Hair Removal 101 | All About Hair Removal
Hair Removal
How often do you think about hair removal? Whether you are male, female, or non-binary, whether you shave daily or only before special occasions, hair removal is probably taking up more time, money, and mental space than you’d like to admit. From razor burn and stubble to constant waxing appointments and missed spots, it can feel like a never-ending chore. Choosing a smoother, longer-lasting solution means fewer rushed mornings, less irritation, and more confidence in your skin—so you can stop stressing about unwanted hair and start focusing on the things you actually enjoy.
Hair Removal Starts With Understanding How Your Hair Grows
Hair removal is a mix of biology, physics, and chemistry. Hair removal taps into the science of hair growth, where follicles cycle through active growth (anagen), transition (catagen), and resting (telogen) phases driven by hormones, genetics, and cellular signals—each strand independently timing its push through the skin from deep dermal papillae rich in stem cells. Keratin proteins harden the shaft for protection, while blood vessels nourish the bulb, making regrowth remarkably efficient as new cells divide rapidly to replace shed hairs. This biological rhythm explains the patchiness of growth across the body, denser in androgen-influenced areas like the face or underarms, and why hair persists as an evolutionary trait for insulation, sensory function, and even pheromone dispersal.
Here are some interesting facts about hair growth:
- Facial hair growth is heavily driven by androgens like testosterone, resulting in coarser, thicker strands compared to body hair on arms or legs.
- Body hair follicles have shorter anagen (growth) phases of just weeks to months, while facial hair can extend to several months for denser beards.
- Men’s facial hair grows about 0.27-0.5 inches per month, faster than most body hair due to hormonal influence.
- Arm and leg hair cycles more quickly overall, leading to shorter lengths and more frequent shedding than facial hair.
- The catagen phase, lasting 2-3 weeks, affects all body and facial follicles equally, shrinking them before rest.
- Daily shedding of 50-100 body and facial hairs is normal during telogen, but facial hair regrows noticeably faster in men.
- Genetics and hormones dictate density; facial hair is terminal (thick) while most body hair remains vellus (fine).
Because follicles can rest and then reactivate, “permanent” removal requires destroying the cells that drive new growth rather than just removing the visible hair above the skin. This is why plucking, shaving, and waxing always allow hair to return: they do not reliably damage the growth center.
What counts as “unwanted hair”
“Unwanted hair” is simply hair that a person does not wish to have in a particular area, regardless of whether it is medically normal. What counts as “unwanted hair” is deeply personal and varies widely based on gender identity, cultural norms, beauty standards, and individual preferences—there’s no universal rule, just what makes someone feel confident or frustrated in their own skin.
For women and many nonbinary or transgender individuals assigned female at birth, it often means facial hair like upper lip fuzz, chin strays, or sideburns that clash with smooth ideals, as well as thicker underarm, leg, or bikini area growth that feels out of sync with grooming routines. Men might target back, shoulder, or neck hair that creeps into professional looks, while transgender men on hormone therapy could seek to reduce chest or abdominal fuzz during transition, and nonbinary folks might experiment to align body hair with fluid expressions of identity.
Body hair preferences also shift across contexts—athletes of any gender (cis, trans, or nonbinary) often buzz or wax for performance gear like swimsuits or jerseys, while others embrace natural growth as empowering. Cultural factors play a huge role too: South Asian women might focus on arm or facial hair influenced by genetics, Middle Eastern men on ear or nose strays, and anyone dealing with hirsutism (hormone-driven excess) views even sparse patches as unwelcome. Ultimately, “unwanted” boils down to what disrupts your vibe, whether it’s stubble shadow, ingrowns from shaving, or simply wanting a sleeker silhouette for daily life.
To summarize, “unwanted hair” is whatever doesn’t align with your personal, cultural, or gender-based vision of smoothness—whether it’s facial fuzz for women and nonbinary folks, back hair for men, or transitional growth for transgender individuals seeking body affirmation. From leg stubble that roughs up your favorite outfits to bikini-area patches that hide swimsuit confidence, it’s all about reclaiming control over your look and feel, no judgments attached.
