A timeline of tweezing

We’ve come a long way since, as Neanderthals, we scraped off our coarse, matted hair (and likely some skin too) with sharpened stones. But it’s fascinating to note that some ancient people tended to their unwanted hair in much the same manner as we do today. Methods have evolved over time and become more sophisticated, of course, but basic practices are timeless.

Ancient Egyptians used oil and honey to achieve the body beautiful. They practiced systematic removal of all body hair in a ritual they believed distinguished them from the hairy animal world. Ancient Greek women also eliminated any unwanted hair, as the magnificent artworks and sculptures of that period attest; men, meanwhile, were generally shown in all their hirsute glory.

Pubic hair removal commenced as soon as the hair began to appear for adolescent ancient Roman girls. They depilated, waxed, plucked and rubbed their way to a hairless pubic area using the materials available to them, including resin, pitch, pumice and a rudimentary forerunner to the tweezer. Ouch.

It’s said that Catherine de’ Medici, queen of France in the 16th century, bucked the trend and insisted her ladies-in-waiting embrace their natural state. But hair removal soon came back into favour and remained that way for several centuries, at least among upper-class ladies who had the time and resources for such beauty maintenance. English women during this period kept their faces, foreheads and eyebrows shaved or plucked, in honour of Elizabeth I.

The 19th and 20th centuries spawned products and technologies that would assist in grooming. Metal blades were crafted that allowed men to experience a close and convenient shave with a cheap, disposable razor. Electricity was introduced to unsuspecting hair follicles in the earliest form of electrolysis. And a stray laser beam on the arm of a scientist led to the discovery of permanent hair loss and the rejoicing of women all over the world as laser technology entered the beauty industry.

After initial scandal surrounding the invention of the modern bikini in 1946, there was eventual widespread adoption of the fashion, and flesh was flashed in public on an unprecedented scale. Then an interesting backlash began with the free-loving 70s. Armpits, pubic areas, heads and faces wore their hair long and proud in a challenge to conservatism and societal norms. The 1980s heralded a return to smooth bodies, in a decade clad in high-cut lycra.

In 2010, although there are some who find natural body hair erotic and others who shun hair removal as an “oppressive” ritual, the vast majority of men and women keep their hair groomed or removed in their pursuit of the physical ideal. There’s a method to suit every budget, pain threshold, gender, and body part. And not a flint in sight.

Depilation involves temporary removal of the hair to the level of the skin. Methods include:
• Shaving        
• Depilatory creams        
• Friction

Epilation involves temporary removal of the hair below the level of the skin. Methods include:
• Waxing        
• Plucking        
• Threading        
• Epilators

Permanent hair removal methods include:
• Laser hair removal   
• Electrolysis

The Aesthetics Centre
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#03-15 Great World City
+65 6820 3308, +65 6820 3309
www.AnitaSoosay.com

The Aesthetics Centre in Great World City offers the latest technology in laser permanent hair reduction. Their new generation laser provides the quickest and most comfortable way to remove unwanted hair from any part of the body, and is able to treat fine and light-coloured hair that the older lasers and IPL do less effectively. Clients will need 4-6 sessions of laser treatment for optimum results, however a visible reduction in hair growth can be expected even after the first session. The treatment sessions are short as local anaesthesia is not necessary and you are free to return to normal activities immediately after each session. Dr Anita Soosay is a trained physician who performs each treatment with due care. Prices start from $120 per session. A free consultation can be arranged by contacting the centre.

ClearSK Aesthetic Centres
Various outlets (including Orchard Central, opening soon)
+65 6478 2911 (Novena Medical Centre 24-hour hotline)
www.clearskincentre.com

ClearSK Aesthetic Centres have a permanent, safe and painless solution to unsightly and unwanted body and facial hair. Their female doctors use advanced technology machines that are US FDA-approved to selectively remove hair while sparing the surrounding skin. The procedure involves clinically tested wavelengths that permanently disable hair growth from the roots, with zero downtime for the client. It’s a swift way to permanently reduce unwanted hair to reveal smooth, silky skin. What’s more, you get no unsightly bumps, rashes or ingrown hairs, unlike shaving. Dr Shiau Ee Leng is the medical director of the ClearSK Aesthetic Centres and in her nine years of practice as a certified laser physician, she has performed thousands of successful IPL and lasers treatments on her clients.

