Excessive body hair on men and women can be embarrassing and upsetting and can take a toll on self esteem. But people shouldn’t let unwanted body hair stand in the way of their happiness.
There are many ways to get rid of unwanted body hair, including shaving, waxing, depilatories, electrolysis, and laser hair removal. Each has its advantage and disadvantages and which to choose is a highly personal decision.
This guide offers some advantages and disadvantages of various methods and can help you decide which one might work best for you. Keep in mind that hair removal is often not permanent and is a continual process.
Shaving
Of all the methods of hair removal, shaving is the most temporary. Shaving merely trims the hair at the skin surface and does not affect the hair at its roots.
You should be sure to apply moisturizer to your skin so the razor won’t cut you. Many men and women find they have to shave on a daily basis in order to maintain a groomed look. If long-lasting hair removal is your goal, this method is not for you.
Waxing
Waxing is a tried and true method of removing large amounts of hair at one time. Wax can be applied hot or cold. The hair sticks to the wax and comes up when the wax is pulled off. It is fast and can be done at home or at a salon. But it can also be messy, difficult to get consistent results, and you must be careful to avoid infections that can result from burning your skin. What’s more, waxing at a salon can be costly.
Typically, waxing can be done on most parts of the body, the exceptions being the male genitals, nipples, inside the ears and nose, and eyelashes. Hair will generally reappear between three and eight weeks. You might find the hair is finer or that some never grows back.
Depilatories
Depilatories are creams or liquids that are applied to the skin’s surface, dissolving the hair so that it can be wiped or washed away. Depilatories work quickly — doing the best job on the legs, underarms, and bikini area — and are easily obtainable and inexpensive. But, they only last up to a few weeks, are messy, and often smell bad. Some people are allergic to them. People with coarse hair may not find depilatories particularly effective.
Electrolysis
If you’re looking for a permanent solution to hair removal, and have only a small area where you want hair removed, electrolysis may be for you. Keep in mind, however, that many people find it painful. (A topical anesthetic may be applied to ease the pain.)
This procedure requires several treatments during which a professional inserts a needle into the hair follicle, zapping it with an electric current and killing the root.
Electrolysis is the most expensive and takes the most time. Nonetheless, people with certain skin and hair types, for whom laser hair removal is not an option, might find electrolysis the option for them. Expect to pay upwards of $150 an hour for electrolysis.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is the most state-of-the-art and high-tech method in removing unwanted hair for longer and even indefinite periods of time. It is the only proven method available for easily removing hair from large areas of the body including the back, chest, legs and face. Professional laser hair removal is effective, precise and cost efficient.
That said, depending on your complexion, it may not be for you, as it works better on people with light skin and dark brown or black hair. Experienced laser clinics generally charge between $200 and $600 per session. Large areas, such as the back or legs will cost significantly more, while small areas on the face, for example, may cost less. Your particular situation will determine the exact pricing.
