Here is a chronological order of the different facial hair removal methods, followed by the various cultures across the world:

Pre historic time: Stones and shells were used as ‘Hair Pluckers’, to painstakingly pull out each strand of hair

BCE: Stone blades were used for shaving and they were gradually replaced by copper knives and blades of other metals. Shaving was pretty common facial hair removal method for both men and women.

From BCE up to 500 CE: Apart from shaving, methods like tweezing and threading became popular methods of facial hair removal. Waxing was another popular form of hair removal. But it was mainly used for body hair removal; waxing was rarely used for facial hair removal. Threading was (and is) considered a very effective but painful method of permanent hair removal. Usage of natural and herbal resources for hair removal was introduced during this time. A mixture of turmeric powder, honey, besan and milk was used as a face pack that removes hair. Its effects are gradual but completely effective. That is probably why this method is still prevalent in eastern countries. Many methods that were introduced in this era have survived to the present day because of their effectiveness.

Before 500 CE: Shaving continued to be a popular technique of facial hair removal. But the upper classes and rich people started to use depilatory solutions, creams and powders. This method became popular because the results were immediate (but temporary) and painless. The other methods were also in prevalence but only by the ordinary strata of people.

500 CE to 1900 CE: This is an era when facial hair removal techniques were segregated and differentiated as ‘For Men’ and ‘For Women’. Shaving was an accepted method for men and anything else was frowned upon as being too effeminate. All other techniques were used by women. No new facial hair removal techniques were introduced but the older methods were experimented upon and variations in techniques were developed and used.

1900 CE to the present day: Facial hair removal for women has received much more prominence during the beginning of this era. It has almost become taboo for women to even give a hint of facial hair. As the era has progressed, more advanced techniques were discovered and during the present times, electrolysis, laser treatment, IPL treatments and even usage of microwaves have been introduced as effective facial hair removal methods.