Diana King, The Waxing Guru
25E Lor Liput, Holland Village
+65 6468 7965
dianaking.wax@gmail.com

The epithet “waxing guru” shouldn’t be lightly bestowed and Diana lives up to her lofty reputation. Indeed, this beauty specialist’s Tamil surname (Raja) translates as “King” in English and it’s an apt appropriation. Diana’s loyal clientele swears by her speed and accuracy in waxing, and after 10 years’ experience (around 20 to 30 waxes a day), it’s easy to believe the hype. She offers waxing of all the body parts, with bikini lines the most popular treatments, and claims that she can complete any wax in 10 minutes or less. Her salon is located conveniently in Holland Village and has additional therapists on hand to conduct facial, nail and body treatments. Prices range from $15 for an eyebrow wax to $25 for a half-leg wax and $45 for a Brazilian bikini wax. Only pure, chemical-free honey wax is used. Diana, Queen of Wax.

Divine MedSpa
11 Unity Street
#02-15 Robertson Walk
+65 6732 5578
www.divinemedspa.com

A course of six treatments of Efficient Pulsed Light (EPL) therapy at DivineMedSpa is said to kill over 90 percent of the hair follicles, leaving you smooth-skinned. Here are their handy tips for successful permanent hair removal:

• Adhere strictly to the treatment schedule because the laser or light can only be effective on hair follicles in a specific growth phase.
• Minimise sun exposure to reduce the risk of burns during the treatment and faster burning from subsequent exposure. 
• Shave the area a day or two before the treatment, as this allows most of the energy to be transmitted to the hair follicle and the therapist can adjust the treatment more accurately.
• For a month before the light or laser treatment, avoid waxing, plucking, threading or any other form of hair extraction.

Divine MedSpa can also assist with all your waxing needs.

Face Esthetique
190 Clemenceau Avenue
#05-09 Singapore Shopping Centre
+65 6883 2376

With 13 years’ waxing experience, the professional aestheticians at Face Esthetique promise clients fast, clean and safe treatments. They use a gentle wax for hypersensitive skin and all their waxing utensils are disposable, which means no double dipping in the wax pot! Clients are welcome to have a shower on-site before their waxing treatment. Prices range from $45 for a g-string wax to $55 for a Brazilian wax, and there is a 20-percent-off special offer for first time clients. Face Esthetique recommends the following tips for best results:

• Do not use any lotion on the genital/bikini area.
• Take an aspirin 30 minutes before your appointment if you’re worried about pain.
• Avoid getting a Brazilian wax four days before or after, or during, your menstrual cycle.
• Avoid hot baths, saunas or steam rooms for the first two days after a wax.
• Apply an astringent after a Brazilian wax to shrink pores and prevent ingrown hair.
• Don’t swim for at least 24 hours to prevent any infection to the waxed area.

Face Esthetique is a full-service beauty spa, providing facial and nail treatments, as well as hair removal.

Glo Aesthetics
Novena Medical Centre
10 Sinaran Drive #09-30
+65 6397 7012
www.gloaesthetics.sg

Infrared light systems that emit wavelengths above 770 nm are recognised as the most effective for hair removal on light-skinned, dark-haired individuals, while light source devices with longer wavelengths have the ability to treat darker skin types, including Indian and African-American skin. Glo Aesthetics uses the Cutera Prowave 770 for permanent hair removal with great success. Prices range from $200 (excl GST) for a single session on the bikini line to $2304 (excl GST) for a package of 6 sessions for smooth half-legs. Other specialised treatments conducted by Glo Aesthetics include facial rejuvenation, chemical peels, acne treatments, botox, depigmentation, and non-surgical facelifts for more youthful and beautiful skin.

Visage
402 Orchard Road
#02-12/15 Delfi Orchard
+65 6733 0933
www.visage.sg

Centrally located along Orchard Road at Delfi Orchard, Visage provides all the services of a comprehensive spa, and prides itself on its hair removal treatments. Visage believes that women choose to get Brazilian waxing done for the feeling of hairless hygiene and the freedom to wear even the most revealing swimwear and lingerie – the boost it can give to one’s sex life is an added bonus! The utmost attention is paid to hygiene standards here, with treatments performed in individual rooms with shower facilities attached for pre- or post-treatment cleaning, and only disposable utensils used. A Brazilian wax is priced from $55 upwards and first time clients are given 20 percent off usual prices for all waxing services.