The past and present of hair removal - from tweezers made of shells to the most modern device that performs painless hair removal of the face and body
Since I was born in what now seems like the distant 1970s, when Novi Fosili and Abba dominated the airwaves, I remember that back then no one really cared much about hairy legs or armpits... today such a thing is unimaginable, it even calls into question an individual's hygiene, not to mention the stigma of bad taste which is now associated not only with women but also with men.
Since the 1980s, prominent body hair has slowly become unacceptable-unless it serves as a kind of statement. But whether hairy armpits are an act of rebellion and smooth legs a sign of submission to the patriarchy is a question best left to sociologists. In my opinion, women can fight for their rights both with hairy and smooth legs and armpits. So, smooth skin on the legs, and especially under the arms, became increasingly popular during the 1980s. Around the same time, tattoos also started gaining popularity, requiring flawlessly smooth skin - but that’s a topic for a future blog post. Today, in the 21st century, permanent hair removal has become standard practice, much like taking care of your teeth, and body hair has become almost completely unacceptable anywhere except on the head, where thick hair is highly desirable (which is also a topic of its own). So now it’s not just the legs and underarms, but also arms, bikini and pubic areas, and backs, and chests for men. Speaking of men - yes, there’s definitely been a shift! Even men who don't necessarily see themselves as "metrosexual" now want smooth backs, neatly groomed beards, and chests bursting with muscles - but without any hair.
History of Hair Removal
If we go even further back through history, we will see that hair removal was popular throughout the entire history of mankind. The Egyptians were particularly advanced, getting rid of hair with sugar-based wax, which is very similar to the method still practiced today. In the Roman Empire, most Roman women preferred to remove hair from their bodies, including legs and armpits. The lack of hair was considered a sign of beauty, youth, and purity. They used various methods to achieve smooth skin, such as pumice stone, tweezers (made of metal or shells), and early forms of wax made from resin or honey. Wealthier women often relied on their maids or beauticians for hair removal.
Both men and women in ancient Rome, especially in the upper classes, valued hairlessness, as it reflected their social status and standards of personal care. Hair removal was considered part of the culture of beauty and hygiene, so those who were well-groomed in that regard were often seen as more civilized and refined. These customs were also connected to Roman ideals of aesthetics and body care. Sometimes hair was also removed for religious reasons, and there is also the well-known example of Queen Elizabeth I, who in the 16th century set the trend of completely removing facial hair, including the eyebrows.
In 1760, a French barber invented the first straight razor for men. In the 19th century, many doctors and chemists developed the first creams and products for hair removal. It was not until 1915 that Gillette® made the first razor specifically designed for women. The following decades brought electric shavers, wax strips, and hair electrolysis.
1960s
Theodor H. Maiman developed the first method of hair removal using a laser in the 1960s. However, Maiman's method could only reduce hair growth with serious damage and burns. In 1964, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new nD:YAG laser for hair removal. Although this laser was thinning hair, it did not produce permanent results.
1970s
The next attempt at laser hair removal occurred in the 1970s, when the Alexandrite laser was invented. The radiation passed through an alexandrite crystal, causing a slowing of hair growth. Although this method was safer than earlier lasers, it still did not generate enough heat to permanently stop hair growth.
1990s
Years later, Dr. Richard Rox Anderson was working at Harvard Medical School when his new colleague, Dr. Melanie Grossman, proposed researching laser hair removal. The pair began testing on dogs with thick fur, and in 1994, they published their first paper on laser hair removal in humans. The team developed a laser that uses a concentrated beam of light. This beam is directed at the skin and enters the hair follicle. As the light damages the follicle, it stops further hair growth. This process was similar to earlier research, but Anderson and Grossman managed to perfect the intensity of the laser and the duration of its application on the skin. This method received FDA approval in 1997.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal in the 21st century has gained incredible popularity, making it more accessible and available, and it can now be found in many medical clinics and beauty salons.
In the sea of options for permanent hair removal on our market, let’s analyze some of the most common FAQs.
How to choose the best method? What gives the best and most permanent results in hair removal? Which method is the least painful? Why pay more for a hair removal treatment on an expensive device when there are devices available for home use?
