Complete Hair Removal Guide

Remember when you were a kid and couldn't wait to shave your legs for the first time? Back then, shaving was a sign of womanhood. But now, getting rid of unwanted hair is more like a chore that you wish you didn't have to do. Fortunately, there are many hair removal options available, from shaving to electrolysis, and it can be hard to decide which process is best for you as well as the most cost effective. (Keep in mind that prices for procedures vary by location.)

Read this quick breakdown to see what's right for you. You may find that using a combination of a few is the way to go. Whichever you choose, you'll come to realize that getting rid of those annoying hairs wasn't as daunting as it initially seemed.

SHAVING

What: A razor is used on wet skin, normally in conjunction with a shaving gel or cream, or other lubricant.

Best for: Legs, under arms and bikini area.

Pros: It's cheap, easy and (usually) painless.

Cons: Results only last from one to three days, and it's best to avoid using sharp razors on sensitive areas as shaving may irritate or even cut skin.

PLUCKING

What: Using tweezers to remove one or two pieces of hair at a time.

Best for: Small areas, like eyebrows, and for getting rid of random hairs on the chin, face, neck or nipple area.

Pros: The process is very precise and can be used on more sensitive areas such as eyebrows. The effects of plucking will last longer than shaving since you're removing the entire hair follicle. It's also relatively inexpensive since a tweezer purchase is a one-time cost.

Cons: It has a minor ouch-factor and can be time-consuming.

WAXING

What: Hot wax is applied to areas with unwanted hair. Once the wax cools, it's quickly ripped off (often using cloth or paper strips) in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Many nail salons and spas offer waxing services.

Best for: Pretty much any part of the body. It's great for upper lips, eyebrows, bikini area, and even larger areas like legs, back, and arms.

Pros: It usually takes two to three weeks for hair to resurface, and this method can be used on numerous parts of the body. Also, considering how long the results last, the rather affordable prices are worth it.

Cons: Pain. It's only for a brief second, but if you don't tolerate pain well, waxing isn't for you. Also, it can be a bit messy and leave skin red after the procedure is complete.

DEPILATORIES

What: A cream is applied to an area with unwanted hair for three to five minutes (that's when the hair is actually being burned off) and then the surface is wiped clean with a washcloth to remove the cream and hair.

Best for: Upper lips, bikini area, and other small, hard-to-reach areas of the body.

Pros: You do it at home -- it's quick and pain-free. Depilatory kits can be purchased at most drugstores, often for under $10.

Cons: While the cream is doing its thing on your hair, it produces a rather nasty smell. That smell alone is enough to keep some people away! Also, results only last for several days. Depilatories cannot be used by anyone with sensitive skin and can even irritate the skin of those who don't usually have sensitivity to products.

ELECTROLYSIS

What: A fine needle is inserted into the hair follicle, and an electrical current is applied to prevent it from producing hair. Each follicle must be done one at a time, so you might find yourself returning to the electrolysis clinic over and over again.

Best for: It can be done on any body part, but unless you have a bottomless wallet, it's probably best reserved for small areas.

Pros: It's permanent.

Cons: First, there are no licensing guidelines for electrolysis technicians, so it can be difficult to know how much experience or training someone has had before they work on you. Second, for the hair removal to become permanent, patients often need to have more than one treatment on a follicle. When the hair follicle is at a certain point in the growth cycle, it can be difficult for electrolysis to be effective -- and there's no way of knowing what growth stage the follicle is at. Thirdly, possible side effects include pain, infection and changes in pigmentation. Plus, it usually costs between $25 to $150 an hour, and repeated visits are often needed.

LASER

What: Lasers emit light waves that destroy hair follicles. There are laser clinics which specialize in this form of hair removal, but some dermatologists also offer the procedure.

Best for: It's just like electrolysis: It can be done on any part of the body but is probably best reserved for small areas.

Pros: It doesn't hurt. While the procedure does not permanently destroy hair follicles, it does seem to slow hair growth.

Cons: There's not much known about how much lasers affect hair growth and, like electrolysis, each follicle must be dealt with individually. This method is not as effective on gray, red or blonde hairs as it is on black and brunette, but those with darker skin are more likely to experience changes in pigmentation around the area of the procedure. It also can be extremely expensive. Costs usually range from $150 to $500 per visit and, again, multiple visits might be necessary.

CAPTION: If you want to rid your body of unwanted hair, there are many options out there. Experiment to see which is right for you.