How to Get Rid of Body Hair

Body hair. Most people like to forget the we are in fact mammals, just like our animal friends. However, we can't forget when the evidence of our hairy legs or underarm hair is staring us right in the face. This article will explain various ways to remove body hair and assess their degrees of difficulty, effectiveness, and pain level.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wax strips
• Nair
• Razor
• Laser technology
• Bleaching creme
• Tweezers

1. Determine your pain threshold and the level of hair removal you would like to achieve. Do you want it all gone? Do you just want it 'neatened up'? Also determine your skin type and sensitivity of the area you wish to remove hair from. You basically have these options: shave, depilatory, wax, tweeze or laser. Last but not least you must determine the amount of money you are willing to spend on these procedures and how much time you are willing to devote to removing the body hair.

2. If you decide that you would like a relatively cheap, fast, and painless way of removing hair your best bet would be to shave. There are numerous razors on the market--trial and error work best to see which fits with your skin type, some razors can pull and tug at the skin which causes razor burn or an increased chance of nicking oneself. If you do decide to shave, make sure to moisten the area thoroughly and if shaving in the shower, it's best to wait a few minutes to allow the hair to soften, making it easier to shave. A word of caution though; too much time spent in the shower will cause your skin to absorb water, ultimately swelling it around the hair follicle which results in a less than smooth shave. Make sure to use some sort of lather, many insist on shave gels but conditioner or baby oil works just as well as is usually more cost effective. The most important thing is to allow the razor to glide with the least resistance against your skin--this will reduce razor bumps. If you are shaving your legs shave towards you against the direction of hair growth and curve your knees so you can minimize the risk of cutting yourself. If you are shaving your bikini area, shave with A NEW BLADE EACH TIME. That is imperative, to not shave with a new blade results in a nasty rash. To shave your underarms, raise your arm like you would in class, and systematically work until you've shaved the entire area. Try to make each stroke count, repeated shaving of the underarm area can irritate the delicate skin and result in a slight darkening of the skin.

3. If you decide that that is not the best option for you, you can try your hand at depilatories. A depilatory is spread over the skin, left on for an allotted time, and then smoothed away, taking the hair with it. It is an excellent option for people with sensitive skin, prone to razor burn. However, it takes quite a bit of the product, Nair is a popular one, to achieve the result. It also can carry an unpleasant chemical smell. The only risk of pain though is if you use it on broken skin--the chemicals can sting. To use, slather on a large but even amount, wait the suggested time, and using a moist washcloth, wipe away the product against the direction of the hair growth. Tweeze any remaining hairs.

4. And now we reach the most painful but effective way to remove body hair. There is no way around it--waxing hurts. However, it lasts the longest of the temporary ways of removing hair. To prepare for waxing you need a good amount of hair growth. Many people recommend 1/4 inch of hair on your legs, bikini area, or underarms. However, growing hair grows in cycles, so the first wax will remove most of the hair, but some shorter hairs will be left over to be waxed in the next cycle. For those who can stand the pain and discomfort, waxing can eventually slow hair growth. Many waxers who have been waxing for years find they only have to do it for special occasions such as their anniversary or Valentine's Day. I also recommend making an appointment to have someone else wax your legs, or a friend who will not be dissuaded by your yelps of pain. Unless you enjoy inflicting pain on yourself, do not attempt to wax on your own. A salon or beauty shop can wax your legs sometimes as cheaply as $45 for both legs. Before you go in, take a pain reliever and repeat the mantra: "Beauty knows no pain."

5. Tweezing is time consuming but ultimately effective if the hair you wish to remove is confined to a small space. If you wish to shape your eyebrows, be sure to tweeze in a well-lit spacious place, a bathroom works best. Also, it is essential that you tweeze after showering. The steam opens up your pores and makes it easier to remove the hair. Never be talked into using ice cubes to numb the area, it will only make it harder to remove the hair and thus more painful. Try to keep the general shape of your eyebrows as you tweeze--it looks more natural.

6. Laser treatment is not for the faint of heart and definitely not for those without deep pockets. Each session (you will probably need a few) will cost between $500-$900 per session. No matter how expensive that may seem, THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO BARGAIN HUNT. A technician is aiming a laser at you, you want someone who knows what they are doing so you don't end up with burning or scarring. The process can be painful for some (many describe it as a rubber band being snapped against their legs). However, this is the only permanent hair removal method currently on the market. Sephora recently came out with a new product that you can use at home with the same effect.

Tips & Warnings

• Determine the best way to remove body hair and go for it! Life is too short to live with stubble and silky smooth skin is a luxury everyone deserves.
• When it doubt seek a professional's help.
• Follow all of company's instructions.