Permanent Hair Removal Guide

There are many ways to get rid of hairs on your body. Read to learn the absolute do’s and don’ts of body hair removal, including the pros and cons for delicate zones to help you choose safely the right method for you.

Body Hair Removal Methods

Some hair removal methods work better on some areas and skin tones while other methods do not. Find out when and how to shave, wax, sugar, use laser, IPL or Electrolysis…etc on your full body.

Be aware that some are temporary hair removal methods, which means you need to perform them regularly as hair will keep growing again and again over time. There are also permanent hair removal methods which are mainly Laser, IPL and Electrolysis.

Temporary Body Hair Removal Methods and Prices

Shaving
Shaving is the simplest, the fastest and the cheapest way to remove hair. Shaving works best on legs and underarms. While some women still shave the bikini area, we recommend waxing the bikini line.

The pain factor: Shaving is usually pain-free, but it can be painful if you nick yourself. Always using a sharp blade and shaving cream, lotion or oil. One of the best shaving creams you could use is Kiehl’s Close Shavers.

Prices: Razors are priced from a few cents to a few dollars depending on the type of razor you choose to use. Also, do not forget to get a shaving cream and lotion or oil which can cost around $10 – $20 for correct ones.

Waxing
Waxing is the application of a sticky substance to skin. The resin binds hair to a strip of cloth, which is yanked off, usually in the opposite direction of hair growth. Some thick waxes are applied and then peeled off, best for bikini waxing.
Waxing works on all body areas, from the legs to the bikini for women and from the back and chest to legs for men.
Sugaring, an alternative to wax, is made up of a mixture of lemon juice, sugar and water. The advantage of sugaring versus traditional waxing is the clean up. The mixture comes off with water.

The pain factor: The pain factor with waxing and sugaring is high. But the first time hurts the most. Hair grows in thinner. So after a couple times it hurts a bit less.

Prices: Since hair is pulled from the root, waxing and sugaring lasts about 3 to 6 weeks. Typical fees for salons and spas:
– Underarm: $15 – $25
– Arm: $25 – $40
– Half leg: $35 – $40
– Full leg: $60 – $70
– Bikini: $30 – $35
– Brazilian: $45 – $80
– Chest: $45 – $55
– Back: $40 – $55

Hair Removal Creams, also known as Depilatories
A strong alkaline product breaks down hair so that it can be easily wiped off. Just be careful because hair removal creams contain harsh chemicals and can burn your skin.

Prices: Some creams are priced fewer than five dollars while other products can go as high as 50 dollars.

Recommendations

Permanent Body Hair Removal Methods and Prices

Laser / IPL Body Hair Removal
You can expect an 80% reduction in hair growth, but some people see more, some less. Results, unfortunately, are never guaranteed with laser hair removal. You will need 5-6 treatments spaced four weeks apart. Each session will take about 10 minutes.

The pain factor: Lasers are not as painful as waxing, but are more painful than depilatory creams. A pulsed light from the laser can feel like a rubber band snapping your skin. We recommend taking a couple Advil an hour before.

Prices: Laser hair removal is not affordable for everyone. Each session can cost $150-$200. Find a reputable aesthetician. Beware the cheap places. You want to make sure you are going to a credible, licensed aesthetician who is most likely using the best, most up-to-date machines available.

Electrolysis
Electrolysis focuses on one hair at a time, it can be a tedious process, which makes it ideal for small areas like the underarms or bikini / genitals. The licensed electrologist inserts a sterile needle into every hair follicle. A low-level electrical current kills the follicle. Unlike laser and pulsed lights, electrolysis kills every follicle the electrologist treats so results are guaranteed.

The pain factor: The pain from electrolysis is greater than laser hair removal.

Prices: A 30-minute session of this procedure can be priced $50. Plan for 15 to 30 sessions before you can achieve a satisfactory result.

Which Body Hair Removal Method is Best for You?

Choosing the best body hair removal is easy as long as you know how much you can afford in price and take in pain. These 3 guidelines will help you prioritize the right hair removal method for your body:
– Choosing based on what is convenient for the areas of your body that you want treated: chest, breast, underarm, armpit, arm, hand, back, stomach, bikini, genital, anal, leg, toes
– Choosing based on your budget
– Choosing based on your body pain tolerance

Summary of Body Hair Removal Methods with Results and Costs