Women spend approximately $10,000 and more than 60 days of their lives removing unwanted hair, according to a report on SteadyHealth.com. The most popular methods include shaving, waxing and melting the hair away with depilatory creams. Permanent hair removal requires a large initial expense, but is the least expensive form of hair removal over the long term. Two hair-removal methods, electrolysis and laser hair removal, are advertised as being permanent, but only electrolysis is endorsed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as being a permanent solution.
Depilatories
Depilatory gels, creams and lotions work best on fine hair. It takes longer for these products to work on coarse hair which may influence the results negatively. The most common problems associated with coarse-hair removal include patchy hair removal, dry skin and chemical burns. Use depilatories to remove the fine hair of the upper lip, upper thigh, bikini area and stomach. Always rinse thoroughly to prevent chemical burn.
Shaving
Shaving is the best way to remove the coarse hair of the shin and calf. Always use a fresh blade to ensure the closest shave possible and to avoid stubble. To prolong the time between shaves, apply lotions that slow hair growth to the shaved area daily. Do not shave facial hair, arm hair or any other area where the shadow from regrowth is undesirable.
Waxing
Waxing safely removes unwanted hair from the brow, upper lip, chin, arms, legs and bikini area. After waxing, you can expect smooth skin for approximately two weeks. Hair grows back softer and finer after waxing, making waxing a good hair removal technique. Most problems associated with waxing involve burns from super-heated wax and the need for excessive tweezing afterward.Test the temperature of the wax before applying it to sensitive areas. Also, match the type of wax to the job. Waxes are formulated according to hair type and hair-removal area. Make sure you are using the right wax to avoid needless tweezing. Topical anesthetics may be used to lessen the discomfort associated with waxing.
Permanent Removal
Electrolysis, the only truly permanent form of hair removal, destroys hair follicles by sending an electric volt directly to the follicle. At-home electrolysis machines make it possible to perform electrolysis in the comfort of your own home. However, scarring can occur if you don't follow the instructions closesly. If you must perform your own electrolysis at home, test your technique in a small, inconspicuous place. Wait a few days. If there are no signs of inflammation or scarring, you can begin removing hair over larger areas.
References
- Steady Health: Electrolysis and Permanent Hair Removal
- "Milady's Standard Textbook of Cosmetology"; Milady, Diane Carol Bailey and Margrit Attenburg; 2008
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