There are many known differences between human beings and other mammals. However, one characteristic we do share with our ‘furry cousins’ is that all of us have hair^[1]. Although its vibrancy, density, and distribution varies from person to person (and animal to animal), the fact remains that at some point in our lives, most human beings start developing body hair.

Some embrace their covering of hair, some don’t. Most people sooner or later will ponder over what to do with the hair on their bodies – whether to leave it be or have it removed. Here we take a look at how hair density, distribution, and vibrancy differs across the body, why hair appears on the body and what to do if you want to get rid of excess hair.

What is hair made of and how does it initially appear

The human skin is covered by follicles which produce protein filaments; hair^[2]. Regardless of their sex, from an early age most people are coated in vellus hair which is fine and light in colour. Androgenic hair, generally referred to as body hair, normally develops during puberty and is the result of vellus hair transforming into terminal hair (thicker, darker hair)^[3].

This being said, the amount of Androgens (hormones) someone has can dictate how much terminal hair is produced. This is why men tend to sport more body hair than women^[4]. Human hair, irrelevant of where on the body it is, adheres to a growth cycle, consisting of three stages: anagen (growth stage), catagen (transitional stage) and telogen (growth ceases and hair falls out)^[5].

Head hair

The duration of the three stages, along with the number and size of hair follicles you possess in a certain area of the body, determine the hair and the manner (density and vibrancy) in which hair grows in particular areas. In regards to head hair for example, the anagen phase lasts around two to seven years. This time period changes from person to person and can be affected by various factors such as genetics, hormones, and even stress. The anagen phase tends to be far longer in head hair than body hair, which is why (thank God for small mercies!) the hair on our bodies is usually a lot shorter than the hair on our heads.^[6]

Body hair  

The anagen phase for body hair normally lasts around 30 to 45 days^[7], a considerably shorter period of time than head hair. The reason the Anagen phase alters in various parts of the body is mainly due to hair having different functions, and of the hair being specific to certain parts of the body. Eyebrows, for example, keep sweat from entering the eye and therefore need to be a certain length and density.^[8]

How to get rid of excess hair

Now that we’ve gone through the science, let’s see how unwanted hair can be removed if needed. Different hair removal techniques can be effective for various types of body hair.

Legs

Legs are sometimes the first body-parts that are considered when hair removal is pondered on. This is true for the times when the sun comes out and you want to flaunt your legs. As this can be quite a large area to tackle, Veet In Shower Hair Removal Cream can be a good solution for the legs. The cream can be applied easily in the shower and works in as little as five minutes. It leaves your skin feeling smooth for up to twice as long as shaving, meaning that you spend less time spend getting rid of those unwanted hairs^[9] and more time to start digging through your wardrobe for those sun-dresses. Always be sure to read the instructions carefully before applying cream.

Bikini line

Hair growth along the bikini line can be frustrating, particularly during those hot summer months. Not everyone wants hair sprouting out when they’re looking glamorous on the beach. As this area tends to be delicate, Intense Pulse Light (IPL) could be a less painful and a more long-term solution compared to waxing.^[10] Rather than making constant trips to the salon, Veet Sensitive Touch Beauty Trimmer could be a more affordable and convenient form of hair removal, all in the comfort and privacy of your own home. With every use, the safe-to-use device works by trimming the hair as close to the skin as possible, and it is ideal to use in the delicate bikini area. Remember to use the correct heads and follow the instructions on the pack for best results.

Arm pits – warm wax

Armpit hair has recently been a heated topic of fashion-debate. Not only has the age old question as to whether to remove it or not been in the spotlight, but new styles and colours have even been deliberated upon. Luckily, for those of you who love having smooth skin under your arms, Veet Spawax could be the answer to your questions. The kit is easy-to-use, ensures the wax is evenly spread and, ultimately, it can provide up to 28 days smoothness^[11]. It can be used on all skin types and only takes 20-30 minutes to prepare. Try it to get the maximum coverage and easiest removal of hair from the bikini and underarms area – you get more precise and long lasting results! The wax is made with the same ingredients as salon wax and, in removing short hair from the root, it could leave you feeling smooth for up to four weeks.

The right hair-removal method for you may vary when it comes to different areas of body hair. Luckily there are more hair removal options available to you every day. When in doubt, always remember to check the Veet packaging to learn which products will be safe for which zone of the body. So now there’s no need for monthly salon trips as a means of ‘Hairway to Heaven’ – Veet gives you salon-wax like results from the comfort of your own home.^[12]

 

[1] https://hairfoundation.org/hair-library/article-hair-science.htm

[2] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2265.1994.tb02483.x/epdf

[3] https://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/parts/human-body-hair.htm

[4] https://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2013/02/why-testosterone-effects-body-hair-growth/

[5] https://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2012/05/why-does-hair-only-grow-to-a-certain-length/

[6] https://www.wired.com/2015/04/hair-only-in-some-places/

[7] https://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2012/05/why-does-hair-only-grow-to-a-certain-length/

[8] https://www.wired.com/2015/04/hair-only-in-some-places/

[9] https://www.veet.co.uk/products/creams/creams/veet-natural-inspirations-hair-removal-cream-with-shea-butter/

[10] https://www.veet.co.uk/products/intense-pulsed-light-ipl/infini-silk/infini-silk-pro/

[11] https://www.veet.co.uk/products/warm-wax/electrical-roll-on/veet-natural-inspirations-easywax-electrical-roll-on-kit-all-skin-types-legs-arms-with-shea-butter/

[12] https://www.veet.co.uk/products/warm-wax/electrical-roll-on/veet-easywax-electrical-roll-on-refill-sensitive-bikini-underarm/