For some people, leg hair is removed to improve speed at a swim meet or to showcase muscularity while on stage in a bodybuilding competition. If you are a person that just finds leg hair embarrassing and you want it gone, you have several options for removal. All forms of hair removal offer different hair-free periods.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is performed at a professional facility by a specially-trained doctor. A tool is held against the skin, a beam of laser light is shot down and the hair follicles get damaged, causing the hair to fall out. After multiple treatments, the hair can be removed permanently. According to MayoClinic.com, choose a doctor who's board-certified in a specialty such as dermatology or cosmetic surgery and has experience with laser hair removal.
Shaving
Shaving is not only efficient at clearing facial hair, but it also removes leg hair. If you have thick, dark, terminal hair on your legs, trim it down with a pair of electric shears or scissors before shaving. After you have done that, wet your skin with warm water, apply shaving cream and glide a sharp razor blade across your skin in long, steady strokes. In between strokes, wash the blade off under the sink to prevent it from clogging up. Results from shaving last two to three days before hair starts to sprout again.
Waxing
Waxing is done with hot or cold wax and it is performed with a home kit or at a salon. Both procedures are the same. Apply the wax to your skin, spread a strong cloth strip over the top of the wax and rip it off in a fast motion. The hair, skin cells and wax all get removed, and smooth skin is left behind. According to KidsHealth.org, hair removal from waxing lasts three to six weeks.
Depilatory Cream
Depilatories come in creams, foams or liquids and they have an active ingredient called calcium or sodium thioglycolate. This chemical breaks down the protein portion of the hair, making it dissolve. After washing your skin, apply the cream liberally and let it set up for five to 10 minutes, or however long the manufacturer recommends. Wipe off the cream and dissolved hair with a damp washcloth. Hair removal lasts two weeks or less with depilatories.
Plucking
Plucking is done for small areas of hair, and you need a pair of tweezers to do it. Grasp one hair at a time and pull straight out in a steady motion. Although this is painful, plucking can keep hair off your legs for up to two months.
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