Hair removal: What’s best for you?

How you remove unwanted body hair—manual or electric shavers, creams, hot wax, epilators, electrolysis, or lasers—is mostly a matter of preference. But some methods make particular sense for certain individuals, and our tests show that not all products are created equal.

Blades tend to be easiest for most people, and they shave slightly closer than electrics. Two- or three-bladed razors may offer some advantage. If you develop razor bumps—caused by shaved hairs curling back into the skin—stop shaving for a few days, then apply a preshave lotion and shave with the grain, without stretching the skin. Or consider one of the options below.

Electric shavers rarely cause razor burn or cuts, a particular advantage if you take a blood thinner or have a bleeding disorder. But all models tested on women’s underarms—including some men’s shavers—caused skin irritation.

Electric epilators (with hundreds of tiny tweezers) and hot-wax treatments pull hair out. Most of the ones we tested performed well, though some women found them painful.

Depilatory creams dissolve hair just below the skin surface. But they produce an unpleasant smell and can cause skin reactions in some people, so test a small amount on your forearm first.

Lasers and electrolysis permanently remove hair by destroying the follicles. But they’re costly and time-consuming, and should be done only by licensed practitioners. Even then, they can sometimes darken, lighten, or scar the skin.

Comments

[Carol Aalund]

Electrolysis is the ONLY method of hair remvoal recommended as both safe and 100% PERMANENT by the FDA. Laser clinics can only claim permanent REDUCTION of hair by law per the FDA. Laser clinics will NOT point this out to you. Also, many people do not know that the acronym LASER stands for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emmission of Radiation". Yes, you read that right, there is radiation involved in laser hair reduction treatments. That is why a laser clinic will never treat your eyebrow area. It is too dangerous to have the radiation anywhere near your eyes. Also, the laser people will tell you that Electrolysis is both very painful and that Electrologists pierce your skin with a needle. Neither of these statements is true and it is a mystery to me why laser clinics persist in trying to undermine the practice of Electrology (which has been proven safe and effective for over 130 years, by the way). I guess it is a mean-spirited and misleading attempt to draw business away from Electrology and toward laser. Electrolysis is very comfortable (go to a practice that offers a free sample treatment and find out for yourself) and also needles are not used. Filaments, also called probes are. The hair follicle is already an existing opening in the skin like a pocket and there is no sensation with insertion. The burst of electricity used to destroy the hair follicle feels akin to a mosquito bite. There also is no blood, as there would be if Electrolgists were piercing your skin with a needle. Also, Electrologists in Illinois are required to pass a state accredited curriculum (600 hours) and then pass a written state board exam. To become a certified laser technician all you need to do is take a 1 day, or up to a 1 week course and learn how to run the equipment. You can verify that information, too, if you aren't sure about that fact. Electrologist's are highly trained professionals delivering the very best in permanent hair removal. And it's PERMANENT.

[Nicola]

laser hair removal results depend on the quality of the laser used. Cheap devices don't usually give great results. Underarm and bikini hair follicles are quite deep and are the most challenging test for any laser device. I live in uk and was recommended to Bodylaser clinic (www.bodylaser.co.uk). The results were very good but I needed six sessions with gaps of about one month. I had IPL treatment previously at a beauty salon and that did not work for me. That being the case, I don't see how a little hand-held home use device can work well.

[Sonya]

There are some things that you might want to consider if you have darkers skin, this might help -

http://hubpages.com/hub/laser-hair-removal-for-asian-skin

[Cynthia]

There are a lot of ways for a hair removal. But then make it sure to choose the one that really suits on you. Finding some home remedies of the hair removal is one of the best stuffs that should be take into consideration.

[bsd2009]

The best way to get rid of hair permanently is to considering undergoing electrolysis.Beauty Skin Deep is designed to meet your personal needs in aesthetics, skin care products and clinical treatments, as well as proven permanent hair removal for both men and women. You can contact them for charlotte electrolysis treatment. I am sure they will be of immense help.

[Brenda]

I had six(or seven?) laser hair removal sessions at Sona Med Spa, and am still having to shave my legs every day. Very disappointing after staying out of the sun for the past two summers in an effort to maximize the treatments...

