There are more options than ever before for people who want to get rid of excess hair. With all of the available choices, it can be hard to know what hair removal techniques make the most sense for you. This list covers some permanent and not-so-permanent ways of achieving the smooth, silky skin you crave.
1. Laser Hair Removal
This is a permanent or semi-permanent option that uses pulses of concentrated light to destroy hair roots. To completely remove unwanted hair, you will have to schedule several appointments spread over a period of weeks or months. There is some risk of burning or scarring with this procedure so you should make sure your clinic has a doctor on staff.
2. Electrolysis
Laser hair removal works best for women with darker hair. If you’ve tried laser treatments and you still have unwanted hair, you might want to give electrolysis a try. Electrolysis works by killing hair follicles one at a time with an electrically charged needle. “It is more painful and time-consuming than laser treatments so it’s not ideal for large areas of the body,” said Gentle Touch Med Spa. Like laser treatments, electrolysis carries a risk of scarring.
3. Depilatory Creams
Over-the-counter depilatory products use special chemicals that dissolve keratin on contact. They melt hair just below skin level. Depilatory cream is a good option for removing hair on the armpits and legs, but before using it on a large swathe of your body you should apply some cream to a small, hidden patch of skin to test for sensitivity. Some people get red, itchy, or irritated skin from using depilatory creams. Skin will stay hair-free for anywhere from 2 to 14 days after using depilatory products.
4. Waxing
Waxing is usually done in beauty salons, but with the correct equipment and experience you can wax at home as well. The wax is spread over unwanted hair and then covered in strips of fabric. The fabric is then ripped off, taking the wax and hair with it. Hair on any part of the body can be waxed. Waxing removes hair for several weeks.
5. Sugaring
If you like the results you get from waxing, but you want to do it at home without special materials, you might want to try sugaring. It works the same as waxing, except the sticky material you spread on your hair is a heated sugar mixture that can contain water, molasses, or lemon juice. The results last about as long as waxing, and you don’t have to buy time at a salon.
