Hair Removal

When it comes to removing unwanted hair, you have options. With so much misinformation available about these options, it can be difficult to know which one(s) is best for you. To help you make an informed decision, here are the basic facts that dermatologists share with their patients about 7 popular ways to remove unwanted hair.

Shaving
When you shave, the razor cuts the hairs at the surface of your skin so that you cannot see the hairs.

Fast facts: Here are the long and short of shaving:

You can shave any area of the body.

You can quickly learn how to shave.

Shaving is painless (unless you cut yourself), unlike waxing or laser Hair Removal.

The results are short-lived, so you may need to shave daily or every few days to maintain your results.

Frequent shaving can irritate your skin.

Injuries, such as cuts, nicks, and razor burns, happen.

Some people who shave develop ingrown hairs.

How to get the best results: The following tips from dermatologists can help you reduce injuries and get a close, comfortable shave.

How to shave: For men and women - Discover 6 simple steps that can help you get a clean, comfortable shave and minimize irritated skin. (video)

How to shave your face - Men, using the right technique can go a long way toward getting soft, smooth, and hairless skin. (video)

7 ways to prevent injuries while trimming pubic hair - Find research-proven ways to reduce these all-too-common injuries.

Waxing
You apply wax (hot or cold) to your skin and then quickly remove it, which pulls out the hairs.

Fast facts: Here are the cold facts about this option:

The results can last a few weeks or longer.

You can wax any area of your body, including large areas, such as your legs, and delicate areas, such as the skin above your upper lip.

Waxing takes practice to learn.

Removing the wax can be painful.

Your newly waxed skin can be red and irritated for a short while after you wax.

If the wax is too hot, it can burn your skin.

How to get the best results: These dermatologists` tips can help you keep it safe and effective:

Waxing is not recommended if you are currently:
Taking isotretinoin (a prescription medication approved to treat severe acne) or have taken it within the past 6 months.
Using an antibiotic
Applying tretinoin (also known as retinoic acid) to your skin.
These medications thin your skin. When the wax is removed, your skin could tear.

If you wax at home, be sure to see what dermatologists recommend by watching this short video, Hair removal: How to wax.
If you go to a salon for a wax, make sure the estheticians:
Use wooden sticks rather than a metal spatula to apply the hot wax.

Dip an unused wooden stick into the wax each time they apply wax to your skin.

Dipping the stick into the wax more than once is called double dipping. This unsanitary practice can transfer bacteria and other germs from previous clients to you. Heated wax is not hot enough to kill bacteria and other germs.

Depilatories
You apply a cream, lotion, or gel to the skin, which can dissolve unwanted hair.

Fast facts: The following can help wash away any misconceptions about using a depilatory:

The results tend to last longer than when you shave.

It`s quick and easy to use at home. You simply apply, wait, and rinse off the product at the time stated in the instructions.

These products can irritate your skin, so dermatologists recommend that you test them. (instructions below under How to get best results from a depilatory).

Some people can use a product for months or years before it starts to irritate their skin.

Some people dislike the odor of these products.

How to get the best results from a depilatory: Always, test first. Before using a depilatory for the first time or using it on a different part of your body, here`s how to test the product:

Apply a small amount to an area on which you want to use it.

Keep it on your skin for the time stated in the instructions (or until your skin starts to burn or sting).

Rinse it off immediately and thoroughly at the time stated or at the first sign of burning or stinging.

If you experience burning or stinging, don`t use the product. Find another depilatory to test.

If within 24 hours of applying the product you don`t have a skin reaction, you can use the product in that area.