According to the Nemours Foundation, choosing a hair removal product that fits your budget is relatively easy. Each are relatively simple to use and won't react with your skin type. Shaving is one of the most popular forms of removing unwanted hair, but many women prefer not to undergo the late afternoon or evening reappearance of the errant hairs. Stronger products that remove the hairs for longer periods of time usually are more appropriate for women.
Depilatories
Depilatories are creams or lotions that melt the hair by counteracting the protein that hair is made from. The cream typically seeps below the skin so that the hair is removed on top and just below the surface. Hair that's been removed with a depilatory may not reappear for up to two weeks. Depilatories are designed for specific uses, ranging from legs and armpits to special formulas designed for more sensitive areas on the face and the bikini lines. They are commonly available over the counter and are relatively inexpensive. According to the Nemours Foundation, the harsh chemicals in depilatories can leave a rash or cause sensitive skin to break out. It's best to test a small amount on a patch of skin before applying to larger areas.
Prescriptions
A dermatologist can prescribe a cream called eflomithine to women with excessive facial hair. According to the Nemours Foundation, the medication makes the hair finer and lighter so that it is less noticeable and easier to remove by other means with less obvious shadows when it grows back. Side effects of eflomithine include acne and rashes. Many women use prescription oral contraceptives to reduce the amount of unwanted hair they have. The hormones in the contraceptive often work effectively with other hormonal treatments to remove unwanted hair.
Wax
Hot wax treatments to remove unwanted hair can be purchased over the counter for use in the privacy of your home or you can receive hot wax treatments from a salon or cosmetologist. According to the Cleveland Clinic, hot waxing can be ineffective because it often leaves stray hairs behind. The warm waxy solution is placed over the skin and left to harden. It then is tugged off, pulling out dead skin and hairs with it. Hot waxing is a painful process and can cause infections and leave skin red and irritated. It is commonly used around the eyebrows, upper lip and bikini area. The skin that's been waxed usually can remain hair-free for up to four to six weeks.
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