How to Remove Body Hair on Women

In American culture, a nearly hairless body is the feminine ideal. It's common for women to have smooth legs and underarms, along with a satiny upper lip, groomed eyebrows and neat bikini area. To achieve this look, women use several methods of hair removal. Costs of procedures range from inexpensive to pricey, but many women consider hair removal a necessary expenditure.

Things You'll Need

• A disposable razor Shaving cream or gel Depilatory cream (buy the right kind for the specific area of the body) Stopwatch or timer Tweezers Mirror Skincare or eyebrow specialist Cash for professional treatments

Instructions

Shaving

1. Thoroughly wet the area to be shaved under warm water. You can also scrub the area to exfoliate the skin. Warm water softens the hair and makes it easier to remove.

2. Spread shaving cream or gel over the area to be shaved. Coat the area liberally -- a lack of product can cause friction rashes and nicking.

3. Shave the area against the grain of the hair. For the leg, start at the ankle and draw the razor upward. For the underarm, start at the top and travel down.

4. Rinse the shaved area thoroughly with warm water, and moisturize to minimize irritation.

Depilatory

1. Read the instructions on the bottle. If you have sensitive skin, test the product on a small area for allergic reactions.

2. Open a window, and have a towel handy. No matter what the bottle says, depilatories often take several minutes to work, so you might want to sit while waiting. The scent can be strong, so ventilation can help.

3. Wet the skin, but don't scrub. Spread the depilatory cream in an even, liberal layer on the desired area.

4. Rinse your hands, and set the timer according to the product's instructions.

5. When the timer sounds, rinse off in the shower. Use a soft washcloth or your hands to remove the hair. If strands remain, wait several hours before shaving or plucking to avoid irritation.

Tweezing

1. Tweezing is suitable only for small areas, such as the eyebrows and chin. For larger areas, use a razor or wax.

2. Clean the area with a gentle facial cleanser. Do not apply toner, moisturizer or other products.

3. Before plucking, use the tweezers as a guide for proper placement. Line the tweezers up so that they are perpendicular to the corner of the eye. On the outer edge, angle the tweezers at the edge of the nose and against the outside corner. The end point is where the brow should terminate.

4. Pull from the root of the hair in the direction of growth. To minimize discomfort, pull the hair out quickly. Clean the tweezers as hair accumulates.

5. Pluck along the underside of the brow to create a clean line. If an arch is desired, center it over the pupil for the most appealing and natural appearance. Use the fingers to pull the skin taut, if necessary.

6. Pluck the top of the brow sparingly. Too much plucking from the top can create a severe, shuttered look. Take off just enough hair to clean and define the brows.

Waxing

1. Grow the hair to a length that will facilitate waxing, usually about a quarter of inch. Shorter hair is hard to remove, and longer hair can make the procedure more uncomfortable.

2. Search for a waxing salon. Look for a place that's clean and well staffed. There are specialty spas that offer nothing but waxing services; these are great for first-time customers getting delicate procedures such as a Brazilian bikini waxing. For Brazilians, you'll be striking some interesting poses. A Brazilian involves the total removal of genital hair, so the technician will need full access. Technicians should be professional and polite and strive to make your visit stress free.

3. Be prepared for discomfort. Waxing hurts the first few times, but good technicians can finish quickly to minimize pain.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't use a disposable razor to shave eyebrow hair. It's okay to use one to remove upper-lip hair, but it's nearly impossible to cut eyebrow hair precisely with a wide razor.

Resources

• Hairfacts: Choosing a Hair Removal Method by Andrea James
• Essortment: Hair Removal Products and Techniques