Final answer:
The majority of all permanent hair removal is done by the use of laser treatments and electrolysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chemical depilatories are used for non-permanent hair removal and operate by breaking down the structural components of hair, facilitating easy removal.
However, for non-permanent hair removal or depilation, chemical depilatories are commonly used, which remove the part of the hair above the surface of the skin. These depilatories work by breaking down the disulfide bonds in keratin, which gives hair its strength, making it easy to remove.
One of the main reactions involved is between thioglycolic acid and cystine in the hair, resulting in the weakening of the hair's structure. A typical depilatory contains 5-6% calcium thioglycolate along with a base, such as calcium hydroxide, to maintain a high pH level for effective hair removal.