Unwanted hair can really lower your self-esteem, especially in the summer months. For guys, it’s easy to forget about embarrassing back hair in the middle of the winter when you’re dressed snuggly. But a weekend trip to the lake is enough to remind you of your hirsute self. And ladies know that few things are as embarrassing as appearing in a bikini only to realize you missed a spot.

Fortunately, there are multiple ways of removing hair, and as with all beauty methods, they each have pros and cons. It’s just a matter of determining the right method for you.

• Shaving -Of course, shaving is the most common method for removing hair. It is quick, painless, and inexpensive. You can do it at home whenever it is convenient for you. Unfortunately, since it only cuts hair very close to the root, it is also very temporary and the effects may last for as little as a few hours. In addition, the more often you shave, the faster your hair grows back. Frequent shaving can also irritate your skin or lead to ingrown hairs.

• Waxing -Waxing is a great way to remove hair from large areas or sensitive spots like the upper lip. Because it removes hair at the root, the results last for several weeks. It is quick and can be done in a spa or at home. Frequent waxing may damage the hair follicle enough that it does not grow back. However, in order to wax, you have to grow your hair out several inches, which can be embarrassing in summer months. In addition, if you don’t have experience with waxing, it can cause your skin to become irritated and inflamed.

• Hair Removal Creams – Hair removal creams, or depilatories, are fast acting, fairly inexpensive, and can be done at home at any time. However, the results are not very long lasting, and you may see or feel hair coming up the next day. In addition, the FDA’s Office of Cosmetics warns that hair removal creams can cause blisters, burns, rashes, stinging, and peeling skin. Many people also hate the chemical smell of depilatories.

• Electrolysis – Electrolysis offers a permanent hair removal solution. An electrologist will inject a fine needle into the skin next to the hair. The needle gives out a tiny electrical shock, which kills the hair growth cell. The biggest drawback is that each individual hair has to be treated, meaning that electrolysis treatment can take up to 25 sessions before the process is completed. It can also cause tiny scars, although they usually heal and are unnoticeable. You should note, however, that electrolysis is not recommended for African Americans, since it can cause hyperpigmentation and a risk of keloids.

• Laser or Pulsed Light Hair Removal – A laser or intense beam of light is shone on the area of unwanted hair. The heat from the light kills the hair follicle and prevents it from producing new hair. Eventually, the hairs grow brittle and fall out. This method is safe, virtually pain free (especially in comparison to electrolysis), is effective on large areas such as the legs or back, and can result in long lasting or permanent hair removal. It may, however, take six to eight treatments for complete hair removal. The main disadvantages are that some hair regrowth is to be expected and that it is a more effective treatment for those with dark hair. There are also a few possible side effects, the most common being itching or swelling that will go away after a few days.

You can talk to an aesthetician or dermatologist for more information on the different types of hair removal and which type is best suited for you. But don’t let yourself go hairy this summer, after all, even Mr. Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair.

About Author : Mia Liefso is a professional medical skin therapist and the owner of Bradford Skin Clinic & Med Spa in Bradford, Ontario. She has certifications in IPL, LHE, laser and ultrasound technologies, as well as body contouring and medical facial peels. Her professional interests include difficult skin conditions—psoriasis, eczema, and acne—premature aging, skin care for the elderly, endocrinology, and helping people love the skin they’re in. Her diverse personal interests include history, animals, roller derby, fast cars and gourmet cooking.