Many men choose to remove their beards and mustaches, and women often remove hair from their legs, arm pits and bikini line. If you are a woman with hirsutism, you may have unwanted hair on your upper lip, chin or chest. If you have excessive hair growth, the Mayo Clinic recommends consulting with your doctor, who may be able to prescribe medication or perform procedures to remove the hair. Otherwise, remove excess hair at home by shaving, waxing or tweezing, which is commonly called plucking.
Shaving
Step 1
Thoroughly wet your skin with warm water. Kids Health suggests shaving after a shower to get the closest shave possible.
Step 2
Lubricate your skin with soap, shower gel or shaving cream if desired. This can help to protect your skin from nicks and leave your skin smoother.
Step 3
Shave against your hair growth's pattern when shaving your legs. If you have curly hair or are prone to ingrown hairs, shave in the same direction that your hair grows. This can be especially effective to prevent ingrown hairs when shaving the bikini line, where the hair tends to be coarse and curly.
Waxing
Step 1
Read all of the directions included with the waxing kit. Assemble all of the items you need and follow the instructions specific to the brand of wax that you have.
Step 2
Warm the wax as directed if necessary. If you are using a cold waxing kit, do not heat the wax.
Step 3
Apply the wax to the area with the enclosed spatula. Work quickly, especially if you are using warm wax.
Step 4
Smooth a strip of fabric over the wax, and allow it to cool and harden.
Step 5
Grasp one end of the fabric and quickly peel the hardened wax off of your skin, along with the unwanted body hair. Repeat each step for each section of hair. DermNet recommends applying pressure with your hand after each strip removal to reduce pain.
Plucking
Step 1
Wipe down your tweezers with rubbing alcohol to disinfect them. Wash the area of skin that you will be tweezing with soap and water, and pat dry.
Step 2
Hold the skin taut, and carefully grasp one hair with the tweezers. Pull it straight out, trying not to break off the hair above or below the skin. Repeat for each hair. Do not try to pull out more than one hair at a time.
Step 3
Wipe down the tweezers again after each use, recommends Kids Health. This can help prevent bacteria growth that may lead to an infection called folliculitis the next time you use the tweezers.
Tips and Warnings
- Change your razor blade often if shaving to prevent ingrown hairs and infection, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Alternatively, consider using an electric razor. Apply ice after tweezing to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Things You'll Need
- Razor
- Soap or shaving cream
- Waxing kit
- Ice
- Tweezers
- Rubbing alcohol
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