There are several distinct places many people do not want hair, regardless of the fact that it naturally grew there. Thankfully, there are many hair removal options, and most can even be done in the privacy of your home. Most methods are effective, with the main difference being the amount of time it takes the hair to grow back. Professional methods provide truly long-term or even permanent hair removal, but they are much more expensive and require a longer commitment for treatments.
Waxes
There are waxes for home use, and those that require a professional. Home kits include similar equipment as what salons use, although the limited physical ability to see the area you are waxing can be a drawback. There are waxes you apply hot, and they cool hard; those you apply warm and then use cloth for removal; and cold ones in a ready-to-use piece that you place on the area and pull immediately. All types incur some degree of discomfort as the hair shafts are pulled out of the follicle. Waxing proponents claim slower and reduced regrowth of hair make this form of hair removal superior.
Sugaring
Sugaring essentially has similar pros and cons as waxing because it is a sugary coating you apply to the skin and then rip off using a cloth to pull the hair from the follicle. Sugaring can be messy due to its sticky nature.
Epilators
An epilator is similar to waxing in that it pulls the hair out of the follicle, but it uses an electrical appliance. Again, a possible drawback to this is the pain associated with the hair removal. It is less expensive over the long term than waxing, since it can be done at home much easier than home waxing and without paying an aesthetician. Unfortunately, as with waxing, the hair must regrow to about 1/4- inch long before it is effective to use again.
Friction
Friction mitts have emerged that use a rough surface to essentially sand off the hair shaft near skin level. This can leave rough ends of hair, lasts for a very short time and dark hair can still show shadows beneath the skin. It is very inexpensive, painless, exfoliates skin and can be done at home easily.
Threading
Threading is a method widely used in Eastern countries, but it is quickly gaining popularity elsewhere. It involves a trained person using thin threads to wrap around hairs and rip the hair from the follicles. It is relatively inexpensive, since is usually only performed for small areas, such as eyebrows and upper lips.
Depilatories
Depilatories work by dissolving the hair using an acid-based substance to break down the structure of the keratin that comprises the hair shaft. Most include a moisturizer, but often the acid base can still be irritating to the skin for some users. The result usually lasts three to five days. This is an easier and less-expensive solution to hair removal than waxing, but results don't last as long.
Shaving
Shaving is probably the easiest method of hair removal. It requires simply a razor; blade or electric, and a few moments of time. Some people like to use soap and shave in the shower; other prefer a shave cream or gel for lubrication. There is a minimal risk of being cut or having razor bumps, but no major side effects or risk of allergy. Blades require frequent replacement, and results are very short lived, sometimes only a day.
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