Waxing

The fastest growing hair removal method, leg and bikini-line waxing can be done at home or in the salon. Warm wax is applied to the area before being stripped off a few minutes later, when it literally rips out each hair by its root. For wax beginners, it's best to have the initial first treatment at the salon to pick up tips and techniques. Results are good - waxing can leave skin feeling smooth and hair-free for up to a month, although thicker hair can start to appear in about three weeks. One drawback is you have to wait for half an inch of re-growth before wax can be applied again.

Easy to use, depilatory creams can be applied to the legs, underarm, bikini area or face (look for specific, gentle formulations for the face and roll-ons for the underarm). They work by penetrating the hair shaft, dissolving connective tissues and breaking down the cellular material that glues the dead cells together. As a result, when you remove the hair after about five to 10 minutes, it's easily pulled away from the follicle without the 'ouch' factor. Always do a patch test first to check that you aren't allergic to ingredients in the cream.

One of the quickest, easiest and cheapest methods, shaving is the most popular way to remove hair. Contrary to popular belief, shaving does not cause hair to grow coarser or darker - what happens is the new hair emerges with a blunt, rather than a tapered end, and so looks and feels coarser. For best results, shave in the bath or shower once skin has been softened by warm water. Work a shaving gel or foam into a rich lather, use a clean, sharp blade, changing it every five to six shaves and choose a woman's razor that is shaped to fit your curves. Results are temporary: bristles can be felt within two days of shaving.


Popular in North Africa and the Middle East, sugaring has won over women in the west because its results are said to last longer than waxing. Advocates also say that it is less painful than waxing and the cotton sugaring strips can be handwashed and used over and over again. Easy to use, simply warm the sugaring mixture in a basin of hot water until it's thin enough to spread. Apply in the direction of hair growth, cover with cotton strips and pull the strips against the direction of hair growth. Results should stay hair free for several weeks. Always do a patch test first to check that your skin doesn't react to the sugaring mixture.


Electrolysis and bleaching are the two main ways you can quickly remove or disguise facial hair. Electrolysis involves inserting a very fine needle into the hair follicle and applying an electrical charge to the papilla (the bud of hair at the base of the follicle where most growth takes place), effectively killing it so that the hair falls out. Each hair must be treated individually and treatment takes place over several visits to a salon. Results give almost permanent hair removal and work successfully on small areas such as the upper lip and chin. Bleaching, ideal for fine, downy hair on the face, does not whip hair away, but disguises it. Results last for between two and four weeks.

A revolutionary new treatment that is clinic or salon based literally de-activates your hair follicle by laser or broad spectrum light, causing each individual hair to fall out. After several treatments, entire areas of your body, such as your face, calves and underarms, can become totally and permanently hair-free.