Methods of Hair Removal for Men

Methods of hair removal for men include laser hair removal, waxing, electrolysis and using depilatory creams. Removing body hair has traditionally been a female pursuit. Except for bodybuilders, athletes and dancers most men would leave their body hair as nature intended. Nowadays the removal of body hair by men is increasing and men are making up a good proportion of the clientèle of waxing and laser removal salons.

Some men, with heavy hair growth on backs and chests are using laser treatments, not to completely remove the hair, but to make it considerably thinner. Waxing specialists also see many men requiring eyebrows thinned out and the back of the neck and around the ears treated too. Men are also opting for the male equivalent of the 'bikini wax'. Apart from routine beard shaving men often find removal of body hair in other places something of a mystery, unlike women who become expert in their teens.

The most common options for hair removal are laser treatment and waxing.

Laser Treatments

Laser hair removal for men uses the energy of laser light to kill the hair root and deters any further growth. The hair follicle is left intact so it is possible for the hair to regrow but this is unusual. Although not completely permanent hair regrowth will not happen for a very long time, if ever. In addition many men grow more hair on their back and chest as they age so these need to be removed at regular intervals too.

Treatments are usually thirty minutes in length and the number of treatments will depend on the amount of hair to be removed. Some men opt to thin out the hair rather than completely remove all of it. Laser hair removal is best used on the chest, stomach, shoulders and around the genitals. Laser hair removal is expensive at around $400 per treatment.

Advantages

Almost permanent although an annual treatment to treat any light regrowth may be needed.
Can be used to thin hair

Disadvantages

Expensive

Waxing

Waxing has evolved from the honey based waxing methods which were sticky and messy. Soy based waxes are a much better alternative and do not stick to the skin, only to the hair. The wax is allowed to dry then removed with strips of cloth. Treatments take around 10 minutes to an hour. Waxing is usually used on legs, arms, underarms, eyebrows and ears. and cost between $20 and about $80. The treatment will last around 5 or 6 weeks. It is important to care for your skin afterwards to prevent infections by using anti-bacterial creams. Some studies suggest that laser treatments are more effective if done after waxing.

Advantages

Fairly quick to do

Disadvantages

Slightly painful
Temporary

Electrolysis

Electrolysis uses electricity to kill the hair producing cells in the follicle. A needle is used to deliver the current. As the cells are killed there is no possibility of the hair regrowing. Treatments are usually 15 - 20 minutes and the number of treatments depends on the amount of hair to be removed. Each hair is individually dealt with so it may take a long time to treat a large area or an area with a thick growth of hair. Electrolysis can be used anywhere on the body but is usually used for small areas as it takes a long time for larger areas. It is best used for necks, ears, nose and brows. It costs around $40 for each treatment.

Advantages

Permanent
can be painful in sensitive areas

Disadvantages

Takes time for a large area
Reasonably expensive

Depilatory Creams

This is a temporary treatment which dissolves the hair by destroying the proteins. It can be sued on chest, arms, back an legs but is not recommended for eyebrows or genitals where the skin is sensitive. This type of hair removal can be done at home with a $10 kit or in a salon for about $40-$50. it last between three and five weeks. The chemicals can be harsh and it's always a good idea to test the cream in a small area of skin before using it on a larger area.

Advantages

Can be done at home
Cheap

Disadvantages

Temporary
Not suitable for sensitive areas