Removing Hair You Don’t Want There!

Let’s be real: body hair is pretty annoying, and it is even more annoying to remove it. Of course, you don’t ever have to remove it, but at this point in American society, it is almost second nature to do so. There are five ways you can get rid of your excessive body hair, no matter where is it located (in some cases, for good!).

Waxing

Waxing is a great option if you can handle some temporary pain. Hot (but not boiling) wax is often used to remove hair from legs, underarms, and bikini areas. The wax is applied to the area and removed from the root in the opposite direction of which your hair grows. This method can remove hair for about three weeks on average, which can differ depending on the growth and thickness of your hair. It is up to you if you choose to get this treatment done professionally or if you decide to take on the challenge yourself. DIY waxing is always an interesting route, but it's not necessarily the safest.

The inevitable negatives: Unfortunately, you have to allow your hair to grow back at least a quarter of an inch for the wax to adhere to it. Waxing can also cause quite a bit of pain initially and can also cause ingrown hairs. If you do decide to have a professional take on the task, removal treatments can get pricey. 

Be cautious when it comes to waxing! You may use alcohol to calm your nerves for other beauty treatments, but drinking is not recommended when you are about to get waxed, as it tightens your pores, causing even more pain. If you are looking for a professional waxing place, Natura Waxing Lounge and Spa has locations in Pacific Beach, La Mesa, and Solana Beach.

Shaving

This is perhaps the most popular and easiest method for removing hair. It also happens to be the quickest and cheapest way to remove your hair. Your tools of choice should be a sanitized and sharp razor and your favorite shaving cream. Noxzema even makes an awesome shaving cream that claims to reduce hair growth! This method of hair removal is best practiced on legs, arms, and facial hair. 

However, it only removes the hair at the surface, causing it to grow back faster than if you were to remove it at the root. Also, since you are running a sharp razor on your skin, you risk getting little nicks here and there. Some of the darker sides of shaving include ingrown hairs and razor burn. In summary, shaving is great for inexpensive, quick, and painless hair removal, but if you have some time and money set aside, opt for something else to get rid of the stubble.

Laser Treatments

To achieve nearly permanent removal, laser hair removal is the way to go. Although it is the most expensive treatment, it can save your sanity. Laser treatment destroys the follicle, which can help achieve permanent removal. Usually, the hair will fall out within 2-3 weeks after treatment. 

This is the best option for long-term or permanent removal. The treatment can also be done on the most sensitive skin since it does not cause any kind of damage to the dermis. Most doctors you go to for this treatment will have different lasers to offer, which are customized to your skin and hair color.

However, there are some cons to this magical treatment. Having a laser destroying your hair follicles over and over can be painful. This treatment is typically limited to people with hair that is darker than their skin. Treatments can go for $100 and up per session, and usually patients will need about six sessions. Depending on the size of the area, it could require touch ups every now and then. Although some patients have success with laser treatments, some have stubborn hair follicles and may need to go in more than six times for treatment, or seek another option. 

Give it a try! Avalon Laser in the Balboa Park area offers many aesthetic treatments, including laser hair removal. 

Depilatory Creams

Another easy solution to hair removal is depilatory cream, or hair removal cream. These creams have chemicals in them to break down the hair follicle, and all you have to do is wipe it away after it is done working its magic. These creams are typically used for facial, bikini, and underarm hair, the most popular brand being Nair. Aside from the ease of removal, depilatory creams can also be used in the comfort of your own home. The chemicals reach the hair below the surface of the skin, which helps the hair grow back at a slower pace. 

However, the downside is the chemicals! These magical chemicals can irritate sensitive skin, especially in your bikini area. Also, if left on for longer than the label suggests, you can end up with some lovely chemical burns. Oh, and if you have ever used any kind of depilatory cream, you know that they have a horrendous smell.

Tweezing or Threading

These methods are often used on your eyebrows or other facial hair. Tweezing can be done by a professional or even by yourself! To achieve your best brows by tweezing, start by filling them in the shape you would like, then tweeze around them. Yes, it is seriously that easy. But you can face a little trouble. Over-plucking is a downfall women often face and sometimes, the over-plucked hairs won't grow back. So, always be cautious and patient when tweezing!

Threading a little more tricky and requires a skilled hand. While it is a lot quicker than tedious tweezing, you can also quickly remove hair you didn’t want to remove. If you are new to threading, it is best to go to a professional since they know what they're doing.