Unwanted body hair is an issue that sends women running to beauty salons, keeping therapists busy for hours on end. In an aesthetically driven world, visible body hair - common on arms, upper lip, chin, cheeks, back, legs, fingers, feet, and toes - can be a source of embarrassment particularly for women. However,  men too opt for hair-free chests and backs.

Ideally hair would only grow on our heads, eyebrows and eyelashes. This is far from the reality, though. Come puberty, hair begins to darken and so begins the quest to remove the fuzz as soon as it becomes visible and the dilemma on hair removal methods becomes one hot topic that circulates among women of all ages. Hair growth and thickness depends on genetic and health factors. Medications like steroids can actually result in excessive body hair while conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome in women could also trigger the same effect.

So what's the best way to eliminate unwanted hair? Which products and methods provide satisfactory and long lasting results? The approach we choose should reflect our age and lifestyle. For instance waxing is not ideal for women who suffer from varicose veins, or those affected by folliculitis, a condition where the hair remains trapped under the skin causing inflammation and scarring. Laser removal, on the other hand, is only effective on dark hair since the rays fail to eliminate white or fair hairs.

No matter which option one chooses for hair removal, it is always best to check which method suits your skin type. People with sensitive skin might find certain methods too harsh and it is always best to ask a trained professional for advice.

Shaving and depilating creams

This method works by slicing the hair off the skin's surface. This is a method used by many teenage girls as it's both economical and effective. Emma, 14, says shaving is practical because it can be done at home. "I shave when I'm in the shower. It's easy and quick. I'm always careful to avoid nicks. No one wants scabs on their smoothly shaved legs." Depilation creams are also an option. These take effect within a few minutes after which time the hair is rinsed away. These creams may irritate the skin and regrowth occurs within a few days.

Waxing

The ever popular waxing works by plucking out the hair directly from its root. This process can be slightly painful for beginners, but the effect lasts between three and six weeks. "Waxing is a very practical method," says Sarah, who has her arms and legs waxed once a month. "Afterwards, my skin feels just like a baby's. The worst thing about waxing is having to wait four weeks for regrowth. That means no skirts or dresses until a salon visit." Since waxing involves plucking out the hair from its root, women are advised not to shave in between salon visits as this will interfere with the rate of new hair growth. Hot waxing is a procedure done in salons while cold wax strips can be applied in the comfort of one's home.

Epilation

An epilator is a device that pulls multiple hairs from the roots in the same manner as waxing. However, no dead removed from the epidermis. Epilators come in cordless-form, battery-operated designs and may be used on wet or dry skin. Gayle*, 37, says the first few attempts using this device were painful; however, over the time the procedure becomes bearable. "The upside is being able to use the epilator whenever the need arises, whether it's on my legs, my underarms or my bikini area." Just like waxing, this method of hair removal may cause hair to become trapped under the skin and scarring might occur.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis, is used on areas where hair grows sparsely. This is a procedure, done in salons by trained therapists, which zaps hair growth at its centre through chemical or heat energy. Areas such as eyebrows, abdomen and breasts can be treated through a fine probe inserted directly into the hair follicle. Joanne, 40, says that this method eliminates stray hairs on the face/chin, a problem which typically occurs in older women.  "Electrolysis can be painful but is very effective. No one wants to walk around with dark hairs sprouting out of their face. Until I had the procedure done, I often felt conscious and would sometimes pluck the hairs off, but they kept recurring. Now the problem has lessened, but I still visit the salon every few months or so." This method leaves no scarring, though a slight reddening of the skin may occur right after treatment.

Laser Hair Removal

The most effective and long lasting of all hair removal treatments is the laser hair removal system in which concentrated shots of light are applied to areas where hair grows in dark patches. Pigments in the follicle absorb the light, destroying the hair. Maria, 32, says laser treatment can be painful but it does target dark coarse hair and leaves the skin smooth. "With areas like the upper lip or underarm, the treatment takes up to a minute or so. With arms or legs it could last up to an hour." Permanent hair loss occurs after five to seven sessions. This procedure should be done by a doctor or a trained technician. Always check credentials before booking a treatment. Waxing and electrolysis should be avoided six weeks prior to laser treatment. Aftercare includes time away from sunlight.