an apparatus and method for removing hairs from a region of skin , the apparatus including : a housing having an opening therein , the housing forming a cavity enclosing a volume of air when the opening is placed in contact with the region of skin ; a switchable heat source disposed within the housing that rapidly heats the volume of air to a temperature sufficient to destroy the hair by conduction of heat along the length of the hair to a follicle thereof ; and a power source that controllably energizes the heat source .