Both men and women have two types of hair on their bodies. Vellus hair is fine and light and designed to provide insulation. It is the type of hair that appears on a woman's back, chest and face. Terminal hair is darker and longer, such as the type on the head and in the pubic area. According to Skin Biology, 80 percent of women and more than 50 percent of men have unwanted body hair. The location, length and thickness of body hair depends on many factors, such as hormones, age and medical conditions.
Shaving
Shaving removes hair from the surface of the skin with a razor, moving it against the direction of hair growth. Some razors have multiple blades that allow for a closer shave, but the results still only last for one to three days. Hair that appears after shaving may appear more noticeable and feel coarse as it grows out. This method can irritate the skin and cause cuts or red bumps known as razor burn. Using a shaving cream or gel and shaving hair when it is wet may help prevent irritation.
Tweezing
Plucking hairs out by the root is referred to as tweezing. The skin is stretched tightly and tweezers are used to pull out the hair as close to the root as possible. This method is inexpensive, as it only requires tweezers, but is time-consuming because hairs must be removed one at a time. It can also be painful, cause temporary irritation and increase the chances of ingrown hairs. To reduce pain and irritation, use ice to numb the areas being tweezed. Sterilize tweezers, before use, to prevent infection. Tweezing provides results that last for three to eight weeks, when hair grows back.
Epilating
Epilating is a method that uses a rubber roller or a spring to pull hair out from the root. The roller or spring, when moved across the skin, catches hair and quickly plucks it. This method is faster than tweezing but may not be as effective because it is possible to miss hairs. Hair also must be a 1/4 to 1/3 inch long to work. Epilating is not for sensitive areas, such as armpits and bikini line.
Chemical Depilatories
Chemical depilatories, such as creams, gels, lotions and aerosols, use chemicals such as calcium thioglycolate that dissolve hair and separate it from the skin. Some chemical depilatories are made for certain skin types and sensitive areas, but you should always test them on a small area to check for sensitivity. This method can be messy. Results last for up to two weeks. You should always carefully follow package directions, because if chemical depilatories are left on too long they can irritate the skin or cause chemical burns.
Waxing and Sugaring
Waxing removes hair from the root using ingredients such as beeswax and oils. It provides results for three to eight weeks, and regular waxing can permanently destroy some hair roots, resulting in less hair over time. Hot wax is applied to the skin where it traps hair and then cools and hardens. When the wax is removed, it removes the hair with it. Cold wax is applied to the skin on precoated strips and then pulled off in the opposite direction of hair growth. Wax can be applied professionally or at home with waxing kits, and should not be used on nipples, male genitals, ears or the inside of the nose. Sugaring works and is applied just like wax, but it uses sugar and water that form a syrup.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis involves a thin needle that is inserted alongside the hair and into the hair follicle, where a combination of heat and electric current destroy the follicle and prevent it from growing hair. The hair is then removed with tweezers. This method can be painful, expensive and each hair needs to be treated individually. However, it is a permanent method of hair removal. Although there are electrolysis home kits available, they have lower voltage and provide less satisfactory results. Electrolysis should be performed by a professional due to the need for proper technique and sterile needles to prevent scarring, infection or electric shock.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal uses an intense light beam to pass through the skin. Its target is melanin, the dark pigment in hair. The heat in the light beam destroys the hair follicle. Several laser hair removal treatments are needed to eliminate hair growth completely, but any number of treatments can slow growth. The cost of this procedure depends on the size of the area being treated, and popular areas include bikini line, armpits, upper lip, chin, and the area between eyebrows. Laser hair removal is most successful with people who have light skin and dark hair. Complications include hair regrowth, darkening of the skin, blistering, scarring and scabbing.
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