Hair removal has a long and fascinating history, shaped by culture, beauty standards, and even social status. Here are some lesser-known stories from its past.
1. Ancient Egypt & Mesopotamia: Hair Was Seen as “Unclean”
Hair removal dates back as far as 3000 BC in Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Body hair was often seen as a sign of impurity, and the more hairless someone was, the higher their perceived status.
Both royalty and ordinary people practiced full-body hair removal, including the scalp. They used tools made from shells, pumice stones, or early wax blends of sugar and honey.
The methods were primitive, but they show how far people were willing to go for the idea of “smooth beauty.”
- Ancient Tools, Real Discomfort
Shell tweezers, pumice stones, and honey-based waxes made hair removal far from comfortable.
Pain was simply part of the beauty standard of the time.
2. Medieval Greece & Rome: Even Eyebrows Were Shaped Away
The aristocratic preference for hairless skin continued into Greek and Roman societies. In some cases, even eyebrows were removed to achieve a more “refined” look.
As demand grew, early herbal depilatory creams became popular, made from natural plant-based recipes passed down through folk traditions.
People believed natural ingredients could help achieve smoother skin in a gentler way.
- Medieval Hair Removal: Herbal and Minimal Tools
Herbal depilatory pastes became a common solution for unwanted hair.
The goal remained the same—smooth, hair-free skin as a beauty ideal.
3. The 20th Century: Razors, Wax, and the Rise of Laser Technology
With modern technology, hair removal methods evolved rapidly. In the mid-20th century, women’s razors and wax strips became mainstream solutions.
Waxing became especially popular for its longer-lasting results on legs and arms, despite the discomfort it caused.
At the same time, early laser hair removal devices emerged, but were not widely adopted due to safety and skin irritation concerns.
A look at the latest IPL hair removal technology in 2026. Explore →
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