Most people have some form of unwanted hair on their body. Whether you want to trim your eyebrows, eliminate that bikini line or just get rid of your leg hair, there are plenty of ways to do it.
But before trying any hair removal method make sure you consult your doctor or dermatologist.
1. Waxing
People have been using wax for centuries to get rid of body hair. The method requires melted wax to be applied to the area with hair and a rough cloth pressed over it.
Once the wax has cooled and solidified, the cloth is pulled away, bringing the hair with it. You can also buy pre-waxed cloths that can simply be heated. While there is a slight risk of from the heat, most wax used now melts at a very low temperature to prevent injury.
2. Shaving
Shaving is perhaps the most common method of eliminating unwanted hair. It involves using a sharp razor blade to cut hair off. How effective this method is will depend on the type of blade and the technique used.
You can use manual or electric razors. It’s best to look for one designed for the purpose required, such as removing leg hair or facial hair.
3. Laser
Removal of hair with lasers is permanent if you repeat the treatment several times. The laser’s light is absorbed by the hair, which results in the hair heating up right down to the root. The resulting damage prevents hair from growing again for some time, if ever. The laser technique is most useful on those with light skin and dark hair. When the hair and skin are similar in color, the lasers may not work as well.
4. Threading
Threading uses a piece of twisted thread to catch hairs and pull them out. While it is similar to plucking, no tweezers are involved. The method removes hair for short periods of time and you usually need someone else to do it for you, as it is awkward to hold the thread yourself, particularly when working on the face. Threading is usually less painful than tweezing, but it can still hurt. Try to find an expert to do it for you.
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5. Depilatory cream
You can also remove hair by dissolving it with chemicals. These creams break down the proteins in the hair. You simply apply the cream to the area you want to remove hair from and let it sit for about 20 minutes.
At this point, you can wipe away the hair or simply rinse it off with water. Test any creams first because they may irritate sensitive skin.
6. Plucking
Using tweezers to pull out individual hairs is best left for very small sections of the body, such as eyebrows. It is time consuming and can be painful. The hairs are pulled out by the roots and do not grow back for a while. The method is not usually permanent, though it can be if you pluck repeatedly for years.
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7. Sugaring
Sugaring is similar to waxing, but it uses sugar on the cloth instead of wax. You can buy the cloths already soaked in sugar, so they just need to be heated and applied, or you can make your own sugar solution. It can be painful and there is a risk of burns, as sugar can get very hot. However, sugaring is quite effective in removing hair once it has cooled.
8. Medication
Hair removal creams containing eflornithine can stop hair from growing. However, they need to be applied on a daily basis to keep hair follicles ineffective.
As soon as you stop using the prescription cream, the hair will begin to grow again. You can talk to your doctor or dermatologist about getting a prescription for hair removal creams, as they are not available over the counter in this format.
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9. Electrolysis
You will need to see a professional for electrolysis. The hair is removed by destroying the hair follicle with a thin wire inserted into the follicle. Electricity is then run through the wire.
The heat or sodium hydroxide causes complete destruction of the follicle. This method takes a considerable amount of time and is best for smaller patches of hair, but it is permanent.
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10. Abrasive gloves
Fine hair can be removed by using abrasive gloves or even pumice stones. These will also exfoliate your skin and keep it smooth at the same time. Look for the more abrasive options, but be careful. Rubbing too hard can take off the top layer of skin and cause painful rashes.
Nearly everyone has some form of unwanted hair on their body. The trick is to choose the best method for removal. If you are looking for a more permanent solution, then electrolysis or laser treatments are your best options. However, they are also more expensive.
You will find that cheaper methods are quite effective, though they will need to be repeated on a regular basis and vary in the amount of pain they cause. Test the methods that appeal to you to find out which is the best.