[J]

Hi, I would like to know if any of you tried Xemos hair removal system and it is safe to be used at home?

*Vital Solutions' Xemos
Laser Hair removal for $199
http://visol.com/en/products/Xemos.html/?setCurrencyId=1&cpn_code=google03&gclid=CKTF46Lu55sCFZJM5QodG3cP5w

Thank you

J

[S]

Hi I'm trying to decide between "do it at home" Laser Hair Removal systems:
*Tria Beauty's TRIA Laser Hair Removal System for $795
http://www.triabeauty.com/products/tria_laser_hair_removal

*Vital Solutions' Xemos Laser Hair removal for $199
http://visol.com/en/products/Xemos.html/?setCurrencyId=1&cpn_code=google03&gclid=CKTF46Lu55sCFZJM5QodG3cP5w

*EPiLA laser hair removal for $179
http://www.epila.net/

or do you suggest something different??
Thanks for any input!

[Jess]

I though laser hair removal was my dream come true, I’m a light skin Latina with a lot of BLACK hair, so I decide to start laser hair removal almost 3 years ago with Ideal Image in Florida. Despite that fact that the contact and commercials “grantee” you will have silky smooth skin for the rest of your life and you will never have to shave again. Is all BULL SHIT, why do I think like that, will at first I thought this machine is amazing it took my arm hair and side burns even my bikini hair all away (I mean I had no hair, silky smooth skin), but the catch is yeah the laser works for about only 2 maybe 3 months of no hair and then all your hair grows back. To my understanding I though I was not going to have hair ever again and I can throw away my razor. I learned that wasn’t true the hard way, don’t get me wrong it works but to an extent not what most laser hair removal places portray, the laser did minimize and make my dark hair lighter but not what I was hoping for on areas like my under arms, side burns, bikini, and lower legs (by the way I did my whole body & paid $7,000.00). I was expecting to never have to shave again, my thoughts are, if I paid $7,000.00 for no hair I shouldn’t have hair left at all. I also think, yeah my hair is not that noticeable anymore but if I keep shaving my under arms, low legs, est. guess what happens within a year maybe two years if I’m lucky my hair will start to get courser and darker so my hair will eventually get to the same point that I started at and maybe worse! Hello I paid for temporary hair removal not good enough for the amount of money people pay for. By the way I had little to no results on my stomach, thighs, back, chain and upper lip. It really sucks to go through 3 years of no sun (because again I live in Miami, Florida hello the sunny beach state), pain (that I even fainted after one of my bikini secessions), $7,000.00 I could have spend on anything else, and all my time spent commuting from Miami to Aventura, which was the closes location to me. It’s NOT WORTH IT if you ask me.

[Laser Tech]

LightSheer Laser by Lumenis gives amazing perminant results on dark course hair no matter what color skin you have. Too fine hair will NEVER have GREAT hair loss, the hair will be finer and thinner, usually more managable. I will not treat clients faces if they have peach fuzz type hair as the hair can grow longer and sometimes a little more course than when they started. Yag lasers do a great laser "wax" (removes hair w/o causing more growth) I offer this treatment at a lower cost laser for facial hair and explain that you will not get perminant results. FDA considers "perminant" loss to be 6 months, hence all laser places can sell treatments. Look for a place that offers LightSheer or Duet by Lumenis and a technician that's been working more than 2 years, 4 years for darker skin types.

[Lisa]

I used the One Touch Permanent Hair Removal system years ago on my legs, brows, upper lip & chin. It works permanently. I had to repeat the same areas such as legs due to coarser hairs. I also had electrolysis on one underarm and bikini areas. It works. Again coarser hairs needed repeated treatment. I had the laser treatment on the other underarm. No hairs return. But the more delicate bikini area did not work for me. Now I'm looking for a home electrolysis system for a the few hairs left. Any proven suggestions?

[Cosmetic Procedures]

Good post - thank you for the insightful and informative article. I have heard that apples (especially the skin) promotes hair growth. Can anyone tell me if this is correct?

