Laser hair removal, waxing, shaving, plucking, and many other options all deal with unwanted hairs. Learn more about these options and decide which is right for you.
If you have unwanted hairs growing across your chin or bikini line,
there are several strategies to turn to in an effort to rid yourself of them. Some options are permanent, while others simply remove the hairs for a while. These options include laser hair removal, electrolysis, oral medications, plucking, depilation, waxing, and shaving.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal destroys the follicle of the unwanted hairs in an effort to prevent them from growing back, permanently. It is not 100 percent effective in removing all unwanted hairs, but for those who are good candidates, it works very well. Most patients need three to four treatments for success, and it requires the hair to be dark in color, but it does work well. It can be used all over the body to treat unwanted hair.
Shaving and Plucking
Shaving and plucking probably need no explanation. They are effective ways of dealing with unwanted hairs. The only drawback is they have to be repeated over and over and over for a lifetime. Shaving can cause ingrown hairs, particularly in the pubic regions, but plucking can be quite painful. Plucking can also cause scarring if done over large areas of the body.
Waxing
Waxing uses hot wax to adhere to the hairs and pull them away in one quick tug. When done properly, it is highly effective, but that often requires the help of a professional. People trying to do hot waxing in their own homes may struggle to use the proper technique and effectively pull out the hairs. Waxing can leave some hairs behind if they break rather than pull out, so that is a downside to keep in mind.
Depilation
Depilation is the use of removal creams purchased over the counter. These contain chemicals that dissolve the hair shaft. For some people, they work quite well at removing unwanted hairs, and because the dissolve the shaft, the results tend to last longer than the results from shaving, plucking, or waxing.
There is a serious downside to this, however, and that is the fact that many people have reactions from the strong chemicals they contain. If you have sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions to topical treatments, this is not the right option for you. If you have tough skin, it maybe effective, but try a little area first to ensure you are not going to have any sensitivity.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis uses either heat or chemicals to destroy the follicle. Like treatment with lasers, it is highly effective and mostly permanent with a sufficient number of treatments.
So which is the best one for you? It really depends on your goals. If you have a lot of hair and want it to be permanently gone, laser hair removal or electrolysis is probably the bests. If you have just a few stray hairs, consider plucking. If you have tough skin and lack the money for laser hair removal, waxing or depilation are effective. Shaving is always an option if you have the time and lack the money for the more expensive options. As you can see, when it comes to ridding yourself of unwanted hair, there are numerous options available to you. You simply need to know where to look.
