From peach-fuzz fringes to long, dark, or coarse growth, women have been doing battle with excess hair — and hair removal — for centuries.
For some, the problem is hereditary or related to ethnic heritage. For others, it can be caused by a medical condition such as polycystic ovaries or a hormone-secreting tumor, or even the result of hormonal changes linked to menopause.
Still other women are interested in hair removal for areas such as legs, underarms, or bikini area, where growth is normal but sometimes undesirable. No matter the reason, there is no shortage of ways to cope.
To help you decide which method of hair removal might be best for you, WebMD consulted several experts in the field. They helped us prepare this guide to the eight most popular methods of hair removal for women.
Hair Removal Method No. 1: Laser/Pulsed Light
What It Does: One of the more popular ways to remove hair is via laser or pulsed light – energy that goes through the hair shaft down to the follicle, where it destroys the hair’s root. The hair does not immediately come out during a laser treatment. Instead, it weakens and falls out over time. This means doctors can safely treat larger areas at one time and more comfortably for the patient.
Best For : Laser hair removal can be done anywhere on the body. The best candidates are women with dark hair and light skin. Lasers won’t work on white hair, and they are much less effective on blond hair, which Goldberg says usually responds best to electrolysis.
How Long It Takes : It usually requires 5-7 sessions, with a touch-up about once a year thereafter.
Cost : The cost runs between $150 and $500, or sometimes more depending on how many treatments are needed.
Hair Removal Method No. 2: Electrolysis
What It Is : The only method of hair removal that is permitted to be called “permanent,” electrolysis uses a tiny needle that slides down into the hair follicle until it reaches the cells responsible for hair growth. The process can be uncomfortable, but local anesthetic creams can help.
Best For : Like other forms of hair removal, it is safe to do electrolysis anywhere on the body, the most popular place for women is the face.
How Long It Takes : Though the system requires that the removal be done hair-by-hair, so it can take up to 25 sessions, depending on how much you need removed, but each session may only be 5 or 10 minutes long.
Cost: Costs run between $40 and $90 per treatment, with 10 to 25 treatments (or more) sometimes necessary for permanent, lasting results.
Potential Drawback : Electrolysis can cause tiny scars where the needle is inserted. Though for most people they heal unnoticed, for those with darker skin tones it means an increased risk of hyperpigmentation and formation of keloids. Thus, it’s not recommended for this skin type.
Hair Removal Method No. 3: Vaniqa
What It Is: This topical prescription cream, also known as eflornithine 13.9%, works by blocking an enzyme that would otherwise stimulate hair growth. Without the enzyme, hair growth is retarded in that area, and eventually may stop.
Best For : Vaniqa works best for facial hair growth on the upper lip, chin, and cheeks.
Studies show Vaniqa is safe to use in combination with birth control pills and other hormone treatments when the cause of unwanted hair stems from reproductive problems such as polycystic ovaries. It is also safe for all ethnic groups and skin types.
Cost : Vaniqa costs between $80 and $225 per tube.
Hair Removal Method No. 4: Waxing
What It Is : It’s been around for centuries, but today’s waxes are far different than the sticky honey treatments of the past. he soy cream is applied, then covered with special cloth strips. When the wax sets, the strips are removed, taking the hair with it.
Best For : Waxing can remove hair anywhere on the body, including the upper lip, chin, eyebrows, arms and legs. A bikini wax removes hair that might show when you’re wearing a skimpy bathing suit bottom, while a Brazilian wax removes all hair from the genital area.
Cost: The cost of waxing runs from about $10 for an upper lip, to $70 for upper and lower legs or a Brazilian wax. The procedure must be repeated every few weeks.
Hair Removal Method No. 5: Shaving
What It Is: Whether done with an electric or straight razor, shaving is akin to cutting hair – only it does so ultra-close to the skin. Shaving does not remove hair at the root, nor does it disturb the follicle. That means the effects are temporary, lasting anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Potential Drawback: If hair is coarse shaving can cause ingrown hairs.
Hair Removal Method No. 6: Depilatories
What It Is: These creams and lotions use a chemical compound designed to dissolve the proteins that make up hair. Unlike shaving, which leaves sharp, hard, hair stubble just below the skin, depilatories leave a rounded, smoother edge – so stubble is minimized and regrowth appears to take longer. Still, treatments usually need to be repeated at least weekly, if not more often.
Best For : Best used for hair on the face, arms, and legs, many depilatories are not recommended for eyebrows or for use in the genital area.
Cost : Cost is between $5-$10 per tube or bottle.
Hair Removal Method No. 7: Tweezing
What It Is: Tweezing pulls hair out at the root. However, it does not affect the follicle, from which hair grows, so it’s only a matter of time before another one sprouts up.
Best For : Tweezing is best used to remove hair on small areas of the face – such as the upper lip, chin, or eyebrows.
Hair Removal Method No. 8: Oral Contraceptives and Hormonal Treatments
What It Is: For women whose hair growth is hormone-related — most often caused by a condition known as polycystic ovary syndrome — medications can help. The condition is known as hirsutism. Treatment includes drugs designed to reduce levels of androgens, the hormones linked to excess hair growth.
Medications commonly include birth control pills and/or anti-androgens, such as spironolactone, cyproterone acetate, and flutamide.
Editor-In-Chief, Stephanie Penn-Danforth -- Daily Venus Diva.
This is a problem I deal with because of my PCOS! It’s crazy. Nads have great wax strip for the upper lip, but are hard to find. Nair also have good wax strips. The strips come with the wax already on them and you just take about 10 seconds to rub them between your hands to heat the wax and go to work! I prefer to wax my upper lip myself and not go to a shop because it’s so painful for me. At least I know what’s coming! Wax strips are great because it takes longer for the hair to come back.