[A. Martin]

Wanted to know if anyone has tried the Finally free Ultra- Permanent Hair Removal System (F140)??????????
Am looking to buy it but wanted to get a report on it!!!!!

[TriedItHateIt]

I recently bought the "Smooth Away" product because I was just getting sick of shaving and wanted to investigate how Smooth Away worked. It comes with two different "applicators," I suppose you would call them--one big one for large areas and one small one for sensitive areas--each with four superfine pads that you stick on. I tried it out on my arm first and began moving in alternating clockwise and counterclockwise circles, as the directions said. After several minutes of rubbing the same spot, the hair didn't appear to be coming off. I continued until FINALLY the hair disappeared and I was left with a red, irritated 3-inch bald spot. I refused to give up on it, though, and tried it on my legs. After about ten minutes of circles, the hair hadn't gone and I sulked back to my razor, which obliterated the hair in a matter of seconds. Though Smooth Away does exfoliate and leave you with softer skin (after the redness goes away) you'll be spending an hour or so rubbing your legs in circles until your skin is raw. I say risk the cuts and bumps. Nobody has that much time to spend with hair removal.

[Linda]

I have had good to great results with laser hair removal. I had it done on the underarm area and that hair is GONE! That was 2 years ago, and no regrowth at all. I have also had it done on facial hair. I have to have occasional touch-ups and there is some regrowth, but it is much less than before and MUCH more maneageable. I have also had the bikini line done, but have not completed the series, so I can't accurately report results there yet. I have not done my legs, just because of the expense and it doesn't bother me that much to shave. Based on my experience I would 100% recommend laser hair removal.

[laser hair removal rancho cucamonga]

You was definitely right that it possibly haven't had the best results because I didn't have all my treatments done month after month [have the treatments done every month for 10 months] OR because I went to three different LASER HAIR REMOVAL places. You have a nice blog keep posting!

by: sphin

[SueD1]

For the most comprehensive information on all types of hair removal, try the website, www.hairfacts.com. I do not have any financial or personal interest in the website; I am an unbiased reader. However, this does seem to have an endless amount of information regarding all types of hair removal.

[gman]

I am looking at going to Sona Med Spa to get laser treatment on my back hair. I have done the waxing and the shaving and was wanting to know if anyone else has gone to Sona Med Spa for their laser treatment and does it work??? I am very nervous since i heard the treatment really hurts. PLEASE Help!!!

[Nicole]

I have been using verseo e-pad on my underarm area on and off for about a year. The hair growth is noticeably sparser. The booklet that comes with the product says that the hair removal is permanent, however, it only works on hairs within their active growth period which is the first two weeks of a hair's life cycle. So if you want this product to work, you need to consistently use it every 1-2 weeks for a long period of time (who knows how long, I am still working on it...). Also, the pads themselves are painless, but you still have to remove the hair by plucking after the pad treatment. My eyes and neck get sore after a while from straining for so long. A better way, I have found, is to use an epilator after the treatment to pluck most of the hairs, then finish up with tweezers. Overall, I would say this product is for people who have lots of time but can't afford expensive treatments.

I wish consumer reports had a review of this product because I am not sure if the hair removal will be permanent and am wondering how long it will take for all the hair to be gone.

[Marilu]

I was very excited to see the EPILA home laser unit. I cannot afford the time, nor the money particularly to do as much of my body as I need to do, so I appreciate the comments on the various home systems and people's experiences.

For those about to try the home electrolysis, all I can say is please don't waste your money! I thought IT would be the answer to my problems years ago.

After much diligent use, not ONE single hair was removed.

The topper was a product I wish I knew the name of, so I could warn you in case they're still around. It was a reasonably priced hair removal gel which came in a tubular shaped bottle, with a round ball on the end, like some anti-perspirants do, and was slightly orange in color. Used following directions, over 20 years ago, it scarred my face so badly that I still have two or three big red shiny bumpy scars to this day...and they're capable of growing coarse hair! I have high hopes for the Epila, but would try anything on a less conspicuous part of the body first!

