What Are the Most Popular Methods to Remove Unwanted Body Hair?

Unwanted body hair is an issue that many women have to confront with. Fortunately, now there are many options to get that silky-smooth skin and remove all the excess hair that bothers you. But, with so many different methods, how can you choose the most effective one? Truth be told, it depends on the area of the body you want to tackle, pain resistance, as well as the thickness of the hair. Below is a list of the most popular methods and how effective they are, to help you decide the most appropriate method for you.

Shaving

Shaving is perhaps the most popular method to remove unwanted hair. The reason it has become so popular is that it is cheap, fast and easy, but it does come with a set of disadvantages. You can shave unwanted hair from all areas of the body, but keep in mind that shaving does not remove hair. It rather cuts it, leaving the roots untouched. This means that, besides the hair growing back much faster (2-3 days), in time, it will tend to grow back a bit thicker and darker.

To get the best results, it is recommended to change the razor after 10 complete uses, as the blades will lose quality and you risk irritation. Shave against the direction of hair growth and, for best results, take a hot bath or shower before, to open pores. Exfoliating is also recommended before shaving, as well as using a shaving gel instead of plain soap for better results.

Waxing

Waxing is another popular method, much more effective than shaving and with long-lasting results. After waxing, hair grows back much thinner and lighter, as it is removed from the roots. Although it is quite a painful method, especially if you have sensitive skin, going out with smooth skin that lasts 4-5 weeks is worth the pain.

Waxing sensitive areas, such as the bikini area and armpits may scare you, but in time, the pain will become lighter. If it’s your first waxing, start with the legs, to get used to the sensation, and move your way to the arms, armpits and bikini area afterward.

While you can wax at home, it is recommended to let a professional do it, to avoid unhappy situations, such as applying the wax when it is too hot or too cold, or removing it too slow and causing more pain.

Laser hair removal

Laser removalmultiple treatments

How does it work? The laser beam burns and destroys the hair bulb, in time preventing it from growing back. The method tends to be more efficient on darker hair and you may be required to shave a few times before, to thicken the hair and make the removal easier. “Laser hair removal can reduce hair growth by up to 92%. After the first few sessions, which have to be done more often, clients only have to come for maintenance sessions once or twice a year and the process.” say experts from a Toronto laser hair removal clinic.

Epilation

Using electrical devices, such as epilators, to remove unwanted body hair is another popular method. An epilator plucks multiple hairs at once, removing the roots as well and leaving behind a smooth skin. In some areas that are more sensitive, such as the bikini area and armpits, epilation can be quite painful and it can get you some time to get used to the feeling.

While painful, epilation has a long-term effect and it can take as much as 3 weeks for the hair to start growing back, so it makes the discomfort worth it. To get used to the feeling, start with areas that are more pain-resistant, such as legs and arms. In time, less hair will grow back and, when it does, it is going to be much thinner, making the process much more bearable.

For better results, exfoliate before, to help ingrown hair break through, and brush the area with a towel to lift the hair up.

Depilatory creams

Another cost effective and fast method, but quite messier than shaving, is using depilatory creams. The advantage it has over shaving is that you don’t risk cutting yourself in the process, but the results last quite similar. Depilatory creams dissolve the hair on your body and they have to be used with caution, as they can cause burns if left on too much.

Be sure to read the label before using the cram and make sure to use one that is specially designed for the area you are using it on. Never use a depilatory cream designed for your body on your pubic hair, as the skin is much more sensitive and it can lead to bad results. Follow the instructions on the box thoroughly and test the cream on a small area before using it, to make sure you don’t have any allergic reaction to it.

Bleaching

If you want to make the hair on certain areas less visible, bleaching is the way to go. It is quite a popular method for areas such as the face, stomach, back and sometimes arms. Bleaching kits can be found everywhere and are quite easy to use, if you follow the instructions on the box.

Don’t use bleach on areas that are covered in blemishes or where the skin is too sensitive, such as the bikini area. Bleach should not be left on the body for more than 10 minutes as it can cause bad reactions. If you are not satisfied with the results the first time, you can try again after 24 hours. Make sure the hair is fully covered in bleach, for it to completely be removed of color.