Most people have unwanted hair they have to contend with, but deciding on how you want to remove that unwanted hair really comes down to personal preference. There are several methods you can use, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The most important thing when it comes to hair removal is finding a method that works best with your skin and doesn't cause irritation and discomfort.
There are ways to achieve smooth, hair-free skin without any bumps or redness, but it takes the proper tools and a bit of practice to perfect each method. Some of these methods require the experience of a certified esthetician, or a qualified healthcare provider. Performing certain hair removal techniques without the proper equipment or experience can lead to harmful consequences, particularly for those with sensitive skin. Here are the most common hair removal methods to help you decide which method is right for you.
1 - Shaving
Shaving utilizes a razor to cut the hair down to the surface of the skin. Using shaving cream allows the razor to get closer to the skin, resulting in a smoother shave. This method is fast and painless, but the hair grows back quickly and is often quite coarse because the razor creates a blunt tip on the end of the hair follicle.
2 - Tweezing
Tweezing is performed with an instrument called a tweezer, which grips onto the hair and removes it below the surface. The hair generally takes 2 to 6 weeks to grow back, depending on how quickly your hair grows. The disadvantage of tweezing is that it's painful and it can cause redness and irritation on sensitive skin. It's also time consuming, so it's best to only use this method on small areas, like the eyebrows or upper lip.
3 - Waxing
Waxing can be done at home or by a professional esthetician. It's excellent for larger areas of the body because it removes many hairs at once in a quick and efficient manner. Hair usually grows back within 4 weeks, and it needs to be at least a quarter of an inch long in order to be waxed again. Those that wax frequently have reported their hair growing back lighter and finer over time. Waxing, like tweezing, can cause mild to severe skin irritation.
4 - Depilatory Creams
Depilatory creams contain chemicals that target a specific protein in your hair. This makes the hairs fall out easily by simply being wiped away. It does not completely remove the hair follicles, however, so the results may only last 1-2 weeks. While this hair removal method is painless, it can cause skin irritation, rashes, and even chemical burns, if not used properly.
5 - Electrolysis
Electrolysis uses a fine needle to target individual hairs and destroy their growth with heat or chemical energy. This takes several treatments, done over the course of a few months. Once treatments are completed, hair will be gone permanently. This can only be performed by a dermatologist or other qualified professional and can be costly. Side effects are generally mild and include redness and irritation at the hair removal site for a few hours to days after treatment.
6 - Laser Hair Removal
Similar to electrolysis, laser hair removal targets individual hairs and destroys them with a heat laser. Treatments occur every few weeks and it can take several treatments to completely destroy the hair follicle. The hair removal isn't permanent, but it can take as long as several months to years for the hair to grow back. Mild discomfort can occur during treatment and can be alleviated with soothing creams containing aloe. Skin irritation and redness is common after treatment, but generally goes away after a day or two.
7 - Medicated Creams
Less costly than laser hair removal or electrolysis, but more permanent than shaving, tweezing, depilatories, and waxing, medicated creams work by stopping the enzymes that promote hair growth. The creams need to be prescribed by a doctor and vary in price, but are generally less-expensive than other long-lasting or permanent hair removal methods. Side effects may include skin irritation, rashes, and even acne. Hair may take as long as 8 weeks to grow back, depending on how quickly your hair grows.