[Susan]

If you're looking for alternative hair-removal techniques and have seen the commercial for the "Smooth Away", here's a good (and funny!) review of this product. I wish I read this before buying it! http://rockstarmamaonline.com/theblog/?p=75

[Nancie]

I am also looking for any info/comments on the Smooth Away before I purchase it. Anything will help. I can't seem to find anything. Thank you.

[Yolie]

Has anyone tried VERSEO EPAD? I really want to buy it, common sense is telling me wait for a response from someone who has used it.

[meg]

Hello

For anyone curious about the nono please don't waste your money or time. It ended up making my hair thicker. The only way I think that it might work is if you have super fine hair, and don't believe what some retailers say it DOES NOT permently remove hair. Sadly I found this out when I went onto the website after already using it.

[Vicki]

Was just curious, where is any info on the smooth away. I'm looking for unbiased information on this product. Thought I would find it here.
I'm already not interested in the excessive cost of lazer treatments.

[bree]

i have the no!no! and it doesn't work. it irritated my skin and smelled like burning hair every time i used it. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY....

[Marie]

I have fine fuzzy blonde hair on my face that I would like to get rid of. I have been told that lasers do not work on blonde hair. Any suggestions? Thanks

[Laser hair removal]

Lasers and electrolysis permanently remove hair by destroying the follicles. But they’re costly and time-consuming, and should be done only by licensed practitioners. Even then, they can sometimes darken, lighten, or scar the skin, Laser hair removal is the best option .
http://www.baywoodclinic.com/

[Ann]

I have been getting electrolysis about every 4-6 weeks to remove coarse chin hair for the last five or six years. At first treatments were quite painful, and I my skin would be irritated for a few days afterward. Then I would have smooth skin for a couple of weeks, but eventually the hair re-grew and I repeated the treatment. The amount of hair and its coarseness has been reduced quite a bit, and it's less painful as the hair has gotten lighter, but I can see that this is a lifelong process. I have probably had 40 treatments (I took a 1-year break to let my skin recover). I don't think there is a truly permanent, cheap, or painless answer to hair removal. I'm just grateful to have something that keeps the hair to a minimum. Friends with finer hair have gotten more permanent results and need less frequent treatments. Find what works best for you and your body. Good luck.

[mary]

There is a prescription hair cream called Vaniqa which is fda approved for excess facial hair. I've never tried it, but the website says it slows down the rate of hair growth so people have to remove hair less often. Hypothetically, it sounds like if you used it long enough (and kept using it) that it might be a decent solution.

[S]

What can you tell me about the "Smooth Away" hair removal product? It is supposed to work with very fine abrasives and exfoliate as well. I am wondering how it would affect or irritate skin with Rosacea and/or acne. I am also wondering if it is truly effecive.

[dee]

anyone have any thoughts on Silk'n?

[Epiguy]

Every hair removal method that works has its pros and cons. Shaving is the fastest and easiest, and is by far the most popular in the US. The cons of shaving are nicks, cuts, razor burn and the fact that at some stage in your life, you need to do it every other day. Laser is great if you have the money ($3,000 or so), and if you have the right skin pimgmentation and hair color. Electrolysis is great too, but best done on small areas because of the expense and the discomfort of the process.

Waxing, tweezing and epilating are great ways to stay smooth for longer periods (about 3-4 weeks hair-free). The drawback is the discomfort these methods cause at first, but that diminishes after several uses, just like with eyebrow tweezing. Waxing at home is very messy sometimes, and not as effective as waxing in a salon, but salon treatments get very expensive too if done every few weeks ($20-60 each visit, depending on the venue). Tweezing would be great, but it hard to tweeze each individual hair on the legs! Epilation is a great option. It is basically an electric tweezing system that can tweeze up to 35,000 times per minute, making the leg epilation a 15 minute process, with results that last up to 4 weeks. Epilady started the epilator business in the 80's, and has since really improved the product to reduce discomfort.

For the body builder who wrote a comment earlier, I would urge you to try epilators. For those of you who think they can stand a moderate sensation, this might be the way to go too. In Europe, 20% of the women remove hair with epilators, as opposed to only 5% of the women in the US. What do they know that we don't?

