The various methods of hair removal differ mainly on how the hair itself is removed, whether cut from above the skin's surface, removed by the root, or eradicated completely by destroying the hair follicle. Choosing which hair removal system best suits your needs depends on a number of factors, such as your budget and your pain threshold. Frequently, experimentation is the best way to decide which hair removal system, or combination of systems, is right for you.
Many people do not like waxing, threading, or using an epilator because these methods can be too painful, since they involve pulling the individual hairs out by their roots. Unfortunately, more difficult and painful methods generally produce the smoothest, longest-lasting results. Waxing, for example, can leave skin smooth for weeks and eliminate visible hairs under the skin that may show up as dark spots in people with fair skin and dark hair. Many regular waxers use ice or soothing creams to reduce discomfort, and insist that the results are worth the pain.
Some people prefer shaving or depilatory creams because they involve much less pain, although they sacrifice long-lasting results. Decide how often you can tolerate repeating the hair removal process and balance the benefits with the drawbacks. For example, choose whether you would rather endure pain once or twice a month with waxing or deal with relatively painless shaving every couple of days. If you are contemplating laser hair removal or electrolysis, this problem is magnified, as you must balance the drawbacks of several potentially very uncomfortable hair removal sessions with the benefits of long-term or permanent results.
One hair removal system is rarely feasible to use every time on all areas of the body, so you must also decide which combination of methods you want to use on which parts of your body. For example, you may wish to use a depilatory cream everywhere except for your face and other very sensitive areas of skin, which you then get professionally waxed at a salon. Even people who wax or use an epilator most of the time usually keep a razor or tweezers handy for some situations.
Finally, determine which hair removal system your budget allows. Shaving and home wax kits tend to be relatively inexpensive, while salon waxing can cost substantially more after multiple visits. An epilator or electric razor is a one-time purchase, while regular razors and wax kits need constant replenishment of supplies. Even more expensive options are laser hair removal and electrolysis, both of which usually require multiple visits to a professional hair removal clinic or salon.