Hair Removal Strategies

There are several ways to remove your unwanted hair, including over-the-counter methods and those administered under a doctor's care. With most of these methods, the hair eventually grows back.

Shaving

Your hair growth rate will determine how often you have to shave the affected region. Shaving is best for legs, arms or facial hair. However, this hair removal method can cause ingrown hairs in the pubic region.

Plucking

Plucking is the most painful method, but may be the most worthwhile when there are just a few hairs you want to remove. Examples include reshaping your eyebrows or pulling out those few stray hairs that may appear on your face, especially for a woman. You should not use this hair removal method for large areas because it can cause ingrown hairs or scarring.

Depilation

Be cautious when selecting hair removal creams over-the-counter: All creams are not the same. For instance, a hair removal cream designated for pubic hair should not be used to remove facial hair. The chemicals in these products dissolve the hair shaft and drawbacks can be significant. The chemicals can also cause superficial burns. If you have a history of allergic reactions, you may want to seek the advice of your doctor before trying any hair removal creams.

Hot Waxing

You can do this at home or you can also have it performed by a professional in a salon. Hot waxing can be messy and may leave some hairs behind because they can break off. Infection is one side effect to watch for. Still, many women use this hair removal method in the bikini area and for hair on the upper lip.

Laser Hair Removal

This is one of the longest-lasting methods and generally requires 3-4 or more treatment sessions, but it is not for everyone: your hair must be dark in color.

Laser hair removal The laser beam or a light pulse works to destroy the hair bulb itself. The treatment can be expensive and sometimes painful. Be sure to select a doctor or technician who is highly trained and knowledgeable. You may require multiple sessions, but it can be used on many parts of the body where unwanted hair may appear.