There are many reasons for wanting to get rid of hair in different areas – you don’t like where it grows, you find it too bothersome to deal with, or aesthetically you prefer to have lighter or no hair (especially as we’re in the midst of bikini season)! Whatever your reason, we’re here to tell you the five best ways to remove unwanted hair, according to dermatologists.
What are the Commonly Treated Areas for Unwanted Hair?
- Bikini Line: This sensitive area often requires precise hair removal methods to avoid irritation.
- Brazilian: More comprehensive than a bikini line treatment, it involves removing all hair in the pelvic region.
- Underarms: Frequent hair removal area due to sweat and hygiene considerations.
- Arms: Hair removal for aesthetic purposes, often for those with thicker or darker hair.
- Upper Lip: Common area for facial hair removal, particularly for women with darker hair.
- Face: Includes cheeks, chin, and sideburns, where hair removal creams and laser treatments are popular.
- Legs: One of the most treated areas, especially during warmer seasons.
- Eyebrows: Precision is required to shape and remove vellus hair without affecting the skin.
Shaving
Shaving is often done with a drugstore razor, trimmer, or straight razor, which cuts the hair at the skin’s surface so you cannot see it. Although it is somewhat convenient, hair grows back quickly after shaving because it does not remove or weaken the hair in the follicle. Shaving is painless (unless you cut yourself), but you can irritate your skin, especially if you don’t use shaving cream or baby oil and don’t moisturize afterward.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Convenient: Quick and easy method of hair removal. | Short-lived results: Hair grows back quickly, often within a few days. |
| Pain-free: Generally painless unless you cut yourself. | Skin irritation: Risk of razor burn, cuts, and ingrown hairs. |
| Affordable: Inexpensive with readily available tools. | Not long-lasting: Does not weaken hair follicles, leading to faster regrowth. |
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal uses highly concentrated energy that emits pulses of light, targeting the hair follicle and stopping hair growth. It requires a series of treatments, but results are usually seen after 3-5 treatments. After 1-3 weeks, the treated hair begins to fall out, and as you attend more treatments, fewer hairs grow back. Laser hair removal is the most effective way to remove or decrease the amount of unwanted hair on your body.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Effective: Provides long-lasting results and can reduce hair growth permanently. | Multiple sessions required: Often requires 6-8 treatments for optimal results. |
| Precision: Targets hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin. | Cost: Can be expensive compared to other hair removal methods. |
| Suitable for many areas: Can be used on almost any body part. | Side effects: Possible temporary side effects include redness, swelling, and skin irritation. |
Threading
Threading is a hair removal method that requires a lot of technique, skill, and attention to detail. So while it can be done at home, it is recommended that you go to a professional to experience its true effectiveness. Threading involves rolling two cotton threads over the hairs and ripping them out. It is a good option for smaller areas, like the arch of your eyebrows or the upper lip, as it is like a faster version of tweezing. The results can last for up to 4 weeks, but it is not done in larger areas, and it can be quite painful.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Precision: Ideal for shaping eyebrows and removing facial hair. | Painful: Can be quite painful, especially for those with low pain tolerance. |
| No chemicals: Suitable for sensitive skin as it does not involve any products. | Skill required: Best results are achieved by a professional. |
| Lasting results: Hair removal lasts up to 4 weeks. | Limited to small areas: Not practical for larger body areas. |
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is like laser hair removal but more invasive. This method sends an electrical current into the hair follicle, damaging it and preventing hair from growing. It can be relatively painful, and takes several sessions to achieve permanent hair removal. It is highly recommended that a professional performs electrolysis, as blood infections or permanent scarring can occur.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Permanent results: Offers permanent hair removal after multiple sessions. | Painful: Can be painful due to the electrical current used. |
| Versatile: Works on all hair types and skin tones. | Time-consuming: Requires multiple sessions over a prolonged period. |
| Precise: Effective for small areas and individual hair follicles. | Costly: Can be more expensive than other methods due to the number of sessions required. |
Waxing
Waxing can be done at home or by a professional, which makes it accessible like shaving but more effective in some cases. It is done by applying hot or cold wax to your skin, sometimes along with a wax strip, and quickly removing the wax, which pulls the hair out of the follicles. The results can last for a few weeks, however, it is a painful process and not recommended for those with thin skin or people who are taking certain topical medications or antibiotics.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Long-lasting results: Hair takes longer to grow back compared to shaving. | Painful: Can be quite painful, especially on sensitive areas. |
| Exfoliation: Removes dead skin cells along with hair. | Potential for irritation: Risk of skin irritation and ingrown hairs. |
| Smooth skin: Leaves skin feeling smooth for weeks. | Not suitable for all: Not recommended for people with certain skin conditions or those taking specific medications. |
For those weighing their hair removal options, our waxing vs. laser guide offers valuable insights to help you choose the right method.
What is the Best Way to Remove Unwanted Hair?
Dermatologists have determined that the best way to remove unwanted hair is laser hair removal. Unlike electrolysis, laser hair removal is much less painful. With the arrival of new technology, all hair types and skin tones can be treated, as there are different lasers to choose from, providing you with a specifically catered hair-removal experience.
The benefits of laser hair removal are that it is a relatively painless, non-invasive method of removing unwanted hair, and you can see results within weeks. After laser hair removal, the hair in the follicle is either permanently lightened both in colour and thickness or removed altogether. It makes managing unwanted hair much easier, and the results will last a very long time.
Why Choose SpaMedica to Treat Your Unwanted Hair?
SpaMedica is an industry leader in laser hair removal and many other methods of removing unwanted hair, with a focus on non-invasive procedures. Removing unwanted hair should be as painless, easy, and effective as possible, and SpaMedica is here to make sure you get the results you want. Book a consultation today!
