Home hair removal options abound, but not every method is right for all. Each method has its advantages and drawbacks, including skin irritation. Some methods remove only the hair above the skin, while others take out the root as well. Note that which ever method you use, if you experience an allergic reaction, stop using the product immediately and contact your doctor.
Chemical Depilatories
Chemical depilatories are creams that you spread over the hairs in order to dissolve them. The chemicals break down the hairs after a few minutes, and you wipe the remaining mass away. This is a fairly low-key form of removal--not much action is required other than timing and cleaning off the cream. However, not all of the hair always dissolves perfectly, so you may have to resort to a second method of hair removal for the remainder. Chemical depilatories can have strong odors and irritate skin--always test first. The Food and Drug Administration reports that some chemical depilatories have resulted in burns, peeling skin and other injuries. Don't use these on broken skin or skin that is easily irritated.
Friction
Removing hair through friction involves rubbing the hairs with a pumice stone or a mitt covered with a sandpaper-like grit. Rub the object in gentle, circular motions; some brands might require alternating between clockwise and counterclockwise circles. This can take some time. Do not apply a lot of pressure, as this can irritate skin. Friction may be more appropriate for fine hairs. This method removes hair at skin level, so the effects don't last very long. Don't use this method on broken or irritated skin, on warts, moles, freckles or anything else you wouldn't want rough stone or sandpaper touching.
Waxing or Sugaring
Waxing and sugaring use the same basic procedure to remove hair. Spread this solution over the hairs you want to remove and cover the area with a cloth strip that you pull off a few minutes later. Pull the opposite way from where the hairs point. So, if the hairs point away from you, pull the strip off toward you. Waxing uses cold or hot wax to grab the hairs. Sugaring uses sugar or honey mixed with lemon juice. Waxing and sugaring can pull hairs out including the root, so while regrowth happens, it may not happen for a while. However, Consumer Reports noted in a test of waxing kits that the wax didn't always get all of the hair out at once, requiring extra work, which may be painful. The Food and Drug Administration says to check product labels as some may advise against their use if you have diabetes or circulatory disorders. Avoid waxing and sugaring hairs that are in sensitive areas, such as the genitals or on eyelashes, and do not use waxes or sugars on moles, freckles, warts, sunburn or varicose veins.
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