Haven’t we all gone through the phase when we want to have the perfect look and body? And unwanted body hair has definitely been a problem area.

The desire to remove excess or dark hair usually begins in adolescence. With the emphasis on smooth, hairless skin, having excess hair is taboo, especially for women.

There are many options available for removing unwanted hair, both on a temporary and permanent basis. Bleaching, shaving, plucking, waxing and sugar waxing are some of the common methods to temporarily remove hair whereas laser treatment is used for permanent hair removal.

Hormones and genetics are major factors that are accountable for the amount of hair that you have. There are several ways to remove hair — depilation (removing part of the hair above the skin’s surface) or epilation (removing the entire hair).

Here are a few of the common methods that people opt for:

Waxing: It is the cheapest and most effective method for temporary hair removal as it removes hair along with its roots. It usually takes about three to eight weeks for the hair to grow back. Sensitive skin may develop tiny red pinprick dots after waxing but this will disappear soon, depending on how sensitive the skin is. Waxing often results in slower hair regrowth. You can opt for either hot or cold wax. Preferably, one should have at least 1/8 inches of hair growth for waxing or there should be a minimum gap of two weeks between each waxing session.

Shaving: Shaving or trimming can be done manually or with the help of electric shavers. Body shaving is more difficult than facial shaving as the skin is more tender in certain areas such as the bikini area. Shaving needs to be done in the direction against hair growth. One should stop shaving body areas that become red until the skin heals and the rashes vanish, since it will be prone to infection. Lathering the body area with foam or gel prior to shaving helps.

Tweezing: It grasps the hair shaft close to the skin, removing the hair from the root. It needs patience and is time consuming. It takes about one week to four weeks for the hair to grow back. Tweezing is more suitable for an area that has less hair growth, like the eyebrows.

Temporary hair removal can easily be done at home or in a beauty salon.

Laser treatment:

(For permanent hair removal) Laser hair removal works in different ways though the principal method remains the same. First, the skin is cleansed and unwanted hair removed (preferably by waxing, to help open up the follicles). Then a carbon-based light absorbing lotion is massaged into the skin which, when passed over the skin, damages the follicle but leaves the skin unharmed. It takes about two to three sittings or sessions to complete the treatment. Depending on the hair hair type, colour and skin type, the treated area is covered to prevent infection and shield it from sunlight during the healing period. Laser hair removal needs to be done by a dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon or qualified professionals.

Source: Indiavarta