Unwanted Hair in Women
For women, unwanted hair often sneaks up in the most noticeable spots, like that stubborn upper lip shadow or chin strays that pop out after a certain age, turning a quick mirror check into a grooming panic. It’s not just facial fuzz—thicker leg hair that bristles through stockings, underarm growth that defeats even the best razors, or bikini line chaos that ruins beach days and feels impossible to tame without constant upkeep. Hormonal shifts from PCOS, pregnancy, or menopause crank up the drama, making arm hair coarser or turning sparse sideburns into a daily battle, all while society whispers “smooth is sexy” louder than ever.
Then there’s the body hair that hides under clothes but bugs you anyway—dark abdominal trails, nipple shadows peeking through tops, or toe fuzz that just won’t quit. Many women deal with this quietly, shaving for hours only to battle ingrowns, redness, or five-o’clock shadow by afternoon, wishing for a break from the ritual. Whether it’s genetic Mediterranean thickness, post-baby hormone surges, or just wanting that flawless canvas for self-tanner and dresses, unwanted hair hits confidence hard—but recognizing it as totally normal opens the door to smarter, smoother solutions that fit your life.
Unwanted Hair In Men
Unwanted Hair and Hair Removal For Transgender Individuals
For many transgender women and transfeminine people, facial and body hair can strongly conflict with their gender expression. Even when hormone therapy gradually thins hair, established follicles often remain active and continue to produce noticeable growth.
Electrolysis is frequently recommended for permanent clearance of beard and body hair in transfeminine individuals, and is often required before certain gender-affirming surgeries where hair-bearing skin will be used (for example, genital reconstruction). Because electrolysis works on all hair colors and skin types, it can treat dark, light, gray, and red hairs alike, which is crucial for long-term, surgery-safe results.
Transgender men and transmasculine people may seek permanent removal on areas such as the forearms, abdomen, or lower face to refine patterns of hair growth that feel more aligned with their identity. In both groups, permanent hair removal can significantly reduce dysphoria and daily grooming burden.
Convenient Electrolysis Los Angeles Location
From the Westside: Take the 10 east, exit on National Blvd/Overland Ave. Turn right onto National Blvd. After 302 feet, turn right onto Overland Ave. In a little under a mile, turn right onto W Pico Blvd and the destination will be on your right after .4 miles.
From the Eastside: Take the 10 west. Exit on Overland Ave and in .8 miles turn right onto Overland Ave. Turn onto W Pico Blvd after .4 miles and the destination will be on the right.
Our studio for electrolysis in Los Angeles is conveniently situated between the Westside Pavilion and the Rancho Park Golf Course.
Just south of Century City, between the 405 and the 10, our top-rated studio for electrolysis in Los Angeles is centrally located and an easy-access destination.
Hair Removal Over the Ages
Hair removal practices have evolved dramatically over millennia, driven by cultural shifts, technological advances, and growing demand for smoother skin across genders.
Ancient civilizations pioneered hair removal for hygiene, status, and beauty. Egyptians around 3000 BCE used sharpened shells, pumice stones, and early sugaring pastes made from sugar, lime, and water—still the basis of modern sugaring. Greek and Roman women applied pastes of resin and oil, while men scraped with strigils. In the Middle Ages, Europeans favored threading with twisted flax threads, a technique originating in Persia and India that persists today.
The 20th century brought modern razors (thanks to Gillette’s 1901 safety razor) and chemical depilatories. Electrolysis emerged in 1875 when ophthalmologist Charles Michel treated ingrown eyelashes, marking the first permanent method. Laser hair removal arrived in the 1990s, revolutionizing the industry but not replacing electrolysis’s FDA-recognized permanence.
The global hair removal market hit USD 3.9 billion in 2025, projected to grow at 6.6% CAGR to exceed USD 6 billion by 2033, led by North America (40% share, USD 1.45 billion).
Hair Removal Trivia
Hair removal has been around for so long, there is even evidence of Stone Age humans scraping away body hair with sharpened shells and flint tools over 100,000 years ago, showing our quest for smoothness predates modern razors by millennia. Did you know?
