Unwanted hair can be embarrassing. Unfortunately, most permanent hair removal systems, such as electrolysis, can cost thousands of dollars without guaranteeing the desired result. Although everyone's preferences regarding hair removal varies, you can test home-removal options without spending a fortune until you find the method that suits your needs and your budget.
Depilatories
Depilatories are chemical creams, gels or sprays that contain protein-dissolving compounds. The chemicals in depilatories change the molecular structure of your hair, reducing it to a gelatinous substance and detaching it from the follicle. Hair removal using depilatories isn't permanent but, because the hair root is destroyed, unwanted hair may take weeks to return. Sulifide-based depilatories have an unpleasant odor but are the most effective, according to Columbia University Health Services.
Home Laser Removal
Laser hair removal is painless, permanent and now available at home. In 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of home laser-removal systems. A visit to the doctor's office for laser hair removal can cost $150 or more, and multiple visits are often necessary. While home laser treatments can cost up to $500, you can perform as many treatments as necessary on your own. Depending on the amount of hair you plan to remove, doing the laser treatment at home could save you thousands of dollars.
Rotary Epilators
Rotary epilators, often called electric tweezers, are similar to electric razors in appearance, but that's where the similarities end. Rather than containing a razor, a rotary epilator has rows of tiny tweezers. When rolled across the skin, these rows of tweezers pluck unwanted hair from the follicles. Because rotary epilators remove not only the hairs but the hair roots as well, the results last for weeks at a time.
Shaving
Shaving, although perhaps the most common home hair-removal system, is still one of the best. Shaving consists of pulling a razor across the areas of unwanted hair in order to cut the hairs off at skin level. Shaving doesn't remove the hair root, and hairs typically grow back rapidly. Shaving does, however, carry advantages over many other systems in that it's cheap, easy, fast and perhaps most important--painless. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you moisturize your skin well before shaving and always shave against the hair for best results.
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