Women aren't the only ones who can be concerned with unwanted body hair. Whether the goal is better sports performance or aesthetic appeal, men are in need of hair removal options that are safe and effective. The pricier procedures are more likely to give you longer-lasting hair-free skin, but even the economical at-home alternatives will leave your skin smooth for at least a couple of days.
Electrolysis
If you have the time and the money, electrolysis is a permanent method of hair removal that's ideal for most areas of the body. The cells that cause hair to grow are killed by a needle that conducts electricity to the hair follicle. Permanent removal requires weekly treatments and can take up to a year, depending on how much hair you want removed.
Laser
Less expensive, but equally as time-consuming, is laser light. Instead of electricity, the heat of laser light kills the root of the hair. It does not kill the hair growing cells, though, so hair can grow back eventually, although often much finer and lighter. For that reason it is a good option for men who want to thin out their body hair and not go completely hairless. Laser is best for men with contrasting coloring: light skin and dark hair.
Depilatory
Chemical removers can be purchased over the counter in a variety of formulas and application types. They all work by deteriorating the protein structure of your hair, making it brittle enough for you to wipe away with a wet cloth. Depilatories can have a strong odor and may not be used on all parts of the body. You will also want to do a skin test before using. Hair removal usually lasts a couple of weeks.
Waxing
Waxing is a treatment that may be done professionally or at home. Hot or cold wax is spread over hair-covered skin and then pulled off quickly, taking the hair with it. Wax can be applied to most areas of the body, depending on your flexibility and reach. Home kits contain everything you need to complete the procedure. Waxed hair can take a couple of weeks to grow back and may come in finer.
Shaving
Shaving is the quickest and most affordable way to remove body hair although it carries the risk of razor bumps and rapid regrowth. To minimize a rough growing-in period, use a new razor and plenty of shaving cream and shave in the direction of hair growth. Shaved hair will regrow within days.
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