Summer brings with it swimsuits, tans, and beach-side pina coladas.  It’s that time of year to dress light and enjoy the Summer body you’ve been working so hard for all Winter.  It’s also the start of maintaining those bare legs and underarms you may have been neglecting over the past few months.  So what are some of the best ways to remove body hair?

You may find a temporary method works best for you, or find yourself opting into a permanent hair removal treatment.  Whichever option you choose, rest assured these ways to remove body hair will give you smooth skin all season long!

1. Shaving

This one may seem trivial as this is the most commonly used form of temporary hair removal.  This one is usually performed by one’s self at home with an electric shaver, clippers, or a razor.  While you can certainly remove all of your hair by shaving, unfortunately, none of the hair is destroyed at the root which means that one will start seeing stubble within a few days.

Someone who is fairer skinned with dark hair may start seeing a “shadow” after shaving as the hair is still there at the root.

If you decide to shave make sure to apply shaving cream beforehand to soften skin and prevent dryness.  I personally use a little bit of conditioner instead of shaving cream because it prevents razor burn.  Just make sure to wash your body after use to avoid clogging pores.

Always finish up with a moisturizer to rehydrate the skin.

2. Tweezing

While I wouldn’t recommend tweezing every single hair off of your arms and legs (ouch!), tweezing after waxing will clean up any hairs you may have missed.  It’s always best to get waxed by a professional to make sure your skin does not tear, but if you decide to wax at home, keep a pair of tweezers nearby.

Tweezing can also help you maintain the shape of your eyebrows by cleaning up any extra growth that comes along.  In fact, regular brow tweezing will help you save money by not having to visit your waxer so often.  It will also make it easier to maintain your desired shape when you do get waxed.

If you decide to tweeze excess hairs make sure to grasp the hair close to the root and pull in the same direction as the hair growth to avoid breakage and unnecessary pain.

The results from tweezing will last anywhere between 3-8 weeks.

3. Chemical Depilatories

You may choose to use a hair removal cream or paste in order to dissolve your hair down to the skin.

Before you slather yourself in hair-dissolving cream do a patch test on your skin by applying just a small amount to a non-tender area.  You need to see if you have any adverse reactions first before applying all over.

If you experience any sort of itching, burning, or inflammation, it is recommended that you stop using right away.

As with any product, make sure to read the directions and keep the product on for only the time recommended.  Most depilatories should stay on for only ten minutes.  This method is painless, and the results last for about a week as hair growth will start to occur within several days.

4. Waxing

This method lasts around 4-6 weeks and involves using either hard or soft wax to pull hair from larger areas at once.  Estheticians will use different types of wax as they see fit to accommodate the needs of the client’s skin.

For example, a wax formulated for sensitive skin will be used if you have sensitive skin.  A soft wax may be used on your body while hard wax may be easiest to use around your brows.  This ultimately comes down to the esthetician’s preference and examining your skin before the service starts.

If you choose to get waxed as your method of choice, it is really important to see a professional for the treatment.

They are trained to properly work with both the skin and hair to avoid lifting of the skin (which can result in issues such as hyperpigmentation/scarring) and breakage of the hairs which can cause damage to the follicle.

Some people are contraindicated to waxing services due to reasons such as medication, recent levels of exfoliation, skin diseases, etc.

is also important that if you decide to get waxed professionally that you always disclose this information because your esthetician will tell you whether or not it is safe to wax you.

5. Threading

The art of threading is not only less painful than traditional waxing, but it’s also very interesting to watch.

An artist uses a 100% cotton thread that is twisted and rolled along the surface of one’s skin, entwining the hair within the thread and then lifting it from the follicle.

Results from threading will last about 3- 8 weeks.

Both waxing and threading services are less painful when you maintain your monthly/bi-monthly appointments.

If you have been letting your brows turn into caterpillars for quite some time, I would go with waxing over threading.  Trust me on this one!  Threading is not painful unless your brows need a complete reshaping.

6. Sugaring

Looking for a sweeter option?  Sugaring is a way to remove hair that is becoming more popular these days.

A paste that is made up of sugar, water, and lemon juice is applied by hand to the skin in a rolling motion and removed in the direction of the hair growth instead of against it.

This is another great alternative to waxing.  Any redness that comes from sugaring will disappear within 24 hours as the paste only sticks to the hair and not the skin.

Any excess sugar post-removal can easily be dissolved and wiped away with water.  The results from body sugaring last anywhere between 4-6 weeks.

7. Laser Hair Removal

This technique uses wavelengths of light to penetrate and destroy hair bulbs.

While laser hair removal is a permanent way to remove hair, some may still grow back.

This happens depending on what stage the individual hairs were in during the procedure.  Only hairs that were in an active growing stage will be permanently destroyed.

Others that weren’t actively growing will eventually reappear.

If you are interested in permanent hair removal, talk with your dermatologist to see if this option is right for you.

Temporary Hair Removal Tips to Keep in Mind

You may be someone who struggles with post-shaving or post-wax inflammation.  Many people experience red bumps on the waxed/shaved area that can cause a lot of itching.  You might also experience hives.  This is your body trying to repair and defend the area.  This can cause extreme itching, and if the area is not cared for after being waxed or shaved, ingrown hairs can occur.

• Exfoliate 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cell build-up and prevent ingrown hairs from forming.
• Moisturizing is important so that the skin can stay hydrated and defend itself against pollutants while it is trying to heal.
• Do not use deodorant until 24 hours after having your underarms waxed.  Instead, use a soothing powder.

Tried and True Ways to Remove Body Hair

Temporary options like waxing or shaving are very successful in safely removing hair.  Permanent methods like laser hair removal will reduce your battle with body hair.  Whichever option you choose, you’re guaranteed to have smooth skin this summer!

What are your thoughts these ways to remove body hair?  Have a funny hair removal story to share?  Let me know in the comments below!

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