You may not realize that there are many unwanted hair removal methods. Every option has different pros, cons, price points and may not be the best choice depending on where you want to remove hair. We cover the most common options to make it easier for you to pick the right one for you.
1. Waxing
Raffi Alexander/IStock Photo
Waxing, a very popular method used both at home and salons uses a resin-based wax like product to remove the entire hair follicle from the root. Results can last up to 6 weeks.
2. Laser
Photo © Chris Roy
Multiple laser hair removal treatments can help reduce the overall amount of hair, and also make some hairs lighter or finer. FDA approved for permanent hair reduction, but not permanent hair removal. Not all hair or skin types can safely receive or benefit from laser hair removal.
3. Sugaring
© ALETRIS, Scottsdale, AZ
Sugaring is an age-old hair removal method lasting up to six weeks uses natural ingredients like lemon, sugar and water to remove the hair follicle from the root. Although a similar process to waxing, sugaring is much more gentle to the skin and easier on the ouch factor.
4. Plucking
Plucking hair removal, also known by the more professional term of tweezing, uses tweezers to remove hair one by one, ridding hair up to six weeks. Most commonly used for shaping eyebrows, tweezing is also helpful in removing a stray hair here or there.5. Threading
© 2008 facialthreading.com
Threading hair is an ancient method commonly practiced in Eastern countries, like Egypt and India, but is becoming very popular here in the West. Threading uses a string to remove the entire hair follicle, lasting up to 6 weeks.
6. Shaving
Eric Hood / IStock Photo
The most common type of hair removal, shaving, simply cuts hair off at skin level with a razor and is used daily by millions of men and women. Although easy, shaving has short-lived results of a day or two.
7. Electrolysis
Yanik Chauvin / IStock Photo
Electrolysis is the only method approved by the FDA for permanent hair removal. It does require multiple sessions where each follicle is individually treated for about one minute to achieve best possible results, but permanent hair removal isn’t 100% guaranteed for everyone.