- Queen Elizabeth I reportedly used a mixture of vinegar and quicklime for facial hair, risking burns—early chemical depilatory!
- In ancient Rome, wealthy women enslaved others to pluck leg hair with pumice; Julius Caesar waxed to avoid “barbarian” body hair.
- Sugaring, over 5,000 years old, was Cleopatra’s go-to; modern versions rival wax for gentleness.
- Medieval noblewomen applied quicklime-arsenic for hair removal, risking burns, after Crusader exposure to Middle Eastern styles.
- Lasers can’t target white/gray hair (no pigment), but electrolysis treats all colors—key for aging clients.
Hair Removal Myths and Facts
You may have heard some of the most common myths about hair removal, or maybe even tried some of the methods. Your grandma may have a secret family recipe for a homemade sugar wax or sworn by threading with twisted cotton, swearing it beats store-bought razors every time—but whether it’s those old-school tricks or today’s gadgets, the real game-changer is finding what clicks for your skin, schedule, and smooth-skin goals without the hype or hassle.
Myth 1: Laser hair removal is permanent
False—lasers target active growth cycles, needing 6-12 sessions spaced weeks apart for 70-90% reduction, but dormant follicles can reactivate over years.
Myth 2: Lasers work equally on all skin and hair types.
Not true; best for light skin/dark hair due to melanin absorption—blonde, gray, or dark skin risks burns or poor results without specialized tech.
Myth 3: Plucking or waxing thins hair over time.
Not quite—repeated pulling stresses follicles but doesn’t shrink them permanently; regrowth returns to its genetic thickness and pattern after a few cycles.
Fact 1: Shaving doesn’t make hair grow back thicker.
It just feels coarser because cut ends are blunt, not tapered like natural tips—growth rate, color, and thickness stay the same.
Fact 2: Waxing pulls from the root for longer smoothness.
Expect 3-6 weeks of hair-free skin versus days from shaving, though regrowth starts fine before thickening over time.
Fact 3: Hair growth slows naturally with age.
Hormone shifts post-30 reduce follicle activity, making body and facial hair sparser and slower for everyone regardless of method.
What Is Electrolysis for Hair Removal?
Imagine never needing to wax, shave, or tweeze again. That’s what electrolysis provides, in the hands of the right hair removal specialist. Unlike temporary hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing, or threading, electrolysis targets the hair follicle itself, destroying it to prevent future hair growth. Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal.
The electrolysis procedure involves a fine probe being inserted into the hair follicle. During the procedure, a fine probe is inserted into the hair follicle, and a small electric current is applied to destroy the follicle’s ability to produce new hair. It then destroys the hair root and prevents it from producing new hair. This process is highly effective for all hair types and colors, making it a versatile solution for anyone looking to eliminate unwanted hair permanently.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect During Your Electrolysis Procedure
- Preparation: Before the procedure begins, the treatment area is cleansed to remove any oils, dirt, or makeup. This ensures that the skin is ready for the procedure and minimizes the risk of irritation.
- The Procedure: During the electrolysis procedure, an electrologist carefully inserts a fine probe into each hair follicle. A controlled electric current is then applied to destroy the follicle. The sensation varies from person to person, but most clients describe it as a slight tingling or warming sensation.
- Post-Treatment Care: After the session, an electrologist applies a soothing balm to calm the skin and reduce any redness. She also provides aftercare instructions to help maintain your skin’s health and maximize the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Follow-Up Sessions: Multiple sessions are usually required to achieve complete hair removal. This is because hair grows in cycles, and electrolysis can only target hair in the active growth phase. Your will schedule follow-up sessions based on your specific hair growth patterns to ensure all unwanted hair is permanently removed.
If you’re ready to experience the life-changing benefits of permanent hair removal, schedule your treatment session appointment at The Vertical Wellness Spa today. As the home of Electrolysis by Alison, we’re proud to be the #1 choice for hair removal in Los Angeles. With over 20 years of experience, Alison and her team are here to help you achieve the smooth, hair-free skin you deserve —no matter your age, gender, or skin story
Contact us today to book your hair removal procedure and take the first step toward a more confident you.