Before we answer these questions, here are the five leading laser technologies for permanent hair removal that are currently used in medical centers:
- Ruby (rubin) hair removal
- Alexandrit hair removal
- Diode laser for hair removal
- Nd:YAG hair removal
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal
Before tackling hairiness, my advice is to do detailed market research on methods and technologies. Look for a center that has recommendations, experience, and top-notch technology behind it. There is a lot on the market, but what matters most for you is getting the fastest and most effective results. Despite all the advancements in technology, there are many devices on the market that, simply put, do not deliver results. Some devices require endless repetitions, which takes a lot of time, and others, even with all the technological progress, are still too painful.
What I would emphasize, and always highlight in the context of aesthetic treatments or procedures, is that in untrained hands, not only will there be no results, but there can also be undesirable side effects such as burns or permanent scars. So, choose carefully! And yes, modern lasers that use contemporary technologies make hair removal almost completely painless.
Many may wonder whether waxing is still the cheapest and most effective hair removal method. The answer is very clear. This is a very old-fashioned method (as you could read from the history of hair removal), it’s painful, and it can have side effects like rashes or redness. When you add the fact that you have to wax your entire life, and with permanent hair removal, you solve your problem in just 5-7 treatments - I think the answer is clear.
What about the devices sold for home use? Although many of my patients tell me they’ve seen some results after years of use, it’s very clear that these devices cannot have sufficient strength or advanced technology, as they would be too expensive. They would also be dangerous to use at home due to potential side effects like burns, and since using this technology requires prior training.
Why Choose Alma Soprano Titanium
At Milojević Polyclinic, we always strive to offer our patients the best and newest from the beauty industry, and Alma Soprano Titanium is exactly one such device. The best on the market, painless, effective, and with fantastic results! Maybe its name is no coincidence because the treatment with Soprano is just like a song! Results begin to show after only 14 days, and it takes up to 7 treatments for complete hair removal.
Another piece of advice when choosing a hair removal device: don't always go for the cheaper option, because believe me, with a proven top-tier device like this, you will get the best "value for money" and the best results. Often, the old saying "I’m not rich enough to buy cheap things" turns out to be very true.
And before I introduce you to the incredible technical performances of the Alma Soprano device, I must emphasize that this is not just a method that will remove your hair and make the contours of your body even more attractive; it is a method that prevents medical problems. Many patients often face the serious issue of ingrown hairs, which is much more dangerous than it may initially sound and can cause serious infections and scarring. Soprano Titanium prevents these problems flawlessly and better than any other laser on the market.
Soprano Titanium device for laser hair removal by Alma Lasers combines three wavelength technologies in one system to target hair follicles at different depths. It uses:
- Alexandrite (755 nm) - Ideal for lighter skin types and finer hair
- Diode laser (810 nm) - Suitable for a wide range of skin types and hair types
- Nd:YAG (1064 nm) - Best for darker skin types and deeper hair follicles
This combination of wavelengths, known as Trio 3D technology, ensures effective hair removal on all skin types (I-VI on the Fitzpatrick scale) and various hair thicknesses, providing versatility, safety, and comfort for patients.
The medical laser has undergone rigorous clinical research and in 2019 was awarded the title of best in the laser hair removal category. Soprano Titanium features the most advanced technology and a cooling system - ICE Plus - specially designed to cool the skin during treatment, making the treatments truly painless. I am a witness to this myself, and even better, my smooth back is proof! In the past, I have also tried lasers that only use Nd:YAG technology or diode heads with weaker cooling, and once again I can confirm - Soprano really is a song...
Does laser hair removal hurt?
You will often hear that laser hair removal has to hurt. Thanks to the Alma Soprano Titanium laser, that problem is now part of history, just like the Roman Empire. Due to its revolutionary cooling system, the Titanium laser is completely safe, does not cause burns, and most importantly, is almost entirely painless. It is especially effective on sensitive areas, such as the bikini zone, thanks to the In Motion working system, during which the temperature is gradually raised through quick movements (instead of short bursts of strong energy, which can be very painful, as is the case with other lasers).
So, don't hesitate and visit our beautiful Milojević Polyclinic at Kaptol Center in Zagreb. Our friendly staff will greet you, make you the best matcha in town, you’ll relax in our cozy environment, and before you know it, you’ll be one step closer to smooth, perfect skin without any pain.
Giving someone such a lasting gift for Christmas is a great idea. Or maybe to yourself!? That’s an even better idea!