If you are like most people, you would like a full head of lustrous hair on your head, and minimal hair everywhere else. Unfortunately, you can't decide where hair grows--only how you will deal with it when it arrives. If you decide to eliminate unwanted body hair, you have several different options. Depending on whether you want permanent hair removal or just a quick fix, you can find the method that is just right for you.
Step 1
See a dermatologist about laser treatments for unwanted hair. A laser sends a low energy beam into the hair follicle, burning hair at the root. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, lasers are the only method of hair reduction that can offer permanent results.
Step 2
Eliminate unwanted hair with a depilatory. A depilatory is a liquid or cream that uses either calcium thioglycolate or sodium thioglycolate to dissolve the hair protein on the surface of the skin. Depilatories are painless and quick, but the chemicals may cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Step 3
Destroy hair at the cellular level with electrolysis. Electrolysis is a hair removal technique that involves sending an electrical current through a needle to damage the hair follicle and inhibit growth. Electrolysis is safe and effective, but it takes several treatments to achieve results.
Step 4
Remove hair with a wax treatment. In a wax treatment, you apply hot or cold wax to unwanted hair and then rip the hair away with a piece of muslin cloth. While effective, this method tends to work better with light or fine hair, and many people find the experience painful. You can purchase a wax kit at the drugstore, or go to a salon for a professional treatment.
Step 5
Use tweezers to pluck unwanted hair out at the root. Tweezers are small metal forceps that allow you to pull single hairs out at a time. This method is most effective for small areas, such as random body hairs or eyebrows.
Step 6
Block androgen production to reduce the appearance of unwanted hair. Talk to your doctor about taking an anti-androgen medication to block the hormone responsible for unwanted hair growth. In addition to the anti-androgen, your doctor may prescribe the birth control pill for optimal results. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, KidsHealth says you should find an alternative hair removal method.
Tips and Warnings
- You can purchase your own laser to remove unwanted hair at home. New York dermatologist Doris Day says at-home lasers are most effective for people with pale skin and dark hair. These lasers are FDA-approved for the body, but they are not approved for use on the face.
- Waxing may cause ingrown hairs in some people. An ingrown hair is a hair that gets trapped and can't penetrate through the surface of the skin. As the hair grows beneath the skin, it can cause swelling and irritation. If you develop ingrown hairs, consult your dermatologist about possible treatment options.
Things You'll Need
- Depilatory cream
- Hot or cold wax
- Tweezers
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