Hair plays an important role in the body. It performs certain functions, depending on which part of the body it is located. For instance, the hair on the head protects the scalp from the heat of the sun while the eyelashes keep bugs, dust, and tiny irritating objects away from the eyes. Body hair provides warmth and protects the skin from cuts, burns, and scrapes.
The hair on the armpit and the groin serve as a lubricant so that the arms can move without scraping. Body hair is also even known to provide protection against malaria. The hair signals the skin about the presence of mosquitoes even before a bite is done. Those who have less body hair, such as children, are said to be more prone to contracting malaria than those with lots of body hair.
While the benefits of hair to the body is vast, there are certain times where it has to be removed, such as in cases of unwanted growth. Excessive hair growth can happen to some people, particularly those who are suffering from PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome, idiopathic hyperandrogenemia, adrenal hyperplasia, tumors, and thyroid disorders.
There are several ways to remove unwanted body hair; below are some of them.
Shaving
This hair removal process uses a razor or any type of bladed tool to remove unwanted hair. It is a widely used procedure used by both men and women. Shaving is often used by men to remove unwanted hair on their face while women often use it to remove unwanted hair on the underarms and on the legs. Sometimes, it is also used to remove hair on other parts of the body, such as the chest, pubic area, and abdomen.
Paraffin
More popularly known as hair waxing, this method of hair removal uses hot wax to quickly remove unwanted hair growth. Hot or warm wax is spread evenly on the area where the hair needs to be removed. The wax is smoothed over the skin using a spatula. When it cools and is hard enough on the skin, its corners are then lifted up quickly. This hair removal process is more effective than shaving because it removes hair from the roots.
This process acts like exfoliation because it does not only remove unwanted hair but also dead skin cells, resulting in smoother and cleaner skin. Since it removes hair from the roots, it leads to less regrowth and fewer ingrown hairs. Regrown hairs are also finer unlike those that result from shaving.
Depilation
This type of hair removal uses creams, lotions, or gels that can be bought over the counter. The gel or the cream is applied to the affected area. It weakens the keratin in the skin, causing the hair to fall out. Depilation is an efficient hair removal process, but unlike waxing, it does not target the follicles of the hair and therefore, its effects may last only for about two weeks. Depilation is a quick hair removal process and relatively easy to perform. It is also inexpensive and lasts longer than shaving. When used correctly, it is also painless. Hair that grows back after the depilation process is finer and softer.
Laser
This hair removal process can be used to remove unwanted hair from the face, legs, underarms, bikini lines, chin, back, arms, and other areas of the body. It is a quick treatment usually performed by a licensed or trained professional. Laser hair removal is an efficient hair removal process. Unlike other methods, it does not lead to ingrown hairs because it destroys the hair from the roots. It is also a long-term solution, leading to smoother and hair-free skin most of the time.
Electrolysis
This type of hair removal process requires a needle to be inserted into the hair follicles. Electrolysis kills the roots of the hair, preventing it from growing back. This method, though, may be painful and time-consuming because to remove all hairs, every hair follicle must be injected with the needle. Among the many types of hair removal processes, electrolysis is probably the least popular. It is a painful process apart from it being too time-consuming. People who use this process to remove their unwanted hairs will have to endure hours of painful hair follicle injections to achieve the hair-free look that they want.
Some of these methods can be easily done at home and without help. Others, though, may require the expert hands of professionals or practitioners in the field. Other methods are also more affordable, while others may need quite a good amount to be performed.
