Trying to get rid of body hair can be a frustrating experience. On this page, we will briefly discuss methods of hair removal and their effectiveness.

Laser

One of the more trendy ways to remove hair is via laser, or pulsed light, energy that goes through the hair shaft down to the follicle where it obliterates the hair’s root.

Laser hair removal can be done anywhere on the body. The best candidates are women with dark hair and light skin. Lasers won’t work on white hair, and they are much less effective on blond hair.

Electrolysis

The only method of hair removal that is permitted to be called “permanent,” electrolysis uses a tiny needle that slides down into the hair follicle until it reaches the cells responsible for hair growth.

Like other forms of hair removal, it is safe to do electrolysis anywhere on the body.

Vaniqa

Vaniqa is a topical prescription cream, also known as eflornithine 13.9%, that works by blocking an enzyme that would otherwise stimulate hair growth. Without the enzyme, hair growth is retarded in that area, and eventually may stop.

Vaniqa works best for facial hair growth on the upper lip, chin, and cheeks.

Waxing

It’s been around for centuries, but today’s waxes are far different than the sticky honey treatments of the past.

Waxing can remove hair anywhere on the body, including the upper lip, chin, eyebrows, arms and legs. A bikini wax removes hair that might show when you’re wearing a skimpy bathing suit bottom, while a Brazilian wax removes all hair from the genital area.

Shaving

Whether done with an electric or straight razor, shaving is akin to cutting hair – only it does so ultra-close to the skin. Shaving does not remove hair at the root, nor does it disturb the follicle. That means the effects are temporary, lasting anywhere from a few hours to a few days.