All mammals, including humans, grow hair on their bodies. The difference is, humans choose to have it removed from certain areas of the body. Whether considering hair removal for cosmetic reasons or purposes of cleanliness, choose a hair removal method that is best suited for your skin type.
Step 1
Use the conventional method of shaving. Start by cleansing the area and rinsing with warm water. Apply a moisturizing shaving cream. Use a razor to make long, smooth strokes to remove unwanted hair. Rinse with warm water. Dry the area and apply a moisturizer.
Shaving is one of the most common methods for removing unwanted hairs. It is the most cost effective and can be done anywhere that you can shower or bathe (i.e. home, hotel, gym, etc). Be aware that frequent shaving can cause ingrown hairs and slight discoloration around the hair follicles such as in the bikini area. If you have naturally curly hair, you may want to consider a different method because it can be difficult to get a close shave when the hair is not straight.
Step 2
Use a depilatory cream such as Nair to remove hair. Read the instructions to be sure that it is safe to use in the desired area. Apply the depilatory to the area and let it sit for the instructed time. After the instructed time has passed, use a towel to remove the depilatory and the unwanted hair. Rinse with warm water, pat dry and apply a moisturizer.
Depilatories contain highly concentrated chemicals that can be harmful to your skin and the directions must be followed exactly to avoid injury. Depilatories work well for those who have a softer grade of hair because the cream works fairly quickly and doesn't need to sit on the skin for an extended amount of time.
Step 3
Visit an aesthetician to have the unwanted hair removed with wax. Waxing should be done by a professional. The pain associated with waxing varies according to individual pain tolerance. Wax is applied warm to the area and cotton strips are pressed against the wax. The strips are pulled off quickly to remove the unwanted hair.
Waxing is a very clean way to remove hair. There is some discomfort involved in the removal process, so if you have a low tolerance for pain, this may not be the best method for you. The average cost for waxing can be anywhere from $25 to $60, depending on the area of your body being waxed. The frequency depends on how fast your hair grows, but four weeks is average. It is more expensive than shaving or using a depilatory; however, it doesn't have to be done as often as shaving.
Step 4
Visit a dermatology clinic for laser hair removal. Laser hair removal involves passing a light beam through the skin. When the light beam comes into contact with the hair, the light kills the hair follicle on contact. Typically six to eight treatments during a period of six to eight weeks are recommended to experience a consistent period of minimization or elimination of hair growth.
The primary appeal of laser hair removal is that it gradually stops hair from growing altogether whereas shaving, depilatories and waxing are all methods to remove hair after it grows. Laser hair removal can vary in cost; the larger the area, the more expensive the procedure. However, the average cost is $250. What you should understand is that you don't start to see a consistent period of non-growth until you have had three to four treatments. Like waxing, the need to repeat can vary based on your hair type and frequency of growth, but laser removal generally lasts anywhere from six to eight weeks, two to three times longer than waxing. At first glance, laser removal is more expensive than waxing; however, once you start to see optimal results, the cost on an annual basis can be cheaper than waxing.
Step 5
Assess your skin type and potential reactions to any hair-removal treatment prior to using it, particularly with depilatories, waxing or laser hair removal. Talking this through with your physician or dermatologist is never a bad idea.
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