Unwanted hair
Unwanted hair is an age-old problem that affects both women and men. Excess body hair can be embarrassing, unsightly and can cause irritation in places where the hairs are likely to be pulled and tugged, e.g. during sports. In many cases excess body hair is hereditary, and can be influenced by race, age and hormonal conditions.
Unwanted hair is most often experienced by women on the face, especially the upper lip and eyebrow areas, under the arms, the bikini area and legs. Women often experience a spurt of unwanted hair growth spurt pregnancy or the menopause. Men tend to also experience unwanted hair on the face, e.g. between the eyebrows, and often opt to remove hair on the neck, on the back, chest and upper arms. Athletes may want to remove hair on their legs for hygiene reasons and comfort.
Diagram of skin
Epidermis
One of the two layers of skin, the epidermis is the outer or surface layer of skin. The main purpose of the epidermis is to protect you from the environment. It also contains pigment producing cells that when exposed to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun turn your skin darker.
Hair follicle
This is a tube-shaped sheath that surrounds that part of hair which is under the skin. The follicle at its base nourishes the hair.
Dermis
One of the two layers of skin, the dermis lies beneath the epidermis and consists of connective tissues (collagen and elastin), hair follicles, blood vessels and sweat glands. As well as containing these the dermis cushions the body against stress and strain.
Sebaceous (oil) gland
A small sack shaped gland that releases an oil called sebum. This oil ensures that the skin and hair are waterproof. The glands deposit sebum on the hair shaft, which as it grows is brought to the surface of the skin.
Erector muscle
This muscle connects each hair follicle to the epidermis. When it contracts it results in the hair being pulled upright forming what is commonly known as a 'goose bump' on the skin. This occurs in response to cold (heat regulation) or fear.
Papilla
At the bottom of the hair follicle is the papilla. Fed by blood capillaries this is where the actual hair cells are produced and hair is constructed.