Body hair is nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone has it. The people who you think don’t have any, actually put in a lot of effort to make it seem that way. However, if you want to get rid of your body hair and see long-term results, there are five options you can pursue.
The method you choose depends on your hair color and amount, the frequency you want to maintain it, and how much money you’re willing to spend in one sitting.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removaldark hair
Laser hair removal is appropriate for nearly every area on the body, except near your eyes, and it does require multiple sessions to get the best results. Some people need up to six treatments to get the results they’re looking for.
Laser hair removal doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be permanently hairless. Your results can last from several months to several years. Hair that does grow back will be lighter and finer, therefore less noticeable. Really, laser hair removal is a misnomer, because it really is “laser hair reduction.”
If you choose laser hair removal, expect to pay a couple hundred dollars per session, depending on where you live.
Electrolysis
Like laser hair removal, electrolysis targets and damages the hair follicle to render it unable to grow hair. Instead of using a laser, electrolysis uses shortwave radio frequencies and fine needles placed into the hair follicle. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers Electrolysis a permanent hair removal solution, but requires that it be performed by a dermatologist or licensed electrolysis.
Most people need follow-up sessions every week or two to achieve best results, and it can be performed nearly anywhere on the body.
If you choose electrolysis, expect to pay about a hundred dollars per session, depending on where you live.
Prescription Creams
A less invasive option for hair removal is the use of prescription creams, which your doctor can provide for you. These special creams inhibit the production of enzymes that are responsible for stimulating hair growth. You will need to apply the cream twice a day for a month to see results.
Your results will last up to eight weeks, at which time you’ll need to do another round of monthly cream application. The biggest downside is that these prescription creams are designed to work only on facial hair, and works best for women.
Depending on how much your health insurance will cover, prescription creams can cost about $50 per month.
Waxing
Getting unwanted hair waxed regularly can help you remain hair-free. Waxes or sugaring pull your hair out from the root, and can be performed almost anywhere on the body, except for very sensitive areas. Talk to your waxing professional about what areas you could get waxed.
The results you see after receiving a professional wax can last between two and eight weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows. You’ll need to make regular appointments for waxing to maintain your hair removal.
Depending on how much surface area of your body you wax, you could spend as little as $20 and up to hundreds of dollars for each waxing session.
Depilatory Chemicals
One of the oldest ways people have removed unwanted body hair, aside from shaving, is through depilatory creams found on the shelves of your local drug store or big box store. Depilatory chemicals usually come in the form of gels or cream that weaken the keratin in your hair. Your hair then falls out, and you can easily wipe it away.
Hair removal from depilatory creams lasts about two weeks. Because it doesn’t target the hair follicle, your hair will grow back as normal. Two weeks is still a long time, and you can repeat the process safely in the comfort of your own home.
Depilatory chemicals are the cheapest method of hair removal. You can purchase a bottle for less than $10 that will last you several applications.
Body Hair is Your Choice
It’s OK if you prefer to keep your body hair intact. Some people prefer it because it makes them feel more like themselves, or they like a more low-maintenance beauty routine. However, if you want to remove your hair, then that’s perfectly OK, too! You have the power to choose the right hair removal procedure for you, while spending as much or as little money as you’re comfortable with.
If you choose a more invasive form of hair removal, be sure to consult with a licensed professional in your area.
