The present invention relates to a hair growth inhibitor and a depilation accelerator, each comprising a crude drug selected from Bupleuri Radix, Perillae Herba, Rhel Rhizoma and Akebiae Caulis, or an extract thereof. This inhibitor or accelerator makes it possible to inhibit the growth of body hair or promote depilation, respectively, thereby reducing the frequency of hair removal treatment. Moreover, it makes the hair body finer, thereby facilitating the removal of the hair from feet or arms.