Hair removal in men and women involves the same techniques, but the area of removal may differ. The most common areas for body hair removal in men are the chest, back and shoulder, with athletes often opting for smooth arms and legs. The most appropriate method of hair removal depends on personal preference, how much you are willing to spend, and whether you desire temporary results or a more permanent solution for unwanted body hair.
Step 1
Shave unwanted hair off your body using a new razor and plenty of shaving cream or gel. Soften hair before shaving by showering first or soaking in warm water. This will make shaving easier, reduce friction and skin irritation, and help prevent ingrown hairs. While shaving is a simple and affordable method of hair removal, the results last only one or two days.
Step 2
Use a chemical depilatory cream to remove unwanted hair on your chest, back, arms or legs. Depilatories, or hair removal creams, are available in most pharmacies, and work by dissolving the hair proteins, causing hair to loosen and then fall out. Depilatories provide longer-lasting results than shaving, according to the Nemours Foundation.
Step 3
Wax away hair by applying wax to the intended area and then covering the wax with strips of cloth. When the wax dries, pull the strips off your skin, against the direction of hair growth. This should remove unwanted body hair by the roots, which means hair will not grow back for four to six weeks. Note that waxing is painful, especially in the genital area. You can purchase waxing kits at your local pharmacy, or visit a salon for a professional hair-removal session.
Step 4
Undergo electrolysis, a procedure that involves penetrating the hair shaft with a needle to administer electricity to the follicle. This electric shock kills the cells responsible for making hair, which makes electrolysis a truly permanent method of hair removal. Because electrolysis treats each hair individually, large areas may require weekly treatments by a dermatologist or other professional for a year or longer.
Step 5
Ask your doctor about laser treatment for your unwanted body hair. Laser therapy uses a low-energy beam of light to destroy hair roots. While it may require multiple visits before your hair is completely gone, this method of hair removal is long-term and sometimes even permanent. Laser hair removal may cause scarring and is limited to small sections of the body at one time. Laser therapy is most effective on light-skinned men with dark hair, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Step 6
Try intense pulsed light (IPL) hair removal instead of traditional laser therapy to reduce the risk of scarring and other side effects. IPL uses a pulsed light to heat the hair follicles, causing them to deactivate or die. Hair will fall out a few days after treatment.
Things You'll Need
- Razor
- Shaving cream or gel
- Depilatory cream
- Home waxing kit
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