Got Unwanted Hair? Here Are Your Options

So, you’ve got hair where you don’t want hair. Don’t be ashamed of it! It’s OK if you were born with some hair in areas where you’d rather be hair-free. Why? Because it’s OK to do something about it and you’ve got plenty of options. Whether you’re a man or a woman, you don’t have to live with hair where you don’t want it. You have several options for getting rid of unwanted hair, and people of both genders are regularly taking advantage of some or all of them in 2017. Let’s take a look at your options!

Shaving

This is the OG of hair removal, and we’re all assaulted with razor ads on a daily basis, so you’re obviously familiar on some level with shaving, but let’s dive in deep at what this can and can’t do for your unwanted hair issues. You could theoretically shave everywhere you have unwanted hair on your body, and this may seem economical and convenient at first. But is it really?

Replacement razor blades are not cheap, and shaving cream and aftershave/lotions aren’t free, so while you may not notice it as much since the expenses are spread out over a lifetime, they absolutely will get pretty costly. This is especially true if you’re constantly shaving everything – or even just a lot of things – from your neck down.

You also have a few other things to worry about with shaving. If you don’t store your razor in a clean, dry place and regularly change it, bacteria will build up and can cause skin irritation such as folliculitis and inflammation of the hair follicle. Plus, you constantly have to shave or you’ll get ugly and irritable stubble.

Waxing

For those looking for something a bit more long-lasting and effective, waxing is another option for removing unwanted hair. Waxing hair away lasts longer because it yanks the hairs out by the roots. Still, it’s not permanent. The hair will grow back after about three to six weeks. Bummer.

It’s true that for some people with certain hair types, waxing can cause the hair to thin or even dissipate entirely over time. This won’t happen for all people, and even for those it does happen for, it takes multiple waxings to get there. Even then, it’s more likely that the hair will thin than permanently go away entirely.

Oh yeah, waxing also hurts. After all, you’re pouring wax onto your body and then having the wax with your hair – root and all – yanked out forcibly. Ouch.

You’ll want to avoid physical exercise, sunbeds and heat treatments immediately before and after getting waxed. If you are going to get your hair waxed, consider going with hot wax instead of strip wax if you’re particularly sensitive in some/all areas, as that will be less painful. You can also try taking an over-the-counter painkiller before your appointment.

In addition to pain during the procedure, waxing can also lead to ingrown hairs, just as shaving with too many strokes and/or with a bacteria-infested razor can. Ingrown hairs are hairs that grow incorrectly out of the hair follicle and become infected, causing pain and unsightly boils/cysts.

It’s a good idea to use a product that softens and unblocks the skin. This allows the hair to grow in easier and more naturally. Anti-bacterial and calming products and even acne cleansers with Salicylic acid in them can help with this if applied twice a day – just not immediately after waxing (it’ll hurt).

Laser Hair Removal

OK, so now you know all about the most common short- and medium-term solutions for hair removal. But maybe that’s not enough for you. You want to permanently banish that hair into the ether and never deal with it again. We feel you, and the solution you want is laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is a safe and long-term (often-permanent) solution to hair removal. The technology works by targeting pigments and blasting the color to bits with energy. This produces heat that eradicates the hair follicle. Pretty cool, huh?

It’s important to note that laser treatments don’t work for overly light hair. You also shouldn’t fall for any products or treatments that are advertised as “free” or overly cheap. While it’s a non-invasive procedure, it’s still one that should only be performed by qualified, experienced experts who have the right equipment and perform a full assessment before getting started.

While the price for a quality laser treatment may be higher than a box of razors or a single waxing, keep in mind that it’s going to be longer-lasting and more effective. You may need multiple laser treatments, but you’re going to get lasting, truly smooth skin and save on other treatments that you won’t need. And after a few treatments, it’s over and your skin looks beautifully smooth!