We all have body hair, but depending on our preferences we may want to get rid of some of these unwanted body hair. Although no hair removal treatment can get rid of hair permanently, there are a variety of ways to get rid of hair for weeks, months, or longer periods.
What are your options for removal?
Although hair growth is normal for both males and females, some people may wish to remove the unwanted hair to gain self-confidence. These are the most common areas of the body people choose to have hair removed from with long-term hair removal procedures:
Legs
Arms
Groin
Underarms
Face
There are a variety of hair removal options for you to choose from. Shaving will get rid of hair at the surface, which is why it grows back so quickly. Tweezing will remove hair and its roots, which helps slow down regrowth. So if you’re considering longer-term hair removal solutions, you should check out other hair removal techniques. Unwanted body hair removal techniques include:
Electrolysis
This hair removal technique uses shortwave radio frequencies distributed through needles placed directly into your hair follicles. Electrolysis aims to destroy the hair follicle to stop new hair growth. This technique can be done on any part of the body but it needs to be done by a dermatologist. Although it offers lasting results, this is one of the most expensive hair removal techniques.
Laser hair removal
Same as the previous technique, laser hair removal also targets hair follicles. Using high-heat lasers to stop new hair from growing, laser hair removal also offers long-term hair removal options. This technique can be used anywhere on the body, except for the eye area. Laser hair removal results last several months, even years. When hair grows back, it’s often finer and lighter in color. The most common side effects are skin irritation and redness, but this usually goes away after a few hours. It usually takes 6-7 sessions to get rid of all your unwanted hair.
Prescription creams
If you don’t want to spend so much money on the previous hair removal methods, your dermatologist can prescribe you creams that you can apply twice a day for one month. These creams work by weakening a protein in your hair called keratin. This causes the hair to fall out and be easily wiped away. Some creams are formulated for the face, and others for the body or pubic area. Side effects of this treatment can include chemical burns, rashes, and blisters.
Plucking
One of the safest and cheapest methods for getting rid of hair is plucking them with a tweezer. Keep in mind to not overuse this method since it can cause scarring or ingrown hairs. But the hair can take up to a couple of months to grow back. There are also higher-tech tweezer epilators that use electric current, helping you get rid of more hair.
Hot waxing
Waxing can offer you a fur-free effect that lasts for 3-6 weeks. The issue with waxing is that you shouldn’t use it on some body parts such as the genitals, nipples, ears, or eyelashes. You should also avoid applying wax over varicose veins, moles, or warts, or on skin that’s chapped or sunburned. The most common side effects of waxing include mild rashes and irritation.
Threading
In threading, two twisted cotton threads over your skin to zip off hairs. Results can last for 4-5 weeks. Threading is a good option if you have acne, as it tends not to rile up the skin.
Shaving
Shaving is the fastest way to get rid of unwanted hair. If your hair grows fast though, you shouldn’t irritate your skin by shaving it every day. Shaving will go smoother if you soften your skin first with warm water and a shaving gel.
Natural solutions
Although natural solutions aren’t permanent, they may help remove hair or limit hair growth. Some options include:
Sugar waxes and scrubs
Honey instead of wax
Drinking spearmint tea twice a day to limit the growth of facial hair
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several methods to get rid of unwanted body hair, each with its own pros and cons. Shaving is a quick, easy, and inexpensive method, but it can cause skin irritation and the hair regrowth is more noticeable. Plucking is effective for removing single stray hairs, but it can be painful. More advanced methods like waxing, electrolysis, and laser hair removal provide longer-lasting results. Electrolysis and laser treatments are more expensive but can lead to permanent hair removal. Prescription creams like eflornithine can prevent new hairs from growing.
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