6 Hair Removal Methods

By Danielle Lemay

Considered the bane of most women’s existence (next to cellulite, of course), unwanted hair is a problem that we all deal with in some form or other. Luckily there are hair removal methods that can help us virtually eradicate it.

Now while some women are blessed with nothing more than sporadic hair on their legs, others aren’t so lucky and have to contend with sideburns and back hair.

That said, here are some hair removal methods, their pros and cons, and how much these hair removal methods will cost you.

Hair removal method #1
Shaving
By far the most popular method for removing unwanted body hair, shaving involves a razor and cream, and perhaps a hot running shower.

Pros: Shaving is cheap, fast and can be done without the need of a professional.
Cons: The hair grows back quickly, and stubble can be felt almost hours later, depending on how long you’ve been shaving.
How long it lasts: Up to 2 days
Cost: Less than $10, even with a great razor.


Hair removal method #2
Waxing
Some women swear by waxing; a process that involves placing heated wax on a patch of unwanted hair, then placing a cloth over the wax, patting it down, and yanking it off in the opposite direction of the hair growth.

Pros: Waxing can be done at home and body hair will eventually become thinner and thinner so that it’s less noticeable. It’s also great for removing dead skin cells.
Cons: It’s painful. There’s a huge potential for ingrown hairs and red pimple-like growths. As well, if you overheat the wax, you can burn yourself pretty badly. Sun should be avoided for at least 48 hours afterwards. Hair needs to be 1/8 of an inch long before waxing can be effective. Finally, there are times when your body just won’t respond well to waxing (menstrual period), and for some women, inflicting such pain on themselves is difficult, thus forcing them to enlist the help of a professional.
How long it lasts: 3 to 8 weeks.
Cost: Between $8 (at home) to $300 (professional)


Hair removal method #3
Depilatory
Depilatories contain an alkaline chemical that dissolves the protein structure of the hair, resulting in its separation from the skin. Popular depilatory creams include Neet and Nair.

Pros: Relatively cheap and quick, taking no more than 4 to 15 minutes.
Cons: They may cause serious skin rashes and even third degree burns. Hair needs to be a certain length for it to work at its full capacity. May increase acne and ingrown hairs.
How long it lasts: Up to 7 days
Cost: $4 to $8 a bottle


Hair removal method #4
Electrolysis
Electrolysis involves using current electrical techniques done with multiple-needle machines. There are other machines that use a combination of electricity and heat (thermolysis) to destroy hair follicles.

Pros: Designed to rid the body of hair. Great for facial hair.
Cons: Removing each hair can take anywhere from 1 to 5 minutes to remove. Requires a series of treatments, which can last up to a year and get very expensive.
How long it lasts: Up to 6 weeks
Cost: $60 to $100 an hour


Hair removal method #5
Laser
With constant improvements being made, laser hair removal involves using a laser beam of light to remove multiple follicles of hair.

Pros: It’s pretty fast. The results are permanent, with many women reporting 80% of hair disappearing after 2 visits. Although expensive, it is permanent.
Cons: It’s painful. Not everyone can do it; the best candidates have dark hair and light skin. A series of treatments may be required.
How long it lasts: 2 months after first visit.
Cost: Up to $3000 a year


Hair removal method #6
Vaniqa
Prescribed by doctors, Vaniqa is a topical cream that contains eflornithine hydrochloride and is used to inhibit the growth of unwanted facial hair.

Pros: Because there aren't many recommended methods of hair removal for the face, this is a great alternative.
Cons: It’s not permanent. You have to wait upwards of 8 weeks to see an improvement.
How long it lasts: As long as you keep using it, and up to 8 weeks after you discontinue use.
Cost: $60

Hair removal methods

With constant improvements being made every day, you no longer have to settle for stubbly legs or unwanted hair period. Now you can get those silky-looking gams… as long as you have the money for it.