Medical Reasons

In Ancient Egypt, many people removed hair from their entire bodies to prevent infestation by lice, fleas and other parasites. Often, body hair is shaved before a surgery. Many forms of cancer require chemotherapy, which often causes severe and irregular hair loss. For this reason, it is common for cancer patients to shave their heads even before starting chemotherapy.

Social, Cultural or Sexual Reasons

Hair removal is also done for social and sexual reasons based on the social acceptance of hair in human society. Most cultures have a notion about the ideal amount of hair for males and females. People who do not fit into this criterion may experience real or perceived problems with social acceptance. In ancient times, some sections of the Indian society expected widows to shave their heads, however, this practice has been done away with in modern times.

Religious Reasons

Head-shaving is a part of some cultures. Buddhist and Christian monks generally undergo some form of head-shaving during their ordination; in Thailand monks shave their eyebrows as well. Heads of Brahmin children are shaved as a ritual before beginning school.
In Military Institutions

A close-cropped or completely shaven haircut is common in military organizations. This is done to promote better hygiene and also to ensure that least possible time is spent on personal grooming. Head-shaving is not required by females in military service, although they must have their hair cut or tied to regulation length.

Body Parts where Hair is Often Removed

Hair grows on all areas of the human body except for the palms of the hands, the lips, certain areas of the genital structure and the soles of the feet. However, hair is generally removed from a few areas where it is most noticeable and visible. These are:

- Abdomen
- Back
- Eyebrows
- Face
- Head
- Armpits
- Chest
- Eyelashes
- Legs
- Pubic Area

Hair Removal Methods

There is a variety of hair removal methods available in the market. Some are temporary while others are permanent. Many have proved to be fraudulent while others exaggerate their efficacy.

Temporary

"Depilation" or hair removal from the level of skin, lasts several hours to several days. This can be achieved by:

- Shaving or trimming (manually or with electric shavers)
- Depilatories (creams or "shaving powders" which chemically dissolve hair)
- Friction (rough surfaces used to buff away hair)

"Epilation", or hair removal method where the entire hair is removed from the root, lasts several days to several weeks and can be achieved by:

- Plucking (hairs are plucked, or pulled out, with tweezers or with fingers)
- Waxing (a hot or cold layer is applied and then removed with porous strips)
- Sugaring (similar to waxing, but with a sticky paste)
- Threading (a twisted thread catches hairs as it is rolled across the skin)
- Epilators (mechanical devices that rapidly grasp hairs and pull them out)

Permanent

Though there are a few ways of permanent hair removal available, but none of them is perfect. These methods use chemicals, energy of varying types or a combination to target the areas that regulate hair growth. Methods commonly used are:

- Electrolysis
- Laser
- Prescription oral medications
- Enzymes that restrict the development of new hair cells. Hair growth will become sparse until it finally stops. Normal depilation/epilation will be performed until that time.

Doubtful Methods

The following methods of hair removal have been available over the years but there is no clinical proof of their safety or effectiveness. These are best avoided:

- Electric tweezers
- Transdermal electrolysis
- Transcutaneous hair removal
- Photoepilators
- Microwaves
- Foods and Dietary supplements
- Nonprescription topical preparations (also called "hair inhibitors," "hair retardants," or "hair growth inhibitors")

Areas Of Concern

Like with any other process there are disadvantages associated with the various hair removal methods. Many are not permanent and can cause medical problems. The costs involved are very high. A few of these methods are still in the testing phase and their methods have not been clinically proven. It’s advisable to seek guidance of a doctor or an expert when choosing these hair removal methods.

Despite some areas of concerns, if hair removal is done with the required precautions, it not only adds to the aesthetic value but also aids in personal hygiene and cleanliness.