Competitive bodybuilders traditionally remove all body hair before competitions. Removing the hair allows judges to better see muscle definition. The primary methods of hair removal are shaving, waxing, depilatory creams and laser treatments. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is up to the bodybuilder to decide which method works best.
Shaving
Cutting body hair off with a blade is inexpensive and generally painless, but it can be time-consuming. If you are male and have hair on your back, shaving your body requires the help of a friend. According to Trulyhuge.com, an electric hair clipper that cuts hair close to the skin can help you trim hard-to-reach places. Clipping body hair before shaving reduces the time it will take you to shave and the number of blades you'll have to use. Shaving can lead to ingrown hairs, so you might want to follow a shaving session with a bump-stop cream if you choose this route.
Depilatories
According to website Go Ask Alice! at Columbia University, a depilatory is a cream, gel or foam that melts hair by breaking down chemical bonds in the shaft. Sulfide depilatory creams are the most effective variety, but they tend to have an unpleasant smell. Thioglycolate depilatories smell better, but require a longer period of contact with the skin. Depilatories are also not for use on the genital area, as they can irritate mucous membranes. Bodybuilders who use depilatories usually use them in combination with shaving or another hair removal method, depending on the part of the body.
Waxing
Hot wax, cold wax and sugaring are hair removal methods that remove hair at the root. Although waxing can be quite painful, it keeps you hair-free longer than shaving or depilatories. Your skin can remain smooth for up to eight weeks afterward. Home hair-waxing kits are available in both hot and cold varieties, and many salons offer waxing services. Sugaring is another method of waxing in which the hair removal solution is made of sugar, water and lemon juice or vinegar.
Lasers and Electrolysis
Bodybuilders seeking permanent hair removal might choose electrolysis or lasers. According to the Mayo Clinic, laser hair removal works by passing a laser beam through the skin and targeting the hair pigment to destroy the follicle. For this reason, laser removal works best on dark hair. Electrolysis also destroys the follicle, but does so using electric current delivered through a sterile needle. Both methods are expensive, but for bodybuilders facing an extended period of competition, they might be the best choice.
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