It seems there's always a new hair removal product being plugged in women's magazines, department stores or on TV infomercials. Most women have tried at least a few different ways to remove or reduce the appearance of body hair and not all of them yield the best results for everyone.
Waxes
Waxing is the preferred hair removal method for many women because the results last for weeks, and over time, can actually decrease the amount and thickness of hair re-growth. While waxing has its upside, it isn't perfect.
First off, it can be painful; after all, you are ripping out hair by the root. Second, it can be messy. Depending on the formula, waxes can drip and get stuck on household surfaces; an accident that can be very inconvenient to clean. When you're shopping for a good hair removal wax, you should look for one that is gentle on skin, non-messy and effective at removing hair in one go, so you don't have to suffer any more of those eye-watering pulls than necessary.
Nair Salon Divine Wax Kit (average price $15) is a microwavable warm wax product that removes hair quickly and efficiently. Unlike traditional hot wax kits, Salon Divine doesn't require any cloth strips; you simply spread the wax on, allow it to cool for several seconds, then remove it in the same way you would a wax strip. The wax formula is rich, moisturizing and pleasant-smelling.
The only drawback is that it may be a bit messy. Women new to waxing may need a few rounds of practice and some newspaper to catch any wayward drips. Aside from that, it's a very convenient waxing product.
Brazil is known for its beautiful, smooth beach bodies, and women around the world flock to salons for their Brazilian-style waxing services. A professional waxing can be quite expensive, so some folks have decided to try professional waxing products at home. GiGi Brazilian Body Hard Wax (average price $13.99) is a high-quality wax that promises touchable, hair-free skin at home.
Reviewers say great things about the product but it's probably not the best bet for beginners. You'll need to purchase a wax warmer separately and follow a set of detailed directions to get the results you want.
If you're looking for thorough, professional results, GiGi may be for you, but if quick and easy is your top priority, go with a good quality drug store wax strip kit. One to try: Surgi Wax Strips with Maple Honey and Tea Tree Oil (average price $8 to $12).
Depilatory Creams
If you haven't tried a depilatory cream in several years, you might want to take a second look. These creams are no longer all smelly, messy and irritating to skin. The new generation of depilatory creams is kinder, gentler and more effective. Best of all, they're available in more convenient formats.
Veet carries a full line of hair removal creams. Veet's In-Shower Hair Removal Cream works in just minutes to remove unwanted hair as it moisturizes and conditions your skin. It comes with an exfoliating sponge, so you can gently scrub the product from your skin and help rinse away unwanted hairs. It sells for around $9.99.
Sally Hansen Spray-On Shower-Off Hair Remover (average price $7.99) is a similar product but adds the extra convenience of a spray-on formula so you never have to get goopy hair remover on your hands. This product works in as little as 3 minutes and rinses away clean to reveal smooth, hair-free skin.
Shavers/Razors
Shaving is the quickest and most convenient way to get rid of hair. While shaving doesn't keep hair at bay as long as some other hair removal methods, it can provide excellent temporary results. The trick is having the right shaver. A low quality shaver won't give you a nice close shave and it can leave sensitive skin red and irritated.
To get a smooth, silky shave and top-notch protection from irritation, try a triple blade, moisturizing razor made specifically for women such as the Bic Soleil Bella (average price $6).
Many men swear by electric shavers, and there's no reason we ladies can't get into the act, too. While electric shavers don't provide as close a shave as manual razors, they can be better suited for women with sensitive skin. You can simply steal your significant other's electric shaver but it is way better to have one that's designed just for you.
The Panasonic Close Curves ES2216PC (average price $49.99) is a pretty, pink women's electric shaver that can be used wet or dry. It glides over curves and gives you the closest shave an electric shaver can offer.
High Tech Hair Removal
Some women aren't satisfied with everyday hair removal methods and seek out more permanent hair removal strategies instead. Laser hair removal is considered the best option for permanent results, but there are other, less costly ways of achieving long-lasting smoothness at home.
Home electrolysis can be a time consuming and somewhat painful process no matter what type of system you choose but The Vector (average price $199.95) has been touted as the most user-friendly home electrolysis product available today. This product uses a tweezer-like grasping device to conduct a small current of electricity to the unwanted hair, killing it immediately. This method isn't 100% painless but it's certainly no worse than the discomfort that accompanies salon waxing.
Or you could try the No No, one of the hottest hair removal trends out there right now. The No No is a small portable device that conducts controlled heat to hair, crystallizing the hair and causing it to fall away. This patented thermodynamic technology is safe, painless and effective.
While many reviewers like this product, they make a point of mentioning that the results are not permanent. Your hair will re-grow and will need to be re-treated. However, most users report that their unwanted hair grows back thinner and slower with continued use of this product. You'll pay about $225 for the No No and you'll need to periodically order replacement "hot blades" but it can be well worth it if the device works for you.