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

[Bonnie Davis]

I think it's important to use the right tools and products for the right part of the body. You wouldn't want to use shaving cream for the face, for instance, on your bikini line or maybe even under your arms. Men's products may be too strong for some women and everyone should do test products on their skin before using them for shaving.

[Tiffany]

I spent over $3,000. in laser hair removal and had numerous treatments done. It did not work for me. I went to see a dermatologist and was told by the Dr. himself, " As long as your body produces hormones you will have hair. The laser may temporarly stunt hair growth but in the long run hormones will make hair come back." So beware before you fork out thousands of $$$$ for these procedures! Wish I would have known this before I wasted my money.

[Joumana]

can anyone recommend a home electrolysis system that really works? I have been many to electrologists for 20 years. They all have tweezed the hair, even stimulated fine hair to grow coarser. They feel that they don't have to answer to anyone.

[Elad]

Laser hair removal is somewhat "new" method but yet it was proven that people who did that 5-10 years ago still report of no hair growth.
Real issue it, there are so many different laser hair removal machines on the market that it's hard to tell which one will do the trick.
As being a part of a place that uses IPL machine made by Alma Lasers, i can say we have seen very good results on most of the clients.

[smoothmuscles]

I have been searching the market for a method/product that can help with removing my body hair. I compete in body building competitions and need to have smooth, hairless skin without irritating my skin so much as to be noticable on stage. What is out there that I could try, that could do the best job? I've tried shaving and it doesnt seem to do it for me. I have to shave too close to competition time that causes an unatural look. what do i try?

[Larissa]

I would NOT recommend getting laser hair removal. I spent close to 10k on my entire body and the results were NOT worth the money. I am not satisfied with the outcome of my legs, but still have hair everywhere else. Also, when I had the procedure done they lasered areas that had not hair, and now I have hair on those areas. It was a huge waste of money and I would NOT recommend it to anybody. My best friend and sister are going through the same procedure and are not satisfied with the results. My sisters hair growth is probably ten times worse than when she began. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY! Keep on shaving and waxing ladies and gents, it is not worth it.

[Helen]

There are so MANY hair removal systems on the market. Laser, (needle, tweezer, pad electolysis) Microlysis, IPO ? and "special light bulb"

Gosh- Hopeing to find unbiased info on all. Really if any organization compared them all. Please let me know, Thanks

[Laser Hair Removal NJ]

IPL hair hair removal is preferred method now.

[Laser Lover]

A few years ago I splurged and purchased a full-body laser hair removal package from a local spa (who uses nurses to do the removal). I really love it! The most beneficial area to have done is by far the bikini and underarms. It is time consuming, and took about one full year to do my whole body (legs, arms, face, bikini, underarms). I had to go in every couple weeks for a new area and usually got the same area done monthly. It probably took 6 treatments to do my bikini and less for the arms and upper leg. If you can afford laser hair removal, I would reccomend it.

[Dana]

Laser Lover -> do you know what type of laser was used for your hair removal? There are so many, it is hard to determine which one is the most effective. Thanks!