5 Ways to Remove Unwanted Body Hair

Since the early century, body hair removal has become more than a fad; it’s a lifestyle for many people around the world. While there are plenty of ways to remove body hair, we will only be focusing on 5 in this article. Some are expensive, some are painful, but there is a cost to beauty, and it is up to you to decide how much you invest in it.

Laser Hair Removal: This is the newest technology for permanent hair removal. It has been around for approximately 20 years. Over that time, it’s become more and more advanced. With a price sticker attached that starts at $100 for an upper lip and up to $1700 for the whole body session (which often needs 2–3 sessions), you’re most likely able to have permanent hair removal. The lasers can sometimes be very hot, painful, and in rare cases, there is always the chance that scarring can occur. After all the sessions have been completed and if everything goes as planned, the treated areas should never grow hair again.

Waxing: When most people think of hair removal, they think of two things; wax and screams. That oh so warm and gooey substance that feels deceiving good going on when suddenly, you remember that it must also come off. *RRRIIIPPP*

Off comes the strip, along with the hair follicles under it. The salons suggest usually waiting between 14–21 days and then making another appointment to go back, but a lot of people have hair coming back in as little as only 7 days. Since the hair is being ripped out from the follicle itself, hair re-growth is slowed down and is often finer hair when it comes back in. Once you wax though, you shouldn’t shave. If you do have some noticeable hairs before your next session, although it’s painful, it’s best to just tweeze them. Waxing starts at $10 for your upper lip and up to $65 PER leg. Furthermore, waxing can cause follicle damage which may lead to those painful ingrown hairs and infections. Also, in addition to removing hair, it also removes a layer of epidermis which causes that redness and sometimes those bumps and sores.

Shaving: Shaving is the first thing most women are taught to do on their legs and armpits. Men are taught this when they get their first moustache. It does take a learning curve and some technique to do it properly. In addition to trying, finding and buying that shaver that’s right for you and your skin, you also usually buy shaving creams, lotions, foams, or special soaps to help with shaving and to keep your skin well moisturized as well. A good razor is anywhere from $8.00–$12.00 and this doesn’t include any replacement blades (which if you’ve used a razor before, can agree that they can sometimes cost quite a lot). Your other option is to use disposable razors, but you’ll actually end up spending as much if not more than a regular higher end razor with replaceable blades in the long run. Similar to waxing, this also takes off a layer of your skin which can also give you those ingrown hairs, bumps and sores. Shaving with a razor can also bring the risk of cuts and scrapes, especially on the back ankle or other rigid parts of your body. The only upside is that you can do this all at home whenever you wish.

Electric/Battery Operated Shavers: Most powered shavers are better than traditional razors since they have built-in guards to help protect the skin from unnecessary scrapes and cuts. Shavers for men are a huge market, as the face is super-sensitive. Shavers for women have come full circle as well to match the technology of men’s shavers. There are plenty of varieties to choose from; wet and dry shavers and ones that allow you to use shaving creams, lotions or foam. Generally these types of shavers tend to cost a lot and can range anywhere from $50.00–$500.00. (This is a great time to mention that the Ultimate Personal Shaver is priced at only $39.95!)

The best thing about electric shavers is that while they are an investment in the beginning, they can usually last a very long time with proper care. They also give you the ability to perform simple tune-ups on them like a car, allowing you to buy replacement foils and blades. Another pro is that they hardly ever cause any irritation to the skin as they are only cutting the hair itself (not ripping the follicles out or removing the top layer of your skin as we previously spoke about with other methods). The dry shaving experience can also be enhanced through the use of powders which creates a buffer between the blade foils and the skin which helps raise the hair up to get a closer cut. This is another way to shave in the comfort of your own home any time you wish.

Hair Removal Creams: At first glance, creams sound like a great, innocent and easy way of taking care of unwanted hair… until you open that tube. These creams generally contain some pretty harsh chemicals that are designed to actually DISSOLVE your hair. Does that sound safe? Furthermore, while the chemicals made be tested and approved, you can only wonder what they are actually doing to your skin if they melt hair. This process usually smells very bad. Worse, it will probably hurt your skin as well. Most creams require 10–15 minutes to melt the skin in the area you want done. Be careful not to leave it on too long though, or you may end up with chemical burns on your skin and pores, and cause damage to the follicles in that and the surrounding area. Even when used properly, creams may cause rashes, red bumps and sores. These creams can cost around $5–$15 per bottle, and generally only last anywhere from 2–4 uses, depending on the size of the area you’re removing hair from.