Beauty Care Basics: Hair Removal

Removing unwanted hair from the body and face has a number of different options that range from quick and easy to more permanent solutions. Depending on the area you want to be smooth and the budget you are on, you can decide which option is best for you.

Shaving: The most common and also the most popular method for hair removal. Both men and women can use blade or electric razors to temporarily remove unwanted hair from the face, legs or underarm areas.
While shaving has relatively no side effects, unless you nick yourself with a blade, it also doesn't last very long. Men usually start to see stubble on the face in about 8 to 10 hours. Women need to repeat shaving legs and underarms at least every second day, if not every day. However, due to the closeness of the blade, shaving with a manual razor does offer a satisfying smoothness.

Laser Removal: Laser hair removal has been used with quite a bit of success, especially on small areas such as the face. Essentially lasers destroy the hair follicle, allowing the existing hair to fall out and preventing new hairs from growing in.

Lasers also have very little side effects, the most common being redness and a possible stinging sensation. However, both of these symptoms are dispelled rather quickly. The procedure is more costly than other methods, but the results are usually permanent, although more than one treatment may be necessary. So, to put it into perspective, think about how much you would spend on temporary methods over the course of a year, and then compare that to a quote for laser hair removal.

Depilatory Creams: Depilatory creams use chemicals to remove unwanted hair and are most commonly used by women for legs and facial hair. The cream weakens the hair shaft allowing it to be wiped away.
It's remarkably simple, but takes a little more time than shaving since the cream must sit on the hair for a few minutes to be effective. Some people with sensitive skin are unable to use these creams, but they work well on normal skin types.

The results of depilatory creams are not permanent like a laser, but they do last longer than shaving, usually about a week or two. So it's great for a vacation or other times when you want a longer lasting effect.
This is just a sampling of the hair removal methods available. Choosing a method comes down to your comfort levels and budget as well as your personal time restrictions. Many people with busy, hectic schedules opt for permanent solutions, while others are simply more comfortable shaving every day.

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