- As one of the most common forms of hair removal, shaving temporarily removes the hair at the skin's surface. Because it is inexpensive and quick, many men and women opt for this hair removal option. However, shaving can also incur ingrown hairs, cuts and razor burn. It is also one of the least permanent methods of hair removal as the effects last only a day to a few days.
- A depilatory is a chemical substance containing calcium thioglycolate or barium sulfide that dissolves the hair. The active ingredient, usually calcium thioglycolate, breaks down the bonds of the hair, which weakens it. This process allows you to rub or scrape the hair off after the formula has sat on the skin's surface for a recommended amount of time. Depilatories are available in creams, gels and aerosol form.
- Epilators are mechanical devices that remove hair by using a coiled spring or multiple rotary tweezers. Hair needs to be at least ¼ inches long for the device to grab the hair. Once the device grabs the hair, it pulls the hair out, removing both hair and root. Since the hair has to grow back at the root, this method lasts three to four weeks. However, this method is usually painful and the process can be slow and cumbersome.
- Waxing involves removing the hair by the root by spreading hot or cold wax on the area, placing a cloth strip over the wax and quickly pulling the strip off. The strip removes both the hair and the wax, leaving the skin smooth and hairless. While this method is temporary, it is long-lasting, taking three to eight weeks before appearance of regrowth. Waxing is not without pain, however and you should apply a skin repair cream after waxing. Waxing can be done at home with a kit or, preferably, at a salon.
- When done correctly, electrolysis is a form of permanent hair removal. A skilled technician inserts a probe into the hair follicle. This probe, or needle, emits an electrical or radio wave into the follicle, destroying it. While permanent, the treatment is expensive and time-consuming.
- A permanent form of hair removal, laser hair removal works by passing a laser over the dark hair on the affected area. Because dark objects absorb the light, the hair absorbs the light, killing the follicle and destroying the chance for regrowth. Due to the laser's need for targeting only dark objects, laser hair removal is mostly suitable for fair-skinned individuals with dark hair. Laser hair removal treatments are expensive and can take several sessions to complete.
