The desire to remove unwanted hair from the body exists in both men and women, but it is usually women who wish to remove the most hair from their bodies, causing them to seek the easiest and longest lasting method of hair removal. Shaving, the most traditional method of hair removal, is often an annoyance because the unwanted hair returns very quickly. The razor can also be unkind to hard to reach places like the underarms. The commercial market has responded to the desire for easier methods of hair removal by coming up with many alternatives to shaving.

Depilatories, which are creams or lotions, are one method of hair removal that can be much easier than shaving. Depilatories include chemicals such as thioglycolic acid that work to dissolve the hair at the skin’s surface. Unless a person has very sensitive skin, this method of hair removal has an advantage over shaving because it does not irritate the skin or risk cuts as a razor does. Hair removal with depilatories lasts as long as shaving, from one to four days, before the hair grows back.

Waxing has a longer lasting effect than shaving or depilatories, because it removes the hair at the base of the hair follicle rather than at the skin’s surface. This method of hair removal lasts about four to eight weeks before hair grows back and the process needs to be repeated. Waxing also leaves the skin softer, and hair re-growth is usually finer. Hair removal waxes can be performed at home or at a spa and are available in many varieties. Waxes may be designed to be applied hot, warm or cold, or by using pre-waxed paper strips.

Electrolysis is a hair removal technique that is touted as permanent. Using a specially charged needle, electrolysis exposes the hair follicles to an electric current that kills the hair producing cell. This method of hair removal is not always permanent, however, because new hair producing cells are sometimes created to replace the dead follicle.

Laser hair removal is the most permanently effective method of hair removal, although it tends to be very expensive. This procedure is performed by either a physician or a salon that is licensed to use the laser instrument. The procedure uses a laser beam that permanently damages the hair follicle, resulting in permanent hair removal.