Depilation is the removal or reduction of body hair below the neck. Traditionally, the presence of male body hair has been considered a symbol of masculinity and virility among certain cultures. However, even during ancient times, Egyptian and Greek cultures considered a hairless male body superior. In this modern era of the changing male body image, the presence of a male hairless body has arisen as a cultural norm among some male subcultures.1 The process of male body hair removal has presented the nurse practitioner with some clinical challenges.
1 Demetrius J. Porche, DNS, RN, APRN, is a professor, director of the doctor of nursing science program, and associate dean of the School of Nursing at Louisiana State University in New Orleans.