Hair. We love it. We hate it. On our heads we revere it, on our bodies….not so much. Why do we wax, pluck, shave and more? There is an interesting history that spans centuries and has evolved significantly in the United States since the start of the 1900s.

Hair Removal in Early Civilization

Though the razor industry did not evolve in to taking advantage of women until the early 1900s, body hair removal has been occurring for centuries. Ancient Egyptian women removed the hair all over their body (including their heads) using seashells as makeshift tweezers, simple waxes made from beeswax and *Ouch* pumice stones. Wealthy Romans used flint razors, stones and tweezers to get rid of their body hair.

1900s U.S. Hair Removal Changes

So, when did hair removal on a grand scale take hold in the United States? Probably around the same time that razors became a commercial commodity in the early 1900s. Safety razors were on the market for years but when Gilette introduced the first safety razor around 1904 for men and in 1915 for women, hair removal took off. Part of the motivation for a “woman’s razor” was due to the rise of sleeveless dresses showing unsightly body hair of which men were apparently blissfully unaware of until bare armpits became acceptable. Gilette soon after premiered his line of disposable razor blades finding he could make money on the replacement blades rather than the razors themselves. And we are cursed with this model still today.

Mid-Century Hair Removal Evolution

That explains the underarm shaving craze, but what about legs? In the 1940s, during WWII and the nylon shortage that had women drawing stitch marks up the back of their legs with eyeliner, they were also asked in advertisements to shave their legs in order to further the illusion. Because there weren’t more important things going on at the time. With the introduction of the bikini in the same decade, women started becoming more aware and more concerned with grooming their ‘bikini zone’.

The 1960s brought us the invention of wax strips and mini-skirts, which seemed to go hand-in-hand. Of course the ‘hippy movement’ of the 1970s encouraged women to forget about shaving, but it was a temporary rebellion because the 1980s brought us the ultimate in hair removal; the Brazilian. This now popular option for complete waxing (front to back) of the nether regions was made famous by Brazilian sisters who saw the need for further grooming with the tinier and tinier bathing suits being worn on the beach. Though introduced in the 1980s, the Brazilian wouldn’t take off until the year 2000, after a particularly revealing Sex in the City episode. These days it’s incredibly common to have a bikini wax at a minimum, and Brazilian is the preferred option of many, many women as well as some men.

Waxing is used for many different parts of the body, pretty much ANY part of the body as a matter of fact. Thankfully we have come a long way from clam shells! Bang is happy to offer a variety of waxing options for men and women ranging from face to legs to our newest offer; Brazilian! Warmer weather is always right around the corner in Texas, so make sure you’re ready to bare those legs sooner rather than later. Check out all the different waxing services we offer right here and make your appointment today!

Bonus! Here are a few pro tips for before and after your waxing appointment:

• Stop use of Accutane or retinol type products for at least 3-5 days prior to waxing appointment
• Make sure to refrain from exercise for at least 24 hours after waxing certain parts of your body (you’re welcome)
• No saunas, hot tubs or hot baths for 24 hours
• Bring and extra clean pair of undies after Brazilian and bikini waxes (exposed pores = bacteria free zone)
• Cold compresses work miracles when it comes to red, sore spots
• Mild exfoliation after at least 24 hours and moisturizing lotion can keep ingrown hairs and bumps at bay
• Contact our waxing specialist for detailed information or with questions