For centuries people have been trying to get rid of unsightly body hair and in the process we have stripped, waxed, yanked, and tweezed ourselves raw. This process usually begins in adolescence and typically never stops. Many women and men are intent on removing hair from the face, armpits, legs, bikini line, and other parts of the body. Hair removal methods range from inexpensive shaving to pricey laser hair removal, so your method will depend on the amount of time and money you have available:

1. Shaving
Shaving with a disposable razor is the method most of us started out with when trying to remove unwanted hair. Shaving is the most popular temporary method of hair removal due to its cheapness and effectiveness. It works by cutting the hair off at the surface of the skin, leaving the root. It can cause hair to grow in with a blunt tip which can make the growing back process noticeable. To achieve a smoother shave, we recommend using shaving cream or hair conditioner to help the razor glide smoothly and prevent nicks and cuts.

2. Threading
Threading has been the primary method of hair removal in Asia for centuries. It consists of rolling twisted cotton thread over the hairs, which rips the hairs right out of its pore. It’s the method that is the least likely to irritate and damage the skin, but it only works well on smaller areas of the skin, like the eyebrows or upper lip and is not recommended for larger areas like the legs and bikini line.

3. Waxing
Waxing is the most effective way to remove large amounts of hair, but it’s also probably the most painful method on this list. It works by warming up wax to spread over the skin in the direction of the hair growth and the wax becomes embedded in the hair. Then, a strip of fabric is applied only to be ripped off afterwards, taking the unwanted hair with it. It’s effective because it rips the hair out at the root, which makes the results last longer.

4. Sugaring
Also known as sugar waxing, sugaring is a popular method of hair removal that’s similar to waxing. Using a natural substance that is made with sugar, it’s spread onto the skin in the direction the hair grows. A strip of fabric is then applied and ripped off in the opposite direction of the hair growth, removing the unwanted hair. This method is less harsh than traditional waxing because it’s used with natural and nourishing ingredients.

5. Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is the most modern technique currently available. It works by using lasers that emit light at varying wavelengths, pulse widths, and energy output. Most of the lasers will target melanin or pigment and works best on people with light skin and dark hair. The treatment must be repeated to show significant results.