a safety shield in war times. Hair removal has held other significance as well. In some Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, and Hindu traditions, head and eyebrow shaving has played a role in regards to joining a monastic community or beginning school.
Women in a variety of cultures have also indulged in hair removal practices. In ancient Egypt, Greece, and the Middle East, women aimed to rid their bodies of all hair, head to toe. Sometimes, they would rid the head of their hair! In the late 1500s, women began removing hair from their eyebrows and foreheads, which they believed made them appear more fashionable. Many women used walnut oil on kids’ foreheads to stave off hair growth. Possibly one of the strangest techniques, women even created bandages of ammonia (cat feces and vinegar) to prevent hair growth.
In the early 1900s, societal beliefs about hair in the US and Europe took a turn. Ads claimed that hair on the face, neck, legs, and arms was “humiliating.” Models were featured in magazines with no armpit or leg hair. These types of media campaigns set the stage for the mainstream public’s acceptance of hair removal, which is still widely understood today.
There have been many techniques for hair removal throughout time. In the earliest of times, people used what they could find! According to History Undressed, this meant items like sharp rocks, pumice stones, flint blades, bronze, and seashells. Items like these were dangerous and, likely, pretty painful. Not to mention, scraping at the skin with these tools was time-consuming. It has been said that ridding hair in a single area could occur over three years.
However, several historical techniques are still applied today, though many have been modified for safety and ease. Waxing was utilized in olden times. Applying a beeswax paste followed by a thin cloth pulled hair out in patches. In the Roman Empire, wealthy class citizens harnessed creams, razors, and tweezers. Another ancient method was threading, which meant weaving yarn through fingers and roughly rubbing it on the hair. This technique would result in pulling the hair away from the body and is practiced today.
We hope you enjoyed learning a bit about hair history. As this article illustrates, you are not alone in your quest for a hair-free life. Men and women around the entire globe have sought for a silky, smooth skin for centuries. Finding the best method that suits your goals is not always easy. Of all the methods available today, electrolysis is the ONLY permanent, FDA-approved hair removal method. If you want to explore electrolysis or book an appointment, please call us today.
https://www.historyundressed.com/2008/03/ladies-have-you-ever-forgotten-to-shave.html
https://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/tips/g8155/history-of-hair-removal/?slide=2