Penny from the Laser Hair Removal Centre explains about the different types of hair removal. She has tried all the methods herself (plucking, tweezing, shaving, waxing etc.) Obviously she now uses Laser Hair Removal because that is her business, but she knows this won’t work for everyone so she explains the pros and cons of different methods, so you can make an informed decision.

“Waxing lasts up to six weeks, you can do it at home and hair grows back noticeably thinner. It is occasionally painful though and there’s an ongoing cost involved. It sometimes causes in grown hairs which are painful and scar and the hair needs to grow back before it can be waxed.

Epilating also lasts between 3-6 weeks. You can’t cut yourself doing it (unlike shaving) and hair again grows back thinner. It’s possible to do it at home too. The disadvantages of epilating is like waxing, it can cause in grown hairs and you need to let hair grow back first. The other downside is it is an initial purchase expense.

Shaving is the most common form of hair removal. Its advantages are it is cheap, you can do it at home and is very socially acceptable. The disadvantages are it only lasts for a day or so, it takes up a lot of your time and is irritating.

Depilatory Cream is another method that is safe to use at home and is pretty cheap. Often though it causes irritation and isn’t a permanent solution (it usually lasts no more than 3 weeks.)

Threading can only be done on facial areas like eyebrows. Some people find it painful and find that they get in grown hairs which are painful and scar. The upsides of it are the air grows back slower than waxing and threading can reach small hairs that other hair removal techniques can’t.

Sugarings pros are it doesn’t stick to skin as much as wax does and grows back slower. The negatives are it takes longer than waxing though and costs more.

The No No slows down the growth rate of hair if used regularly and is safe to use. Its cons are it is expensive to buy, the results don’t last very long and it has to be used every 2-3 days.

If you choose to use a home use laser then studies have shown that although they aren’t as effective as going to a clinic, you can still have vast amounts of hair reduction and have few effects. Be warned though, some home based treatments don’t work as well as others. You can’t use them on the face and neck and on certain skin types.

The Lumenis Lightsheer Duet is one of the most modern treatments available at the moment. It’s a permanent treatment, quick, safer on darker skin tones and doesn’t hurt much. The downsides of this treatment is it doesn’t work on grey or blonde hair. As it’s a one off treatment it can be expensive. The price have decreased a lot in recent years because of other competitors in the marketplace. In very rare circumstances it can cause skin discolouration and slight burns.”

Penny is the co-owner of the Laser Hair Removal Centre.