Of all the irritating things about being a woman, one of the biggest nuisances is completely self-inflicted- the quest for hairlessness. Trying to get baby smooth skin where hair tends to grow naturally is a endless and constant uphill battle. Additionally, there are about a million methods of hair removal, so, which to choose?

Well, the truth is that the answer may be different for different people. There are a variety of hair removal options and they each have their own pros and cons. You're job? To figure out what works for you. Here is an overview of the different types of hair removal options that you can use to get that hairless smooth vibe you've been looking for.

Shaving

Shaving is probably one of the easiest and most common hair removal methods. This is particularly good for the legs and underarm regions of the body. Shaving is a bit of a hassle as the hair can grow back quite fast (usually in a couple of days depending on the person). To shave, it's important to use a sharp razor to save yourself from nicks and cuts. Take the razor and shave in the opposite of the direction the hair grows. It's best to use some sort of shaving gel or cream so that the razor will glide smoothly and your skin is protected.

Waxing

Waxing is another common method of hair removal, however it is a bit more uncomfortable and inconvenient. People often use this method for the upper lip and bikini areas. When you wax, you buy yourself more time as the hair is removed from the root (follicle) which makes it so that there is more time between when it is pulled and when it grows back. Waxing is usually done by a professional, which means you may have to take time out of your life to get it done, and it may cost money. Waxing can be kind of painful, so you can take a pain reliever like acetaminophen prior to your appointment to help.

Depilatory Cream

Depilatory creams are one that you apply topically and they dissolve the hair leaving you hairless. These creams are often used all over the body, such as the legs, arms and face. These creams aren't 100% effective, so you may have to go over after and see what you missed. To use, apply the cream and leave for the amount of time they recommend before removing.  Keep an eye on your skin to make sure you don't have a reaction. These creams often leave your skin softer than shaving, as the skin is dissolved rather than bluntly cut off.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a method that you get done by a professional. This method lasers the follicles to prevent hair growth. This process needs to be done periodically to work properly and can be quite costly. It is a good option for people who have very thick or dark hair. The idea is that after it works, you won't have to put any more time and energy into hair removal at all. It can be kind of painful, so much like waxing it's a good idea to take some acetaminophen beforehand. After you get the treatments done it is advised that people stay out of the sun to reduce irritation.

There are unique pros and cons to every method of hair removal

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what will work best in your unique scenario. Some might even use a combination of these techniques on different areas. It depends on your hair type, skin type, budget and lifestyle as to which you should choose. There is no guideline as to which is better or worse for all people. Some people might be happier with methods that can be done from home, while others may have a hair type that may require a more permanent solution. There is no catch-all for what will work for everybody in all cases.

You may want to try some of these options for yourself, and think of what you are looking to accomplish in order to choose. The best option will be one that gives you the results you want, without causing too much havoc on your schedule or bank account.

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