Most women shriek at the sight of unwanted hair on their armpits, face, legs, and nether regions. Not to mention, in many cultures, women are expected to have smooth skin, and thus body hair is definitely out of the question.
Of course, Whether you are after silky legs or a fuzz-free upper lip, you are in luck, there are plenty of ways to get rid of unwanted hair, and that is exactly what we will be shining a light on today. The best way to remove hair.
From Razors to Lasers, Hair Removal Through the Ages
In ancient Egypt, being hair-free was seen as a sign of cleanliness and beauty. Egyptians had their own DIY methods, such as sugaring (a natural paste made from sugar, lemon, and water), bronze razors, and even pumice stones to keep their skin smooth. Cleopatra herself was rumoured to love her hair removal routines!
The ancient Greeks and Romans shared similar views. Fast forward to the 1700s and 1800s, European women got creative with homemade waxes and vinegar-based pastes to remove unwanted hair and in 1915, Gillette launched the first women’s razor, called the “Milady Décolleté.”
During the 1940s and 1950s, with nylon shortages during WWII, shorter skirts meant more leg shaving, and waxing and depilatory creams like Veet gained popularity. And from the 1960s to the ’90s, the bikini industry introduced bikini waxes, and Brazilian wax took off in the ’90s.
Today, we are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to short-term, long-term, everyday and high-tech hair removal options, all available at our fingertips.
The Many Many Many Ways to Go Hair-Free
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is one of the top five most performed non-surgical cosmetic procedures worldwide! It uses light to gently heat and damage the hair follicles, which helps slow down and reduce hair growth over time. It works by targeting the pigment (colour) in your hair. The pigment then absorbs the light, and this stops the follicle from making new hair.
In the past, it worked best on people with light skin and dark hair. But thanks to new technology, it is now effective for a much wider range of skin and hair tones. You can also have laser hair removal on lots of areas of your body, like your legs, underarms, face, bikini line, and even your back.
Because hair typically grows in cycles, you will usually need a few sessions to get the best results. Once you have completed your treatment course, you may only need occasional top-up sessions to stay smooth. But, do not fret, as laser hair removal can reduce hair by up to 90% permanently. And most people find their hair grows back finer and slower, and their skin feels smoother overall. Not to even mention that according to RealSelf (a popular cosmetic treatment review site), more than 80% of users say laser hair removal is “worth it.”
Pros:
- Targets hair at the root.
- Newer devices suit more skin tones.
- Less regrowth and finer hair over time.
- Long-lasting results and can lead to permanent hair reduction.
Cons:
- Can be costly.
- Risk of irritation or pigmentation if not performed properly.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is another super popular hair reduction treatment that works in a similar way to laser therapy. But, instead of using just one type of light, IPL uses a broad range of light waves. This light goes into the skin and targets the colour in the hair follicles, helping to disrupt the hair growth cycle. With regular treatments, IPL can really slow down how quickly your hair grows back, so your skin stays smoother for longer.
It is a flexible treatment that works on many areas of the body and tends to give the best results for people with lighter skin and darker hair. Over time, the hair that does grow back becomes finer, lighter, and less noticeable.
Pros:
- Can treat larger areas quickly.
- Slows hair regrowth effectively with consistent use.
Cons:
- Requires ongoing maintenance.
- Less effective on light hair or dark skin.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a super precise way to permanently remove hair. It works by gently inserting a tiny probe into each hair follicle. Then, a small amount of electrical current is sent through the probe to destroy the hair root, stopping it from growing back.
Because it targets each hair at the root, electrolysis works well for all hair types and skin tones. In fact, it is the only hair removal method that is FDA-approved as truly permanent. It is especially great for small, delicate areas like the face, chin, upper lip, and eyebrows, and almost anywhere else that needs extra precision.
Pros:
- Effective on all skin and hair types.
- FDA-approved as permanent hair removal.
- Ideal for smaller areas (e.g., face, eyebrows).
Cons:
- Multiple sessions needed.
- Can be painful or uncomfortable.
- Time-consuming, as each hair is treated individually.
Shaving
Shaving is probably one of the most common and convenient at-home hair removal methods. It involves cutting the hair at the skin’s surface using a razor and is ideal for legs, underarms, and sometimes even the bikini area (if done carefully). It is also painless if done right and provides immediate (but short-term) results.
Pros:
- Inexpensive and widely accessible.
- Quick, easy, and painless (when done properly).
Cons:
- Does not remove hair from the root.
- Can cause razor burn, ingrown hairs, or nicks.
- Very short-lived results (hair usually regrows in 1–3 days).
Waxing
Unlike shaving, waxing is designed to remove your hair from the root and can be done at home or professionally. How it works, hot or cold wax is applied to the skin, then removed quickly, pulling the hair out with it. Plus, it is suitable for almost all body areas, including the face, arms, legs, and bikini line.
Pros:
- Hair may grow back finer over time.
- Results can last between 3–6 weeks.
Cons:
- Risk of ingrown hairs and irritation.
- Can be painful, especially for sensitive areas.
- Hair needs to grow to a certain length before re-waxing.
Epilators
An epilator is an electrical device that pulls out multiple hairs at once from the root. It works similarly to waxing in that it removes the entire hair, but without the mess of wax. Some epilators can even be used in the shower for added convenience.
Pros:
- Results can last up to 4 weeks.
- Some are cordless and waterproof for easy use.
Cons:
- Slower than shaving for large areas.
- May cause redness or ingrown hairs.
- Can be quite painful, especially for beginners.
The Smooth Conclusion
Naturally, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to hair removal. Whether you are a fan of quick shaving sessions, prefer the longevity of waxing, or are ready to invest in laser smoothness, each method comes with its own perks and pitfalls. The key is to consider your skin sensitivity, budget, and how long you want the results to last.
So, whether you are gliding a razor or booking a laser session, just know that the smooth life is yours to choose, fuzz-free and fabulous!
