Home hair removal by electric epilators, which encompass both needle and tweezer types, constitute yet one more way in which men and women employ to eliminate unwanted hair. Needle-type epilators do their job by the insertion of a very fine needle to the hair follicle beneath the skin. A low-current jolt of electricity sent through the needle theoretically kills the follicle, and the hair is then removed by tweezers. The other type of electric home hair removal epilator, the tweezer type, emits current down the grasped hair and into the root.

Electrolysis applies electric current to individual hairs and destroys the hair root. However, because sometimes the electrolysis needle isn't on target, you often need several treatment sessions to completely remove all hair in a particular area. If you are using electrolysis for a large area, like your legs, you may require many months of weekly appointments. For a small area like your face, electrolysis may be an option. Make an appointment to discuss what your treatment plan would be. Choose an electrologist wisely to minimize risks of infection and scarring.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser is often regarded as a permanent unwanted facial hair removal method although there can be regrowth. Pulsed light is used to cover many hair follicles at a time and so the cost is obviously less than electrolysis. The upper lip can be treated in less than 1 minute and the chin in 2 to 3 minutes. 3 to 8 treatments may be necessary and a typical cost would be around $500 per hour.
Thorough consultations with the practitioner are necessary to establish whether this method will work for you. It is a good idea to have a test done on an area of skin not so visible.

Depilatory creams remove hair from the skin's surface by breaking down the bonds that give the hair it's strength. This disintegrates the hair so that it can be rinsed or wiped away. The results can last for several days or up to 2 weeks. Depilatory creams are simple to use, however, some people may have a reaction to the chemicals in the cream. This could result in a rash or inflammation.

Waxing

How It Works: A sticky wax is spread on the area of skin where the unwanted hair is growing. A cloth strip is then applied over the wax and quickly pulled off, taking the hair root and dead skin cells with it. The wax can be warmed or may be applied cold. Waxing can be done at a salon or at home.

Waxing is similar to plucking and involves applying warm or cold wax onto hair-bearing skin and quickly stripping off the hardened wax and embedded hairs against the direction of hair growth. Waxing is the most expensive yet most effective method of epilation because hair is removed completely from the hair shaft in large quantities. Often, hair can take 2-3 weeks to regrow. The effects on the hair follicle of long-term waxing are unknown. However, theoretically, this modality may reduce regrowth because repeated waxing may destroy follicles. Although many kits are offered for use at home, faster and more successful results are obtained by an experienced salon-based operator.