Approximately 80% of women and 50% of men have unwanted hair growing in different parts of their body. Majority of this hair growth is caused by genetics; however, there are some cases of abnormal hair growth caused by other factors such as testosterone treatments, steroid hormones, medications, and the removal of the sex glands.

Men generally want their eyebrows groomed; they also want hair removed from the outside area of their ears and shoulders. Most male athletes, especially those involved in swimming and cycling, have their hair removed to minimize resistance and increase their speed. Women, on the other hand, typically want to have unwanted facial hair removed – this includes the hair on the upper lip and the chin. Women also want their eyebrows groomed as well as the hair on the neck, bikini line, breasts, abdomen, forearms, underarms, and legs removed.

With the increase in demand for hair removal, a lot of hair removal methods have been introduced over the recent years. These methods vary greatly in cost, starting at $20 and may either be temporary, permanent, or simply cause less hair to grow. Some temporary methods of hair removal include tweezing, shaving, chemical depilatories, and mechanical epilators. Permanent methods include laser hair removal and electrolysis. Waxing is a good example of hair removal methods that eventually reduce hair growth over prolonged use.

Tweezing and Shaving – results from tweezing only last for up to three weeks; results from shaving, on the other hand, can disappear after one day for men’s facial hair, and up to four days for body hair.

Epilators – mechanical epilators are small gadgets with an electric rubber roller that catches hair and pulls them out, albeit rather painfully. Epilators also tend to miss some strands of hair and are not recommended for use in areas such as the face, genitals, and armpits.

Depilatories – available in gels, creams, lotions, aerosol, and roll-on forms, depilatory creams may be bought at almost any drug store or personal health care store. These creams contain chemicals that dissolve the protein structure of hair, causing it to separate from the skin. Depilatories are known to be effective, but can also cause irritation and scarring due to second and third degree burns if not used carefully.

Waxing – the most inexpensive and most effective temporary hair removal method, waxing removes hair together with the roots. Waxing results can last from three to eight weeks and the new hair that grows in place is usually lighter, softer and much sparser. Waxing also exfoliates the skin, providing softer and smoother skin. Waxing, when used for a long period of time, has been shown to cause permanent hair loss.

Sugaring – a great alternative to waxing, sugaring is based on a hair removal method used in ancient civilizations. A mixture of water, sugar, and lemon juice is created to form a syrup which is then formed into a ball with the use of one’s bare hands, flatted onto an area of the skin, and like wax, quickly pulled away.

Hair electrolysis – this hair removal method is the only proven technique for permanent hair removal and works by using electricity to prevent the follicles from growing hair. Although painful, the use of a gel to reduce pain prior to the procedure may reduce and even eliminate the pain.