Hair comes in two types—vellus and terminal. Vellus is fine and soft and typically grows on the face, chest and back. While usually light in color, your hair may be more noticeable if you have a darker complexion. Terminal hair is much darker and coarser than vellus hair. It grows on your head, face, legs, pubic area and armpits. Both hair types can be bothersome and painful to remove. Fortunately, there are many removal options that are not only efficient—but painless.
Depilatories
According to the KidsHealth website, depilatories are a safe over-the-counter way to remove hair painlessly. They are available in a liquid or cream format that can be applied to most anywhere hair grows, including the legs, armpits, face and bikini area. Depilatories interact with hair protein, causing it to dissolve at the skin’s surface. As a result, the hair can simply be wiped away.
Although results can last up to two weeks, depilatories can be messy and smelly. Use caution if you have sensitive skin. The chemicals may cause an allergic reaction, resulting in inflammation or a rash. Be sure to read instructions carefully, applying only to the area of body recommended on the packaging.
Shaving
The Kidz World website states that shaving is a quick and painless way to remove hair. To use this method, start by exfoliating the skin with a scrub or loofah. Apply a generous amount of shaving cream or gel and then shave in the opposite direction of hair growth. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the skin; doing so can cause nicks or razor burn.
Although shaving is painless, it must be repeated often. This is because shaving only removes hair from the skin’s surface, meaning hair stubble will appear within just a few days. As long as you are careful and prepare the skin with shaving gel, you can minimize nicks, ingrown hairs and razor burn.
Eflornithine
The National Center for Biotechnology Information explains that eflornithine is a prescription cream used to inhibit hair growth. Although you must continue using your current hair removal method until full benefits are noticed, this medication helps slow down and inhibit hair regrowth. It can take up to six months before full benefits are reached.
Be sure to continue taking eflornithine until your doctor directs you not to. Abruptly stopping can cause hair to grow back quickly. Although this method is painless, be careful not to apply cream to broken skin. Doing so can cause irritation and stinging.
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