Unwanted body hair is a fact of life for most women, but regular trips to the beautician to remove it can be hard on your bank balance, not to mention, a little daunting. So, if you're looking for cost-effective hair removal options you can do from the privacy of your own home, consider a few tried-and-tested do-it-yourself (DIY) treatments. Finding the right one is just a matter of choosing the one that's right for your skin, hair type and budget.
Shaving
This tried-and-true method doesn't need step-by-step instructions -- it's arguably, the cheapest, quickest and most painless way to remove hair -- as long as you wield that razor with care. Always wet the skin and use a moisturizing shaving cream before getting started, and shave in the opposite direction of the hair growth, says iVillage.com. Go for a razor that has a moisturizing strip help prevent shaving rash and dry, flaky skin. The downsides of shaving are that it generally causes stubbly regrowth and doesn't last more than a few days. So it's best reserved for the legs and underarms and avoided on more sensitive or on-show areas like the bikini line, arms and, for women, the face.
Waxing
Home waxing kits are available from most drug stores and beauty outlets, in either strips, or pots that must be heated before application. Be prepared to try a few different brands until you find the wax that's right for your skin and hair type, and the area you want to wax. According to waxing expert Cynthia Chua on Handbag.com almost any part of the body can be waxed, but it's best to wait until hair is at least 6mm and never wax sunburned or troubled skin. Always apply the wax in the direction of hair growth and remove it in the opposite direction to maximize results and minimize irritation. Realbeauty.com recommends using powder to absorb moisture while waxing and remove excess wax with olive oil if removal wipes aren't provided.
Hair Removal Creams
This option is not as scent-free as waxing, epilating or shaving, but depilatory creams do have the benefit of being pain free. However, the chemicals in these creams can irritate some skin types, so it's wise to do a patch test on your forearm before using on larger areas and never use on broken skin, says iVillage.com. Make sure you follow the directions for the particular product you're using, but for most creams, it's simply a matter of applying the cream, waiting around three to six minutes and then gently removing the cream -- and hair -- with a warm, wet face cloth or the spatula provided. Hair generally grows back soft, rather than stubbly, after about a week to 10 days.
Epilator
Some women swear by them, others recoil in pain-induced horror. These devices look like an electric razor, but instead of blades they have little coils that literally pull the hair out at the root. It's not that different to waxing, but it is less messy and it is less traumatic on the skin. If you have a reasonable pain threshold and a steady hand, epilators can leave you silky-smooth for weeks.
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