Unwanted Hair Removal

Unwanted hair is annoying for both males and females. The unwanted hair may grow on:

- the upper lip

- chin

- cheeks

- back

- chest

- around the nipples

- legs

- arms

- feet

- toes

There are many causes of unwanted hair growth but in the majority of cases, no cause is ever found. Over the years, many methods of removing the unwanted hair have been devised. The most common methods include:

Plucking: This very old method of removing hair is still widely used by many women. Plucking hairs is not only painful but also time consuming. Plucking is best reserved for the few isolated hairs/ingrown hairs on the chin or breast. Plucking is not really done for large areas as it may be very uncomfortable. The hair is usually pulled out with a tweezers by grabbing it close to the root. The hair removal lasts anywhere from 2-8 weeks.

Because it is painful, plucking is best reserved for a few isolated hairs.

Shaving: this is also a widely used method of removing hair. It is most effective for the arms and legs and pubic area. However, the duration of treatment is short lived. In the pubic region, shaving can result in ingrown hairs. Nevertheless, shaving is cheap and can be done in the privacy of your own home

Men often shave their faces, while women often shave their underarms, legs, and bikini areas. Shaving usually last 1- 3 days. It is the best do it yourself method for hair removal

Depilation: there are numerous products touted to act as depilators. The chemicals can loosen up the hair in the follicles. The creams do not always work and are associated with allergic reactions in many cases. A major side effect of these chemicals is skin irritation. Depilatory creams are not expensive but their use is not widespread. The effect of these creams lasts about 1-2 weeks. The creams work best on the legs, underarm and bikini line

Waxing: Waxing is a common method of hair removal; it can be done with either a hot or a cold wax. The treatment may be done at home but is messy and does not always work efficiently. Waxing does not always produce a clean hair free skin and some hairs are always left behind. The technique is widely used to treat unwanted hair on the arms, legs, upper lip and bikini line. Waxing products are cheap. Waxing can also be done at spas and saloon if one does not want to mess around with the sticky product. Waxing lasts anywhere from 3- 6 weeks and leaves nice smooth skin surface. The major drawback of waxing is the pain during hair removal. Often the skin appears red and bumpy immediately after hair removal. While home waxing is relatively cheap, professional waxing is quite expensive.



Laser Hair Removal:Laser hair removal is being hyped as the ultimate method of hair removal. Most individuals require 2-4 sessions for complete hair removal. However, despite what is claimed, it does not permanently remove hair. Laser hair removal best works for individual with darker hair colors. Laser can treat large areas and is rapidly performed. However, it is also one of the most expensive methods and only lasts 4-6 months.

Electrolysis: The only permanent method of hair removal is electrolysis. The technique involved inserting a small needle probe into the hair follicle and heating it up. The technique is painful and prolonged. The results are highly dependent on the technician performing the hair removal. Electrolysis is also expensive, painful and time consuming, but produces a permanent result.

Drugs: there are not many drugs which can simply remove hair from the skin. Recently, a drug called vaniqa has been introduced into the market. The cream only slows the hair growth and does not completely remove the hair. The product is expensive and may also cause skin irritation.

How to remove one's hair is a personal choice. One should select something which is not expensive, lasts long and is not painful; there are several choices but the best can only be decided by you.