You have several options to prevent the growth of unwanted hair. Most over-the-counter hair removal options, such as depilatory creams, waxes and shaving or tweezing devices, are temporary solutions. They do not permanently remove hair, because they leave the hair follicle alive and healthy. Even if hair is pulled out by the roots, healthy follicles will generate more hair.
Permanent hair removal methods include laser hair removal and electrolysis. These methods destroy hair follicles, but they are costly and usually cause some painful side effects.
Temporary Removal Methods
Step 1
Shave the area of your body from which you want hair removed. This action cuts the hairs down to skin-level or just below. Stopping here means that as soon as the hair grows a millimeter or two, it will be visible once again. If the skin in the shaved area becomes red or inflamed, wait until the inflammation settles down before proceeding to the next step.
Step 2
Apply a depilatory cream to the shaved area. Note that these creams should not be applied close to extremely sensitive skin or the mucous membranes. Apply the cream to the chest, back or legs, but not too close to the nose, eyes, lips or genitalia.
Step 3
Let the depilatory cream sit on your skin only for as long as the instructions specify. When you remove the cream, the hair in the area will have been dissolved to well below skin-level. Several days of growth will be required before the hair becomes visible again.
Step 4
Use waxes or tweezers for hair in sensitive areas, such as in the nose or around the genitalia. These two methods pull hairs out by their roots, thus delaying their reemergence.
Permanent Hair Removal
Step 1
Consult your doctor about whether you should pursue laser removal or electrolysis for a permanent solution to your unwanted hair problem. He will help you decide based on his knowledge of your health, economic situation, tolerance for side effects and the clinics in the area.
Step 2
Shop around for a clinic with the best combination of affordability and reputation. Many clinics have nationwide offices and are highly reputable. Local businesses can be good as well, but check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure they are reputable.
Step 3
Prepare yourself financially. Prices for permanent hair removal treatments range from approximately $100 to several hundred dollars per session, and you will likely need multiple sessions to achieve the desired effect. Also, the side effects of treatment can be severe: they include irritated and potentially blistered skin and could possibly require you to take a day or two off work.
Step 4
Follow the clinician's orders to the letter when preparing for your treatment and dealing with its side effects. Serious infections and dangerous sunburns are common in permanent hair removal patients who do not handle themselves with care after treatment.
Things You'll Need
- Depilatory cream
- Shaving razor
- Hair removal wax
- Tweezers
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