7 Ways to Remove Unwanted Hair

Unwanted hair is the most common problem seen affecting mostly females. Having hair on the upper lip, chin, cheek, back, leg, finger, feet, and toes is normal.

There may be an increase in the occurrence after taking certain medications such as steroids, due to a genetic problem, or suffering from the polycystic ovarian syndrome. There are several ways these unwanted hairs can be removed. Some are painful, some very costly, some complicated, and some long-lasting. It is completely up to you, to choose the best for yourself.

They are:

Shaving is the cheapest and most easily accessible hair removal method. Removing hair with it takes only a few minutes and can be done by self.

This hair removal method is appropriate for legs, underarms, and bikini line.

Some are prone to razor bumps, ingrown hair and irritation after shaving. Nicks and cuts are also possible using a razor for removing hair.

It is important to be careful while using the razor. It is best to buy the ones designed for women. Also, it is important to lubricate the skin well before using it and moisturizing the skin after hair removal. This helps minimize damage.

Shaving, only cuts the hair from above the skin, therefore it tends to grow back quickly. Depending on the hair growth you might need to shave again after a couple of days.

Depilation is using a chemical to dissolve the hair shaft. These chemical works by breaking down the disulfide bonds in the keratin of the hair. As the bond breaks, the hair becomes weak and you can wipe it off the skin.

It is best for hair on legs, bikini area, upper lip, and chin.

The hair removal creams are painless and fast-acting but should not be applied on the area where there are cuts and sunburns. Some with sensitive skin might experience redness and irritation on using depilatories.

The depilatories work above the surface of the skin so the hairs are likely to regrow in a few days.

In this hair removal method, warm and melted wax is applied to the skin in the direction of hair growth and using a strip is pulled off in the opposite direction.

The heat causes the hair follicle to dilate, making it easier to get removed.

It is best to be used for removing hair from the upper lip, eyebrow and bikini area. It removes hair from the root, and the result can last up to 4 weeks.

Waxing can cause ingrowths, therefore it is best to exfoliate the skin before going for the procedure.

Waxing should not be performed in the areas when Retin A is used, as Retin A can thin the skin. Waxing on such skin can lead to redness, irritation, and damage. Also, the biggest issue with waxing is a bacterial infection, if the same stick is used for different individuals. The practitioners should use a new stick for every client and if possible new stick for every new application.

This is an ancient method with a simple recipe.

In this method sugar, lemon, and water are mixed to form a paste. The paste is spread over the skin against the direction of hair growth. It is then pulled off in the direction of hair growth making it less painful than waxing.

It can be used to remove hair from any area i.e. legs, face, or the bikini area.

Since it does not contain any preservative or fragrance, it is unlikely to cause any redness or irritation. It is gentle on the skin than waxing as it doesn’t damage the skin.

If done correctly the result is similar to waxing. The result lasts for 4 weeks.

In this method, a thread is used to grab a hair and remove it from the root.

It is best for hair in a smaller area such as eyebrows and upper lip. It is a safe method but can cause some irritation as several hairs are plucked out at the same time.

The hair is removed from the root and the results can stay up to 2 weeks or more.

In laser hair removal method the hair follicles are targeted with heat from the laser, which damages them preventing future hair growth.

This is an expensive hair removal method and the results are also long lasting.

Laser hair removal method is best for any part of the body and should be performed by a dermatologist who is trained to use the equipment and has an extensive knowledge about skin.

The treatment is done in monthly and there is a reduction of about 50 percent in hair growth. Periodic maintenance treatment is necessary after every couple of months to prevent regrowth.

Vaniqa is a topical cream that helps inhibit hair growth with the help of an enzyme present in it.

It is used in conjunction with other hair removal methods, as it just slows the hair growth.

This cream is approved by FDA, to be used only on the face. Within 4-8 weeks of applying vaniqa the hair growth reduces and you will need to wax and tweeze less frequently

Some individuals experience irritation, stinging, and redness in the area where Vaniqa is applied. If you stop using this cream the hair growth comes to its normal pace within 8 weeks.