[Ginger Skinner]

Hi Janemari:

Thank you for your request for Consumer Reports Ratings on infomercial exercise equipment. We're actually wrapping up our testing now, and will be publishing an update to the current infomercial article and Ratings -- http://www.consumerreports.org/health/healthy-living/fitness/staying-fit/infomercial-exercise-2-08/overview/infomercial-exercise-equipment-ov.htm -- early next year (Jan-Feb, 2009). Please stay tuned.

Best,
Ginger Skinner
Web Content Associate
ConsumerReportsHealth.org

[Janemari]

I would like to see Consumer Reports do a rating system on infomercial products. They could rate them on the A-F scale, not necessarily comparing them to other like products.

[Donna]

Has anyone tried Tria personal lazer? It is quite pricey, but it is about one of the session packages that the Professionals offer. Just wondering if anyone can shed any light on this product.

[Lisa]

I had laser hair removal done in treatments that took about 9 months total about 7 years ago in the bikini area, and no hair has grown back yet!! I am thinking about doing the same for my chin and upper lip.

Lisa

[Maria]

I have also seen NoNo hair removal system on home shopping channel and it seems too good to be true but it also got my attention. Did anybody buy this product & used it if so pls. comment about the result. I wish the consumer report would write about it. Also Can anyone recommend anytype of treatment that they have used or using that helped w/ bikini & uderarm hair problem without braking the bank.

[Lauren]

I had laser hair removal done on my bikini line and am very pleased with the results. The laser center I used was honest, and told me up front that on average 10 sessions are needed spaced 4-6 weeks apart since you have to get the follicle in the growth phase. I have light skin and dark hair, which is ideal for laser. It often does not work as well for lighter hair. I do occassionally get some minimal regrowth, but since I bought a package, I can go back for $75 treatment, which isn't much more than getting waxed. The package deals were much more economical since so many treatment sessions are required.

[laser hair removal girl]

It is true that the best hair removal varies from person to person - and also can differ for each body part. For me shaving is just fine for the underarms, and causes no problem. But in the bikini area it is too sensitive for that, plus I get ingrown hairs. My legs are OK with being shaved, but I get stubble right away (it seems!) so I want a longer term solution. Laser hair removal seems like a good way to go - but as you point out it is expensive. Such dilemmas!

[Smith]

I am somewhat dissapointed with the Laser Treatments I have had.
I have had about 10 laser treatments on the Bikni area.
I went to 3 different Laser Treatment places and 2 places used
the Candela laser and the other used MedioStar Laser.
So most of my treatments were done at Laser Hair Removal places
using a Candela Laser.
I was tired of waxing and tweezing. Shaving was only causing ingrown hairs, tweezing was real time consuming, and waxing was pulling more of my skin than the unwanted hair, and thus I'd have bruises.

I possibly haven't had the best results because I didn't
have all my treatments done month after month [have the treatments
done every month for 10 months] OR because I went to three
different LASER HAIR REMOVAL places.
After the first 3 treatments, I was super happy with my results!
The first place used the Candela Laser.
And I thought I'd never need any more treatments!
So didn't schedule any more pricey laser hair removal appointments.
Then about 2-3 months later, the area looked like it was returning
to the way it looked before. Which wasn't appealing.
So I went to a different Laser Hair removal place.
Had a few treatments with the Medio Star Laser. It is really different from having treatments done with the Candela laser. The Candela laser ZAPS the EXPOSED unwanted hair there is.
When I went to the place that used the MEDIO star Laser, I was TOLD to shave that morning. That Laser ZAPS the unwanted hair UNDER the skin.

So I certainly haven't had the results I expected after 10 treatments.
I can't say that I am entirely dissapointed, but these businesses charge so much (sometimes you can find a great deal on the treatments)
but you may end up Shelling out all that money AND not get outstanding
results, or more importantly, get your money's worth.

[Donna]

I have a "Tweeze" and it does indeed work for the face, although for me, it's a bit painful, especially the upper lip area. I have more noticeable facial hair around the jawline, and I use it there with no problems. I pretty much need to put new batteries in every time I use it, though. Wish they would sell a plug-in model. It works so well that I sometimes use it on my legs, which takes a long time, but there's no noticeable hair growth for about 3 weeks. For the places on my face that are too sensitive for it, I use a little hair trimmer. My dermatologist actually recommended that over laser removal or depilatories. I bought an Epilady plug-in for my legs, but it doesn't work as well as the Tweeze.

