The term used to describe the temporary removal of hair at or near skin level is:

The term that specifically refers to the temporary removal of hair at or near the skin level is depilation. This process includes hair removal methods that do not involve extracting the hair from the follicle, meaning the hair is cut or dissolved at the skin surface. Common depilation methods include shaving and the use of depilatory creams, which work by breaking down the protein structure of the hair.

Understanding depilation is important because it differentiates from other hair removal techniques. For instance, waxing and sugaring involve the removal of hair from the root, resulting in longer-lasting effects as they disrupt the hair growth cycle. Epilation also refers to the removal of hair from the follicle, similar to waxing, thereby making these methods suitable for more permanent hair removal solutions.

Recognizing the unique characteristics of each hair removal method helps in choosing the appropriate technique based on the desired outcome, skin sensitivity, and hair type.