Body hair is an unavoidable and natural part of the body’s development. Despite this, some persons find it unpleasant and are set on removing it for some reason or another.

Maybe they just do not feel comfortable with it or perhaps they just love the feel of smooth skin.

Whatever the reason, getting rid of unwanted hair is actually an easy fix. Depending on the chosen method, you can get rid of hair for days, weeks, months or even permanently.

Check out these hair removal methods and see which one suits you best.

Hair removal methods

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a hair removal treatment during which a thin needle is inserted into the hair follicle under the surface of the skin. An electric current moves down the needle to the bottom of the follicle, destroying the hair root. The follicle damage prevents hair from growing and causes the existing hair to fall out. This treatment is performed by a trained electrologist.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) 

Intense Pulsed Light is a hair removal method that involves burning the hair follicle using light pulses. The highest concentration of melanin is usually located in the root of the hair. This is why the light burst targets that specific spot. This light is then converted into heat. This heat energy, which vapourises the hair follicle (and most of the hair itself), is believed to also destroy the cells that cause hair growth.

This process is handled by specialised professionals at certified centres. Although this operation is costly because of the extraordinary results it provides.

Laser treatment

Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light (laser) to remove unwanted hair. Similarly to IPL during laser hair removal, a laser emits a light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles) that produce hairs. This damage hinders or delays future hair growth.

Waxing

Waxing has always been the most popular choice for most people since it is the easiest way and one of the most efficient in making good results. Waxing is an epilatory hair removal procedure, unwanted hair is removed from the skin by placing wax on the skin and using a wax strip to remove it by ripping the wax strip off quickly in the opposite direction of hair growth.

With its results, you are good to go for about three weeks. Waxing also offers various options for different types of hair and areas to be treated.

Threading

Threading is another option for removing unwanted hair especially facial hair on the upper lip, side of the face, and chin. This method uses a thread, which pulls and twists unwanted hair until it lifts from the hair follicle. The results can last longer than shaving or tweezing, plus this method doesn’t cause ingrown hairs. Threading is also popularly used by beauticians to shape the eyebrows.

Depilatory Creams

Depilatory creams, such as Veet and Nair, are another option for facial hair removal. The results can last longer than shaving and these creams may be cheaper than waxing. These creams have chemicals that break down proteins in hair, so that it easily dissolves and washes away. Although these ingredients are generally safe, there is a risk for reaction.

It is therefore recommended that you do a patch test first and apply a small amount of the cream to your skin (between the crease of the elbow, shoulders or behind your ear). Signs of a reaction include skin redness, bumps, and itchiness. Wait at least 24 hours after a patch test before applying the cream over larger sections of your face.

Shaving

Shaving is probably the simplest and most convenient hair removal process. The procedure can be carried out by using a disposable shaver or an electric shaver, both have a built-in blade that lifts and cuts hair at the skin’s surface. The risk can be having cuts on your skin if shaving is done incorrectly. Although shaving is one of the fastest and easiest ways to remove hair, the hair tendsto grow back quickly.

Tweezing

Tweezing is another effective and inexpensive way to remove facial hair. This method works slightly differently than shaving. Instead of removing hair at surface level, tweezers are designed to pluck or pull hair from the roots. Tweezing works on any facial hair. It’s particularly useful when shaping the eyebrows. Typically, the results of tweezing last longer than shaving — up to three to eight weeks.