[Grace]

I'm thinking of buying the new system I've seen on a home shopping channel. It's called NoNo. Has anyone tried this one?
I'd be interested in your feedback. Thanks.

[Lisa]

Any suggestions for the best method to remove facial hair (eye brows, upper lip) without epensive and time-consuming treatments (physician related)? If they worked, I wouldn't mind; however, nothing I have read suggests they do? How about the 'Tweeze'-it isn't permanent but I've wondered if it works as the testimonials reveal, which is sixx weeks (not for eyebrows, though). Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Debbie]

All the information was very helpful to me....thanks so much I want to have laser surgery but I want to make the right choice.

[Vanessa]

I am looking at the Rio home laser hair removal system on Ebay. Just wondered if anyone has had any experience with this system. It does not mention that it is an "IPL" system.

[Rosemary]

I had laser hair removal about 7 years ago on my legs, bikini and underarms. It was done by professionals with two different types of lasers, since the technology improved during the three years I was having treatments done. Each area took about 12-18 months to complete full treatment. This is important due to the cycle of hair growth. I haven't shaved since and I've had no regrowth. I have a few strays on my underarms which didn't take I guess. I used emla cream on the area about 1 hour prior to treatment and this helped make the procedure relatively pain free in comparison to electrolysis.

[Celestina]

With regards to the EPILA Laser Hair Removal, I found this information on a European Consumer Affairs site. It is quite clear the product is not safe for use.

9
0216/07 Germany Category: Electrical appliances
Product: Laser epilator

Brand: EPILA
Type/number of model: Laser SI-808
Country of origin: South Korea

Damage to sight, skin lesion and electric shock

This product poses a serious risk of damage to sight, skin lesions and electric shock because of insufficient insulation and protection against laser radiation if used incorrectly. In particular:

- the laser beam is highly effective at a distance of 2-3 cm from the spacer on all settings (low, middle, high).

This is sufficient to cause irreversible retina damage, among other things;

- it is likely that the product can be classified as Laser Class 4 contrary to Class IIIb as labelled;

- the product has accessible live parts through the power supply voltage to earth of 230 V~/50Hz causing risk of electric shock;

- the product does not have:

the required access control (keypad code, key, etc.) or the required time switch that reacts when the device is idle and automatically switches it off;

- the required safety lock (the laser can be operated without any controlled function enable, e.g. body resistance measurement, or similar).

Moreover, even if the instructions recommend that the product device be kept out of children's reach, the possibility of damage resulting from foreseeable misuse cannot be ruled out, mainly due to lack of access control and safety lock.

The product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive and the relevant requirements of the European standard EN 60335.
Voluntary withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers

[Dr Gene Emahiser]

I have a heavy beard, and have shaved since I was 12, and am 70 now, so I have some experience with razors and "systems" for shaving. For a very broad perspective about razors and theories of hair removal using blades, seek out the various sites that relate to razor blades, such as razor blades, feather, etc... I ended up passing by the unit to sharpen multi head blades, such as the Mach 3 and related types, and instead returned to a double blade, VERY sharp blade, such as the Merkur or Derby, or (watch it!) Jatai blade. Also, noted that there IS a conspiracy to build in dullness after the first shave, and you can extend the life of a razor by 7 to 14 shaves simply by drying it off well, then dunking it and leaving it in Mineral oil until the next shave... then use TWO BLADES, allowing one to REBUILD the edge for a day or so before using it again. Honest! Lots of science here that Gillette and others don't share with the consumer. I pay 17 cents for a double edged blade, and get super shaves for over a week off one blade set. That is what I call Depression Era shaving. And I GET FABULOUS SHAVES, and I have a very heavy beard. A woman's legs and underarms are not near the challenge that my beard is, so look into it if you are female.

G

[Kari]

Has anyone tried the Epila? Home laser hair removal device. Curious if it works...it's $199.