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Which of the following types of hair removal uses a caustic alkali preparation?

  1. Shaving.

  2. Threading.

  3. Depilatories.

  4. Waxing.

The correct answer is: Depilatories.

The type of hair removal that utilizes a caustic alkali preparation is depilatories. These products are formulated with chemical agents, often containing alkaline substances, which break down the protein structure of the hair, allowing it to be easily wiped away from the skin's surface. Depilatories offer a non-mechanical method of hair removal, making them appealing for larger areas or when a more profound and longer-lasting removal is desired compared to methods like shaving, which only cuts hair at the surface level. In contrast, shaving involves using a razor to cut hair at the skin's surface, and does not employ caustic chemicals. Threading is a precise method involving the use of a twisted thread to pull hair from the follicle, which does not involve any chemical agents. Waxing involves applying a sticky substance that adheres to hair and pulls it out when removed, but it also does not use a caustic alkali. Therefore, depilatories are specifically designed to chemically dissolve hair, confirming that they are the correct choice for this question.